Olive Oil: Low Carb Diet's Good Fat

Olive Oil Tricks and Tips
From the Zone Diet

Olive oil is great for your health, as long as it is enjoyed in moderation. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration's has even given this flavor booster its stamp of approval. In 2004, the FDA allowed olive oil products can carry a "qualified health claim" about their heart-healthy benefits.

Many products carry this claim, and some are more appropriate for The Zone Diet than others. Here are good ways to enjoy olive oil, and a few products to avoid:

• Spray canisters designed for olive oil are a great new invention because they evenly disperse a small amount of oil over a large surface — your sauté pan, for instance.
• Spreads that come in margarine-type tubs aren't ideal when you're in the Zone. They're often promoted as healthier than butter and margarine, and contain no saturated fat or trans fats, but their primary ingredient is usually soybean oil. Before you buy one of these spreads, check the ingredients label.
• A trick for distributing a small amount of oil over your salad greens: Put washed and well-dried greens in a resealable plastic bag and pour oil-and-vinegar mixture into the bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to distribute.
• "Keep in mind when purchasing olive oils that each has its own distinct taste, smell, appearance, and even antioxidant content, depending on the olive variety it's derived from," says Dr. Sears. His favorite: his own Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is rich in hydrophobic antioxidants, compounds that may help prevent the inflammation behind some health problems.

MEMBERS GET MORE! You'll find hundreds of healthy eating tips and ideas on Dr. Sears Zone Diet Advantage.