Olive oil is mostly found to be common in the Mediterranean countries including Portugal. Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and it contains about 75% of oleic acid which remains stable even at high temperatures. Olive oil does not have any adverse affect on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, it helps in lowering down any high blood cholesterol level that may be present in a person’s body. Olive oil is good for people who suffer from constipation. It helps in lubricating the intestine and thereby allowing removing of the body waste and thus cures constipation issue. Olive oil has natural antioxidants properties which help in reducing the risk of heart attack and fight high blood pressure.

The flavor of olive oil differs due to various factors such as the variety of olive, the soil conditions, weather etc. Portugal is also one of the country which produces good primary source of olive oil. Some olive oils may contain single variety of oils. However, Italian oils are made up of a mixture of oils from different types of olives which are produced from various countries. There are basically four types of olive oil :
1) “Virgin” Olive Oil :
Virgin Olive Oil is in its pure form as it is made when ripe olives are pressed for the first time and the acid content is nearly 3.5% to 4%

2) “Extra Virgin” Olive Oil:
This type of oil is also extracted from the first time pressing of ripe olives. However, “Extra Virgin” olive oil is low in acid.