Is Truffle Oil Good for You?

Truffle oil is certainly making a name for itself recently, and we couldn't be more excited about it! We love all things truffle at Evoolution- the unique savoury, earthy flavours just can't be beat! Fortunately, truffle oil can also be a delicious part of a healthy diet. 

Truffles themselves do not produce an oil in the way we think. It's not like olives or walnuts or something that has a high oil content to extract. What we want is the pungent flavour and aroma of the gases that make the truffles smell... well, truffle-y! We use an oil as the vehicle to get these delicious compounds into a useable form. Olive oil is the ultimate choice, as it is superb for cooking purposes and contributes to overall body health in a number of ways. 

Now, our truffle oils cannot be labelled as extra virgin olive oils, since EVOO legally can only be made from olives, nothing else. So even though extra virgin olive oil is the base that is used, once a flavour is added, it can no longer be labelled and sold as extra virgin. Rest assured, the benefits afforded by EVOO are still present without the label! EVOO is such a heart-healthy fat, in large part due to its abundance of oleic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that can contribute to a healthier cholesterol profile by decreasing LDL cholesterol. It is also full of bioactive compounds known as biophenols that contribute to inflammation reduction, diminished cholesterol oxidation in artery walls, and lower blood pressure. Their antioxidative activity is also linked to improved cognition preservation and decreased cancer risk. 

In other words, not only are truffle oils a delicious addition to your recipes, but they are certainly a good part of a healthy diet!