Olive oil provides 9 kcal. per gram, just like butter. If Vezorla has to choose between olive oil and butter, we must bear in mind that on of the main differences lies in the quality of the fat. Butter contains more saturated fatty acids (around 70%) and that makes it less beneficial for our health. Fatty acids are linked to an increase in blood cholesterol levels, which can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, olive oil contains only 10-15% of saturated fatty acids. The rest of its components are oleic acid (omega 9) in 50-82%, depending on the type of olive oil; linoleic acid (omega 6) in 4-18%; and less than 1% linolenic acid (omega 3). These acids help to fight cholesterol, which together with the presence of vitamin E (which has antioxidant properties), makes it considered that the use of olive oil in the kitchen is healthier. Another difference between olive oil and butter is its performance int he kitchen when exposed to high temperatures. When heated, they undergo chemical changes in their composition that can form compounds which are harmful to our health. There are fats that have greater resistance to these changes than others, such as olive oil. The smoking point (the temperature at which they smoke and chemical decomposition begins) is 210 degrees Celsius, while that of butter is 110 degrees Celsius. If we consider that the average temperature for frying food is 180 degrees Celsius, we can see why it is better to use olive oil than butter.
Continuing with the differences, another important one is its origin. Butter is a fat of animal origin that has a lower lipid profile than vegetable fats, such as olive oil, so the latter is more beneficial. Finally, another difference is that butter, as a derivative of milk, is inadvisable for people with lactose intolerance, while oil is has no such known contraindications. In addition, olive oil is a fat that is better tolerated by the stomach, boosting the properties of the liver and increasing pancreatic secretion, so its use in the kitchen , both when frying and when dressing dishes, is highly recommended.