Although it was previously restricted to menus at high-end restaurant chains and gourmet eateries Truffle oil has become a common ingredient found in kitchen pantries all over the world. It's a favorite among many as a way to amp up the flavor of anything from pasta dishes, risottos to pasta and beyond much like olive oil.
Although many people have started stocking up on this aromatic oil, very few understand what's actually in it , or if they're getting the most price for their dollars in terms of nutrition and flavor.
What's the taste of truffle oil and is it beneficial for you? Continue reading to find out whether this popular ingredient really is as good as it's been portrayed and how to use it in your own kitchen.
Is Truffle Oil Good for You? Truffle Oil's Benefits
1. Promotes Heart Health
Truffle oil is typically created using heart-healthy oils including olive oil as the base. Olive oil accounts for some of the advantages of truffles for health, which includes its significant impact on the health of your heart. Truffle oil is rich in polyphenols which are organic compounds that possess antioxidant properties that stop oxidative stress and cause cell damage. Polyphenols can also help reduce inflammation, which is believed to be linked to a long list of chronic diseases that include coronary heart disease.
Studies show that these polyphenols have the ability to reduce levels of cholesterol as well as triglycerides, and lower blood pressure, and we know how the presence of high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure are among the major risk factors in heart disease. (3) Based on an article that was published in BMC Medicine, a higher intake olive oil was associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease.
2. aids in weight loss
Truffle oil is an option if you are trying to shed some pounds. A study on humans that was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition tracked 187 individuals for three years and discovered that a diet high in olive oil (the principal ingredient in real truffle oil brands, was associated with a reduction in body weight.
Not only that, but the dietary fats take a long process to digest, and it can slow the emptying of your stomach. This results in a greater satiety level and less hunger. (6) Plus fat may also lower levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating appetite, which is more so than carbohydrates, helping to ward off cravings and promote weight loss.
3. Maintains the function of the brain
In recent years, there's been a growing amount of evidence that supports the connection between brain health and diet. A higher intake of healthy fats has been found to have numerous brain-related benefits, including the prevention of cognitive disorders like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
One study of a human subject of Pamplona, Spain found that a Mediterranean diet that is rich in healthy fats is linked to better brain functioning than a diet with fewer fats. (8) A model for animals in 2013 also demonstrated that an olive oil-derived compound has neuroprotective properties and can help lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It prevented the brain from accumulating a substance called beta amyloid plaque.
4. Fights Cancer Development
A few studies suggest that olive oil which is the primary ingredient in real truffle oil brands contains powerful antioxidants that could be able to inhibit the growth or development of cancer cells. Although studies on humans are scarce however, research in vitro has revealed that olive oil can be effective in stopping cancer cells from growing and their growth. Other studies also suggest that olive oil might be linked to a lower chance of developing cancer.
When it is made with real truffles, the real truffle oil might have additional advantages over olive oil in regards to fighting cancer cells. In vitro studies have demonstrated that truffles contain powerful antioxidants that shield the body from free radicals that cause cancer.