Brits warned over buying supermarket olive oil and 'where it is from'

Olive oil, especially the extra virgin kind, is not just a staple of the Mediterranean diet - it's also a treasure trove of health benefits. Healthline reports that it's brimming with healthy monounsaturated fats which can help tamp down inflammation and oxidative stress.

Plus, it's a vitamin powerhouse, with a single tablespoon offering a hefty dose of vitamins K and E. But when you're at the supermarket, trying to choose from an array of olive oils, it can be tricky to pick out the truly beneficial ones.

Fear not, as a gut health guru has revealed a crucial shopping tip for olive oil enthusiasts – always read the label.

• 'I worked in fish and chip shops for five years - there's one menu item I'd never order'
• Slow cooker sausage casserole will taste even better with 1 'underrated' ingredient

TikToker and gut health expert Mr Gut Health, who's been documenting his Mediterranean diet experience for ages, has shared insider knowledge on spotting authentic olive oil on store shelves.

He highlights three essential indicators of genuine olive oil, with the top one being paramount.

The expert advises: "If it says extra virgin, then it's pretty much guaranteed."

Extra virgin signifies that the oil is unrefined, preserving more of its natural flavour, vitamins, and minerals, and it's crafted without the use of heat or chemicals. When you're picking out olive oil, it's crucial to know its origins, which should be clearly stated on the label, reports the Express.

A food expert recently highlighted this while showing off a bottle of Filippo Berio, noting: "Some EVOO, like this one, uses olives from different countries."

He added: "Whilst oil from the one country might be better for traceability, using olives from different countries is fine."

The third key point to consider is a telling sentence often found on the back of the bottle, which reveals the production process.

Turning the bottle around to read the label, the connoisseur pointed out: "Superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means."

This phrase is a guarantee that the oil has been extracted in a way that keeps its nutrients intact.

And just so you know, he mentioned: "This ensures that the oil has been extracted properly to preserve its nutrients.

"And FYI, you can cook with EVOO, and it's much healthier to use than butter or tallow."