Many people are adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to their meals in an effort to eat a nutritious and balanced diet. A healthy salad dressing, such as the combination of olive oil and vinegar, is a tasty addition to fresh vegetables.
Features
The USDA's National Nutrient Database states that 1 tbsp. of olive oil provides 119 calories; 1 tbsp. of distilled vinegar or red wine vinegar has 3 calories; and 1 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar provides 14 calories. All types of olive oil, from extra virgin to light, provide the same calories per portion.
Significance
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that contains no cholesterol. It has been a staple in Mediterranean cooking for centuries. Foodreference.com advises that olive oil has demonstrated an ability to lower LDL cholesterol. Preliminary research results indicate it may also lower cancer risk and blood pressure.
Considerations
A traditional vinaigrette recipe suggests a 3 to 1 ratio of oil to vinegar, notes Food reference.com. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute suggests a healthier, lower calorie option to the traditional recipe that can be made using one part olive oil, one part vinegar and one part orange juice.
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