The Mediterranean diet is a popular eating model in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and southern France. According to Healthline, people in this region have a lower risk of chronic diseases compared to those following a standard American diet. Healthline cites research from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (UK) and the University of Cordoba (Spain). This research shows the Mediterranean diet supports weight loss and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type two diabetes.

The Mediterranean diet prioritizes vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, using extra virgin olive oil as the main fat source. It recommends eating fish and seafood at least two times per week. Moderate amounts of milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, and poultry are suggested. Conversely, the diet limits red meat, processed meats, foods with added sugar, refined grains, trans fats, and ultra-processed foods.

Regarding beverages, water is the primary choice. Tea and coffee are permitted, but sugar and cream should be limited. Small amounts of red wine can be enjoyed with meals. When adopting the Mediterranean diet, it is essential to maintain moderation, food diversity, and limit processed foods.

The World Health Organization (WHO), Harvard, and Oldways Preservation Trust suggest a Mediterranean Diet Pyramid model, which places olive oil at its center as the primary source. The WHO and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommend a healthy diet with rice bran oil, known as the "oil of the heart" due to its rich gamma-oryzanol content, which supports cardiovascular health.

Extra virgin olive oil and rice bran oil are highly valued by international health and nutrition organizations. Photo: Shutterstock

Phuong Anh, a 36-year-old homemaker in Hanoi, has followed the Mediterranean diet for many years. Her kitchen consistently stocks at least two types of cooking oil to meet nutritional needs and suit various cooking methods. She carefully reads scientific recommendations to find oils with beneficial ingredients, particularly vegetable oils, as they are a fat source.

Phuong Anh often pan-fries and stir-fries with rice bran oil because this type withstands high temperatures. Extracted from the bran layer of brown rice grains, it is rich in gamma-oryzanol, which helps the body reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol from food, supporting cardiovascular health. For salads and sauces, she prefers extra virgin olive oil, a type rich in natural antioxidants like vitamin E.

However, balancing nutrition and cooking efficiency in a busy life means not everyone has enough time to calculate and combine diverse nutrients. For instance, Kim Thuy, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City, believes buying many types of oil is not optimal. Thuy and her colleagues seek one type of oil that meets all needs: from nutrition and health to diverse cooking applications.

Addressing the concerns of many homemakers, the Neptune brand dedicated time to research, creating Neptune Olive Light cooking oil. This product combines extra virgin olive oil and rice bran oil, aiming to "elevate healthy living, upgrading the kitchen," contributing to healthy daily meals.

Neptune Olive Light launched last December. Photo: Shutterstock

According to the producer's representative, rice bran oil has a high smoke point, increasing stability when frying at high temperatures, preserving nutrients in the oil, and limiting scorching. Homemakers can prepare various dishes, including: high-temperature fried dishes, stir-fries, pan-seared dishes, salads, and sauces.

"Neptune Olive Light also contains many nutrients. Gamma-oryzanol and phytosterols from rice bran oil, along with natural antioxidants in olive oil (vitamin E), support health, especially cardiovascular health," the producer's representative stated.

Upon its launch, the product received positive feedback from consumers. Thuy Trang, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City, praised the combined formula of the two oils, which meets diverse cooking needs. "I can stir-fry, deep-fry, make salads, sauces, and pan-sear; the taste is quite light and fresh."

Cooking oil is a common ingredient, helping many homemakers enhance dishes. Photo: Shutterstock

According to Healthline, healthy living does not necessarily require major changes. Sometimes choosing the right cooking oil can provide consumers with the best cooking experience while improving health.

Dong Ve