Benefits of Olive Oil for Health and Beauty

The Greek Poet Homer described it as “Liquid Gold” and Hippocrates a Greek physician of the Age of Pericles called it “The Great Healer”

Olive oil is a fat obtained from the fruit of the Olea europaea (olive tree), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. The oil is produced by pressing whole olives and is commonly used in cosmetics, medicine, cooking and soaps, and was also used as a fuel for traditional lamps. Although originating in the Mediterranean countries, today it is used worldwide with Greece having the highest olive oil intake per person in the world.

With unparalleled health advantages and research revealing more benefits every day, Wicked Spoon Confessions lists some of the many benefits of Olive oil and grades available in the market to choose from.


Health and Olive Oil

Studies have found that people who regularly consume olive oil are much less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases as it lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time it does not alter the levels of HDL-cholesterol- the well-behaved "good cholesterol" which cruises the bloodstream and as it does, removes harmful low-density lipoproteins thus reducing the risk for heart disease.



Olive Oil consumption can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. It contains oleocanthal, a phytonutrient which mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation.

There is evidence that Diabetes is best controlled by a diet rich in olive oil, low in saturated fats, moderately rich in carbohydrates and which contains soluble fiber from fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains. Olive Oil lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein while improving blood sugar control and boosts insulin sensitivity.

A high consumption of olive oil helps people suffering and also averting the onset of Osteoporosis as it helps improve bone mineralization and calcification.

Also Studies reveal that olive oil may protect from depression

Beauty and Olive Oil

While Olive oil is healthy for the body, it also works wonder for your skin and a simple olive oil face mask will give you great results as it moisturizes your skin and makes its look healthy and vibrant.

Image Source: www.onlinefacialcourses.com

Olive oil does not clog your pores unlike commercial moisturizers. Organic olive oil can be used at night as a substitute for a regular moisturizer by applying a teaspoon of the oil to the face and neck. Dab the skin gently with a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil.

Olive oil contains three major antioxidants namely vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols which help protect the skin from premature skin aging. It also contains hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound which prevents free radical damage to the skin.

Olive Oil can also be used for excellent exfoliation by mixing 1 tablespoon of the oil with natural sea salt and rubbing this concoction over the skin. The light abrasive qualities of the sea salt, combined with the deep, penetrating action of the oil, remove dead skin cells and leaves the epidermis looking rejuvenated and glowing.



Olive oil is also used for nail and cuticle care, and as an eye makeup remover. One very interesting application for both men and women is using Olive Oil as a substitute for shaving cream. Its refreshing qualities also make it an excellent aftershave.

Movie Stars and Olive Oil

The famous Italian beauty Sophia Loren uses olive oil as part of her daily beauty routine both internally and externally. She includes at least two tablespoons of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) in her Mediterranean diet. She is also been known to rub a small amount into her skin as a moisturizer and add a couple of capfuls into a hot bath for a skin-nourishing soak.



American actress Gwyneth Paltrow also promotes the internal and external use of olive oil. EVOO is used in significant proportion of her recipes in her 2013 cookbook "It’s all Good".

On the secret of her long silky tresses she says: “I often recommend that people use a half cup of olive oil and work it through dry hair, concentrating on the driest parts, combing it through but avoiding the roots.”

Liv Tyler smears olive oil on dry lips to repair them overnight: “If your lips are really dry, you can just literally put olive oil on them at night.”

Miranda Kerr creates her own natural hair mask from olive oil and lemon juice: ''Olive oil and lemon juice! At least once a week, I mix the two together and leave the mixture on my hair for as long as possible. It's a home recipe my mother taught me and I have yet to find a better way to repair my split ends after a catwalk show"

Olive Oil and Grades:


All olive oils are graded in accordance with the degree of acidity they contain:



Extra virgin olive oil


EVOO is produced by mechanical extraction methods (without chemicals and hot water), from first cold-pressing, has an acidity level of less than one percent and a perfect taste. EVOO is pure without any additives, has high content of vitamins and nutrients and therefore expensive. EVOO is perfect for dressings due to its light and delicate consistency

Virgin olive oil

Virgin olive oil also comes from the first pressing, and is also produced without refining with a slightly higher level of acidity of between 1 and 3 percent. Its flavour intensity can vary and its taste is less mild than EVOO

Pure olive oil

This is now simply called olive oil and is a combination of virgin olive oil and refined olive oil with almost the same acidity level as virgin olive oil. It is better suited for heavy-duty, high-heat cooking.

There is also a new Light Olive Oil which is an American marketing term. This is similar to pure olive oil with the same amount of beneficial monounsaturated fat and calories but the term light refers to the extremely fine filtration process which makes the oil light in color, fragrance and flavour. The filtration process gives this oil a higher smoke point making it suitable for high-heat frying and the lack of distinct flavor makes it perfect for baking and cooking where the obvious essence of regular Olive oil is not desirable.


Olive oil is an amazing substance with numerous benefits. Do you know of more such benefits? Let us know in the comments section or our FB page.

Comments

  1. Hello,
    This post is very nice. This is a very informative post. Olive Oil is a great valuable thing. It is good for our skin and health. Thank you for sharing this post with us.

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