Olive oil contains 77% monounsaturated fatty acids, 14% saturated fatty acids and 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and Vitamin E. In addition, the presence of phenols, tocopherols, and other natural antioxidants in olive oil also prevent the formation of certain free radicals (highly reactive molecules) that may cause cell destruction within the human body. Here are some of the health benefits to olive oil.
Olive oil and the skin:
The ancient Greeks used to bathe with oil, using a special scraper to take off the excess. To moisture dry skin, apply it daily directly to dry spots and stretch marks. You’re not going to be using that much so use the best olive oil; extra virgin. Pure and Light olive oil has been chemically processed, avoid it.
Olive Oil also helps break down calcium deposits on the skin. It takes some time and dedication, but the benefits are amazing. The long term benefits vs. Cosmetic procedures (such as laser treatments) because it is actually helping preserve the heath from within the body enhancing beauty on the outside.
Olive oil can also help relieve sunburn. Olive Oil contains polyphenol compounds that act as antioxidants to help prevent and repair damage to the skin done by accidental sun exposure. The skin damage is related to the destructive activity of free oxygen related radicals produced by skin cells. polyphenol components of olive oil have been compared to traditional antioxidants, such as tocopherols, used by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry to prevent skin damage. Results show polyphenols as having the highest activity as radical scavengers.
There are mentions in Greek texts about the protective effect of olive oil, a commonly used skin conditioner at the time. A few small scientific studies support this. But this doesn’t mean that it is safe to apply olive oil then sun tan lotion. No matter what you put on your skin, sun exposure will eventually age and damage the skin. Avoiding the sun, wearing protective clothing or at least using the newer UVA and UVB sunblocks would be better.
Olive oil as hair treatment:
This helps repair split ends, heals dandruff, and makes your hair shiny, silky, and lustrous. Massage a few tablespoons of olive oil into scalp and hair. Cover hair with a plastic bathing cap and leave on for 30 minutes or more, then shampoo as usual.
Olive oil also helps in treating baldness. Wash your hair regularly and treating your scalp with virgin olive oil.
Defend against Aging:
Olive oil contains rich amounts of Vitamin A ,E, minerals and antioxidants, in particular squalene, an excellent emollient and antioxidant, compatible with skin and containing high levels of collagen–skin’s own natural age-defier.
Antioxidants help slow the ageing process. Olives are high in polyphenols. These substances are water soluble so are mostly found in the waste water after olive processing. The oil retains a small amount of the polyphenols. Some of the polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol have been found in higher concentrations in good quality oils while tyrosol and some other phenolic acids are found in poor quality oils. The difference between virgin and extra virgin is the acid content and organoleptic properties such as taste, so undoubtedly extra virgin has different polyphenols than virgin but as before the total amount of polyphenols are probably the same.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits:
A new study shows extra virgin olive oil, which contains more antioxidants than more refined olive oil, may offer better protection against heart disease. Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of olives and contains higher levels of a class of antioxidants known as polyphenols than more refined olive oils that come from later pressings.
Researchers say these polyphenols may provide another way to reduce the risk of heart disease in addition to the heart-healthy benefits attributed to the monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil. Recent studies have suggested that the bulk of olive oil’s heart-healthy benefits comes from good fatty acids (monounsaturated fatty acids), but researchers say polyphenols may also contribute to those benefits and further reduce the risk of heart disease.
Extra Virgin olive oil also produced another healthy antioxidant effect. It increased the level of substances in the body that prevent the oxidation of bad, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of this type of cholesterol is linked to the formation of clots in blood vessels, which could lead to heart attack or stroke.
LOWER CHOLESTEROL
The Monosaturated fats in Extra Virgin Olive Oil help lower LDL, (bad), Cholesterol without affecting the HDL, (good), levels.
You can take 1 tsp. twice daily to help lower your Cholesterol levels. If you take too much Olive Oil at one time, you might actually raise levels.
Never take large amounts of Olive Oil right before taking a Cholesterol test at your doctor’s office! Temporarily it will raise your cholesterol levels before lowering it, so it’s not a good time to get it tested.
HELP WITH DIGESTION & CONSTIPATION
Take 1 – 2 teaspoons of Olive Oil daily on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve an upset stomach, flatulence, and heartburn.
For constipation, take 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. The better your body is able to get rid of waste products, the more weight you’ll lose. You can also use Olive Oil as an enema. Use 1 tablespoon mixed with around 20 oz. boiling water, cooled to lukewarm, and mix together. The rest is up to you!
EAR INFECTIONS:
Lukewarm olive oil can be used to treat ear infections or earaches. Place a few drops of warm olive oil in your ear and lie down for 5 minutes on the opposite side. Allow the olive oil to saturate your inner ear. You may not be able to hear during this time, so don’t be alarmed. Turn over and allow the olive oil to flow out of your ear. For earaches, soak a cotton ball in olive oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain dissipates.
If you have any health conditions or concerns, it is always advisable to consult your physician prior to taking any supplements or natural remedies.
1. Sit comfortably, with your knees bent and your shoulders, head and neck relaxed.
