Benefits of Olive Oil?
1) It is used against cancer.
2) It strengthens bones and teeth.
3) Prevents skin aging.
4) Keeps heart healthy.
5) Improves blood circulation.
6) Controls cholesterol levels in the body.
7) Increases the rate of metabolism in the body.
8) Useful for hair growth and improves hair quality & texture.
9) Acts as a powerful antioxidant to prevent free radical damage from environmental factors such as UV rays, radiation, pollutants, etc.… which can lead to premature aging or cause various diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, schizophrenia, etc…
10) And it’s great for cooking! Not only does olive oil add a wonderful flavor to food, but there is evidence that it can increase the absorption of certain nutrients in vegetables; when you cook with oil, make sure it has a high smoke point (olive oil’s smoke point is 410 degrees F).
Here are some interesting facts about olive oil:
1) Olive grows only in Mediterranean areas.
2) It takes 75 olives to produce one extra virgin olive oil tablespoon.
3) World’s biggest producer of olive oil is Italy. India is the world’s largest exporter of olive oil and consumes most in the Asia Pacific.
4) Greek is the highest consumer of olive oil per capita (almost 17 liters per person annually).
5) Ancient Greeks stored water and wine in olive oil jars.
6) Olive trees can live for thousands of years; some are more than 2000 years old.
7) The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle noted that the best olives were grown on rocky ground as it gave them strength, and to be healthy, they needed to take plenty of exercise by clinging to the branches. So he recommended an hour walk every day after meals!
8)- There is a saying, “A man needs just three things: Food, shelter, and love – then comes olive oil.”
9) no other fruit or vegetable oil contains such a wealthy percentage (85%) of monounsaturated fat which lowers harmful cholesterol levels in blood vessel walls while increasing good cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
10) Olive oil is suitable for those who have diabetes as it contains less than one gram of carbohydrates per tablespoon and zero protein and sodium.
11) It lowers the risk of gallstones in women by 40%, leading to pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas.
12) A study conducted at Harvard Medical School shows that people with high levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) lower their LDL cholesterol and raise their HDL (good) cholesterol when they eat monounsaturated fat like olive oil daily, compared with those consuming saturated fats.
13) Protects against Alzheimer’s disease – Research has proved that regular consumption of olive oil helps prevent cognitive decline generally associated with aging by improving the condition of neurons, the cells in our brain, which are crucial for memory.
14) Monounsaturated fat helps retard bone loss, protecting against osteoporosis.
15) Good for oral health – olive oil extract has antibacterial properties that can help reduce harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities. It also stimulates saliva production, providing a protective effect against dry mouth (xerostomia).
16) Olive oil protects against various cancers like colon, stomach, and breast cancer; also, it is beneficial to fight ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, etc.….
17) Use olive oil to protect the lungs from pollutants in the air or chemicals used when smoking cigarettes.
18) It reduces the risk of asthma.
19) Women who began eating a Mediterranean diet early in pregnancy lived longer and had higher levels of vitamins E and C in their blood, which may contribute to healthier aging.
20) Olive oil is an antioxidant, so it will not spoil even when stored for a long time.
21) Studies have shown that consumption of olive oil helps lower the risk of developing Crohn’s disease.
22) It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.
23) Olive oil can be used as an insect repellent by mixing with citronella, lavender, or other essential oils.
24) Oil pulling with olive oil is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of toothache, bleeding gums, pyorrhea, cavities, bad breath, etc.…
25) Olive oil can also be used as an excellent massage oil.
26) It is suitable for the environment; olive trees are farmed organically and naturally, absorbing carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) during growth and releasing oxygen into the air during photosynthesis.
27) The ancient Greeks also believed that the olive tree was one of the first plants created on earth.
28 WHO has just awarded “good health” status to extra virgin olive oil.
29) There is only one main variety of olives – Olea europaea sativa -all other sorts are subspecies of the original plant. 30-40% of olive oil produced globally is Extra Virgin Olive Oil, considered the highest quality.
Olive oil benefits for skin:
1) The skin is a living organ and therefore requires similar care as you would give to your insides – treat it with oil, not chemicals.
2) Olive oil does wonders for the skin due to its antioxidants.
3) Olive oil moisturizes the skin, enhances blood circulation, and helps kill germs that cause acne.
4) It can be used as a natural moisturizer, massage oil, etc.….
5) Massaging olive oil on the scalp stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, nourishing them, resulting in shinier, healthier hair.
6) Treats dandruff by killing off fungi that usually live on our scalps, causing flaking and itching of the scalp. 7-10 drops of rosemary oil or ten drops of lavender oil can be added to 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
8) It is also beneficial for wrinkles, fine lines, and skin rashes.
9) You can use it on the face as a moisturizer before shaving.
10) Apply olive oil on scars. This will help lighten the spot over time due to its antioxidants properties.
11) Use for stretch marks, dry, cracked heels & feet, sunburns, age spots, etc.….