Olive oil benefits

Using olive oil on the skin is an ancient beauty secret which was discovered thousands of years ago. Once called "liquid gold" by Homer, it was a commonly used skin care product.

Women, in Ancient Greece, applied olive oil to their skin and hair after bathing as a protection from the harsh climate and to maintain a pleasant aroma.

In Ancient Rome, pregnant women used olive oil to prevent stretch marks.

Olive oil was also used by ancient Greek doctors, Hippocrates the father of medicine, referred to olive oil as "the great therapeutic’ and identified 60 different conditions which could be treated with it. He used olive oil based ointments for all kinds of ailments including scratches, wounds, skin conditions, burns, ear infections and many others.

Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

1. Olive oil reduces the risk on cardiovascular disease

In Mediterranean countries where large quantities of olive oil is consumed there is a low incidence of cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that olive oil helps prevent and treat heart disease and that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling cholesterol levels.

2. Olive oil helps prevent ulcers and gastritis

Using extra virgin olive oil for salads as a main dressing oil helps prevent constipation and in general maintains the good health of the digestive tract.

Olive oil contains many nutrients like vitamins A, E, D and K and has been shown to have beneficial effects on virtually every aspect of the body's development, function and maintenance, including brain development, bone structure, digestion, the ageing process, the condition of skin and hair, metabolism and on plaque formation in the blood vessels.

3. Olive oil benefits the heart by reducing blood pressure

Studies suggest that olive oil helps prevent and treat heart disease, as it offers protection by controlling the levels of cholesterol. Olive oil has as a very high a percentage of mono-unsaturated fat however extra virgin olive oil has higher levels of anti-oxidants.

Whilst all types of olive oil are sources of mono-unsaturated fat, extra virgin olive oil (and especially the better quality ones) contains higher levels of anti-oxidants, as it is less processed.

4.Olive oil benefits by reducing the risk of Cancer

Studies show that olive oil may play an important part in reducing the rates or risk of some types of cancers particularly colon, breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. In areas of Greece where people consume only olive oil, the cases of breast cancer is one third of the cases in the United States.
The main monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, of olive oil could account for the natural effects of olive oil. However, other components of olive oil, such as antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols may also contribute to this.

5. Arthritis & Asthma

The severity of arthritis and asthma is said to be reduced by the consumption of olive oil which has a natural anti-inflammatory. A diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil and fats which include omegas 3 & 6 appears to be highly valuable.
Whilst there is no cure for asthma, adopting a healthy diet, can help relieve its effects. 
People with a high consumption of olive oil are also less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Olive oil eases or prevents diabetes

The type of fat we eat is more important than our total fat consumption. It is strongly
recommended that we eat less saturated fats as these raise blood cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and people with diabetes are at a high risk for developing heart disease.
It is recommended that we replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats and one of the ways this can be achieved is by using olive oil instead of butter, margarine or shortening when cooking.

7. Olive Oil beauty recipes for your skin & hair

Olive oil can help you achieve a smooth complexion as it helps the skin retain elasticity thus avoiding tightness and the formation of wrinkles. The natural olive oil benefits take a bit longer to be absorbed into the skin than most lightweight commercially produced skin care products.

However the advantages can be longer lasting too. When used on your hair and scalp, olive oil can be both a deep conditioner and dandruff controller. Your scalp will benefit from healthy conditioning and your hair will respond with more shine and strength.

Bath: add 1/4 cup olive oil to warm bath water. You might like to add an essential oil, such as lavender.

Face & body scrub: Rub olive oil on your face or body then scrub with sugar. Rinse well. This is a perfect scrub!

Ultra moisturizing body oil: This body oil provides hydration, free radical protection and skin regenerating vitamins.
1 part extra virgin olive oil
1 part avocado oil
1 part wheat germ oil (contains vitamins A, E, and D and helps sooth eczema)

Pour all of the ingredients into a bottle and shake well until they are well combined. 
After a shower or bath, use about a teaspoon of the moisturizer to rub over your damp body. This will help seal in the moisture from your shower and the oil will be absorbed completely as you dry. 
Store in a cool place, away from direct light.

Exfoliator: For dry and scaly skin mix some olive oil and sea salt together, massage into the affected area to slough off dead skin and enrich the layer beneath.

Dry, frizzy, fly away hair: comb a few drops of olive oil through your hair. 

Home made oil treatment: use several tablespoons of warm (not hot) olive oil and apply to your scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap (or plastic bag) and wait for 20 minutes.

Head lice: Simply apply some olive oil to the hair and leave for 40 minutes. Shampoo the hair twice.

Olive oil with honey moisturizing mask: This Olive oil moisturizer for your face will hydrate and heal, leaving you with a radiant glow.
2 parts honey
1 part extra virgin olive oil.

Combine the honey and olive oil in a small clean container. 
Apply the mask evenly to a clean face. Leave for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Pat dry and if needed, use a few drops of olive oil as a moisturizer.
This mask is extremely hydrating and healing.

Eye make up Remover: Place one or two drops of extra virgin olive oil on a cotton pad and gently remove eye make up without irritating the delicate skin around the eye area. When used regularly, olive oil can soften the skin around the eyes and smooth out wrinkles.

Disclosure: The information contained in this site is not intended to offer medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

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