Table of Contents Show
Olives are Mediterranean-grown and cultivated fruits that are famous worldwide. We get olive oil by crushing olives which results in the release of fat which makes up Olive oil. Because olive oil has so many amazing benefits, it is fast becoming the world’s most famous cooking medium.
People all over the world use it in many ways, such as adding flavor to their salads or using it in their hair for a long length and shine.
Consuming olive oil is a must in a Mediterranean diet.
4 Types of Olive Oils
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
We get this type by crushing olives and extracting the fresh juice from them. It is the highest grade of olive oil one can own and use. Being made in a certain way, it continues to have the rich flavor of olives in it with a low level of oleic acid.
The extra virgin type has no added preservatives in it which ensures it’s high-quality with natural vitamins and minerals.
2. Standard Virgin Oil
The second type is the standard virgin olive oil which one can only get through cold pressing. Some people say that it has a better taste than extra virgin olive type. The acidity in it is less than 2%.
The Standard Virgin olive oil is good for cooking and it does not contain any refined oil.
3. Refined Oil
In this type of olive oil, there is a lot of processing. Virgin oils are sent to the processing factories where they turn them into refined olive oil. The processing steps include heat, chemicals, and filtration.
Because of all the processing, they have a longer shelf life. The acidity level of the refined variety is 0.3% or less.
4. Pomace Oil
Pomace oil is another grade that is available in the market. It is made when the process of making olive oil from the fruit is done.
There is 5% to 8% of the oil still left in the olive pulp or the ‘pomace’. People use pomace variety in cooking. However, when you are done with cooking, you should dispose it of properly as suggested in this write-up.
Below are some health and skin benefits of olive oil.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
1. Contains Mono-unsaturated Fatty Acids
One of the biggest benefits is that it helps in losing weight. People all over the world prefer having olive oil in their cooking over any other kind because it helps them to stay fit through weight loss. This happens by transferring to a diet that includes a minimum intake of trans fats.
It is rich in mono-unsaturated fat which is great in terms of fighting off heart disease, high blood sugar levels, and even high cholesterol levels.
In addition, this oil has an edge over other oils because it has higher levels of mono-saturated fatty acids. Olive oil in cooking means healthy eating!
2. Improves Digestion
Health is very important to all of us and we would do anything to keep it good and going. Using olive oil in your daily routine works wonders for your gastrointestinal tract and colon.
It stimulates the digestive system which makes it easier for the food to move through the colon. When the mobility of food is good, it aids in speeding up the bowel movements. Hence, less chance of constipation.
3. Enhances Heart Health
Studies have shown that there are less number of heart diseases and deaths in Mediterranean countries. This indicates that the use of olive oil in cooking leads to good heart health because of the excellent properties that this oil contains.
Surprisingly, olive oil consumption does wonders to enhance our heart health. It has anti-inflammatory properties that work towards decreasing inflammation in our body.
Moreover, it prevents bad cholesterol from oxidation, safeguards the lining of our blood vessels, and also protects us against the clotting of blood which leads to a heart attack.
Furthermore, another health benefit is that it has also proven successful in controlling the blood pressure from rising which is a great advantage. High blood pressure can cause cardiovascular disease and sudden death.
4. Treats Depression
Consuming olive oil results in the release of a happy hormone known as serotonin. It is a brain chemical that helps in enhancing your mood. Therefore, it treats depression and anxiety in people.
5. May Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Research studies show that including this oil in your diet reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It has antioxidant properties that help fight against the disease and build good brain health.
Adding it to your diet protects memory and learning ability. Some studies have concluded that extra virgin olive oil may allow brain to resist cognitive decline. Furthermore, there are studies that suggest that the use of olive oil instead of butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and dairy fat can reduce the risk of mortality.
Also, olive oil activates a process known as autophagy in the brain. It is a process where the cells break down and clear out any toxins and intracellular debris. If the process keeps on working smoothly, it lowers the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, studies show that it prevents undesirable effects of aging by fostering a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population. These cells have antioxidant properties.
6. Fights Off Breast Cancer
There is a natural compound present in olive oil called ‘oleuropein’. This compound has anti-cancer properties. It can prevent breast cancer.
Many studies have shown that women who consume olive oil have a lesser chance of developing breast cancer in comparison to women who do not consume it. One source is National Institute of Health.
Skin Benefits of Olive Oil
1. A Great Moisturizer for the Skin
Our skin needs to be moisturized well daily in order to remain healthy. Olive oil has vitamin E which is great for skin when it comes to treating inflammation, dryness, and acne. Vitamin E helps the skin to absorb and retain moisture. Squalene in Olive oil is saturated oil and has a
moisturizing effect on the skin.
With olive oil’s antioxidant properties and good fats, your skin can battle free radicals and win. This results in improved skin elasticity and regenerative properties.
You can get rid of dry skin by applying it. The moisturizing effect will give your skin a healthy glowing look. And this is only one of the amazing benefits that olive oil brings to your skin.
2. Prevents Premature Ageing
People love to make face masks with olive oil which helps the skin from sagging and prevents premature ageing of skin. Mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with a little bit of sea salt results in an amazing face mask.
Massage your face gently with the mask and keep it on for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then wash it off with warm water and pat dry your face. You will notice a visible difference after applying it a couple of times.
3. Treatment of Cracked Heels
Having vitamin E and vitamin K works towards rejuvenating the skin and bringing it back to life. Use olive oil to exfoliate your cracked heels and you will notice a visible change instantly. If I may say so, the pink virgin skin on the heels is a welcome sight!
4. Have a Smooth Skin after Shaving
Those of you who prefer shaving should definitely try using olive oil as a substitute for shaving foam. When you glide your razor on the skin with olive oil, it leaves the skin super smooth and soft.
It acts as a great substitute for shaving creams and shaving foams. Moreover, it leaves the skin extremely moisturized.
5. Helps Get Rid of Dandruff
Although I have mentioned quite a lot of times in this article that olive oil is a great skin moisturizer, it is also beneficial for hair. In order to get rid of dandruff from your scalp, you need to start putting it in your hair.
By doing so, you have a less irritated and moisturized scalp which helps in reducing dandruff from your hair. Moreover, you can heat some drops of olive oil and gently massage it on your scalp and all over the hair as well.
Let it stay in your hair for about 30 minutes and then rinse with shampoo and see the magic!
Do you use olive oil in your diet or in your daily skin regimen? Do let me know about your thoughts on the benefits of olive oil.
