The wonders of olive oil are well known among health-conscious people. It is an important component of the diet of the Mediterranean. There are high amounts of antioxidants in olive oil and the major fat present in it is MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids). Such rich contents of olive oil constitute its various health benefits.
Olive oil benefits
The antioxidants that are present in the olive oil help to save the body from various types of cell damages that often led to a number of diseases and health issues. Another variant of the olive oil is extra virgin olive oil. It is more bitter in taste but is high on health benefits. The various olive oil benefits are discussed below in this article.
Rich in monounsaturated fat
One of the major olive oil benefits is that it is high on monounsaturated fat and oleic acid. This is a fatty acid that is said to have various beneficial health effects. It also constitutes a healthier choice for cooking as well. Using olive oil in your daily cooking might help you to reduce the chances of inflammatory diseases and have some positive effects on cancer-linked genes.
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Chronic inflammation leads to various heart diseases, cancer, metabolism syndrome, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and obesity as well. When you are opting for extra virgin olive oil to cook your meals you can reduce the chances of getting these inflammatory diseases. This is one of the most important olive oil benefits on your health. Given the fact that olive oil contains a high amount of anti-oxidants, its anti-inflammatory properties are also very high. It has also been proven in research that having 50ml of olive oil in your daily diet provided you with 10% the same benefits of a dose of ibuprofen.
High in anti-oxidants
The extra virgin variant of the olive oil is high on nutritious qualities. Apart from containing a number of healthy fatty acids, it also contains reasonable amounts of vitamin K and E. Besides these, olive oil contains a huge amount of anti-oxidants. These antioxidants are active biologically and can reduce the chances of an individual’s getting attacked by chronic diseases. They also help to protect the cholesterol of your blood from getting oxidized. Such olive oil benefits reduce your chances of getting affected by diseases of the heart.
Helps with obesity
It is a well-known fact that consuming large amounts of fat causes obesity. However, studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet, which is high in olive oil quotient works in favor of body weight. Consuming olive oil on a daily basis does not constitute to gaining weight. On the other hand, it might actually help you to lose some weight because of the high amounts of antioxidants present in it.
Reduces chances of stroke and heart diseases
Stroke takes place when there is a disturbance in the flow of blood to the brain. It might happen because of internal bleeding or the blood getting clotted. However, with daily consumption of olive oil, the chances of strokes can be reduced. Given the fact that olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fat, it helps in reducing an individual’s chance of getting affected by heart-related troubles.
Extra virgin olive oil also works wonders on the heart and prevents heart-related issues and troubles. It helps in lowering the blood pressure level, protects the bad LDL particles of cholesterol from getting oxidized and also improves the functionality of the blood vessels.
Probable positive effects on Alzheimer’s
Another one of the olive oil benefits is its probable effects on fighting Alzheimer’s. One of the key features of this disease is a building up of beta-amyloid plaques in an individual’s brain. It has been proven in a study that there are substances in olive oil that help to remove the plaques that cause Alzheimer’s. Moreover, there has also been researches that show that a Mediterranean diet that is rich in olive oils benefits the functions of the brain. However, there have not been enough studies to show that olive oil directly helps with Alzheimer’s and more research is needed in this field.
Fights cancer
The antioxidants present in olive oil helps in reducing the risk of cancer. The antioxidants in olive oil can cause the reduction of oxidative damage that is caused by free radicals that is often cited as a leading cause of cancer. There have been various test-tube studies that prove that the compounds present in olive oil can help in fighting cancerous cells.
Anti-bacterial qualities
Another olive oil benefits are that it contains a number of valuable nutrients that can kill or inhibit bacteria that are harmful to health. There is a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori that lives in the stomach of an individual and causes stomach cancer and ulcer. Extra virgin olive oil can fight with eight strains of this particular bacterium and keep you safe. Three of these eight strains are even resistant to antibiotics but can be dealt with by olive oil. Thus, cooking your daily meal with olive oil can help you to keep your stomach problems at bay.
Helps digestion
If you suffer from digestive problems then you should try to include olive oil in your cooking recipes. It helps in making your colon and gastrointestinal better. Given the fact that olive oil is high on monounsaturated fat, it helps in greater mobility of the food through the colon. It also has positive effects on the bowel and thus fights constipation as well. If you are a chronic sufferer of constipation then you can consider having a tablespoon of olive oil along with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Relieves pain
There is a certain compound present in olive oil that is known by the name of Oleocanthal. It lends olive oil the anti-inflammatory properties that it has and thus makes an excellent reliever of pains. It can help in the reduction of both internal and external pain.
Might have positive effects on depression:
There have been some studies that show that olive oil can help in increasing the level of serotonin. It is a chemical of the brain that is also known by the name of ‘happy hormone’. Given the fact that olive oil effectively helps in increasing this hormone, it can have positive effects on depression as well.
Olive oil for skin
Besides having various essential health benefits olive oil for skin is also equally effective. Because of its amazing effects on skin and health, olive oil is fast becoming the most popular choice of oil all over the world. The primary benefits of using olive oil on your skin are mentioned below.
Skin moisturizer
Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and it helps to improve the condition of the skin by treating acne, inflammation as well as dryness. It also helps in improving the elasticity of the skin and the regenerative properties that it has. The minerals, anti-oxidants and the good fats present in olive oil help in fighting the free radicals and thus facilitate complete and healthy skin.
Treatment for cracked heels
Cracked heels not only look ugly but also are painful. With olive oil, you can exfoliate your heels. You can make a pack with olive oil and lemon juice mixed in water. Applying this pack on your heels will give you amazing results and save you from your woes of cracked heels.
Enhances nail health
Olive oil works wonders on nails as well. Nails are as much important as your skin and now with olive oil, you can take care of both seamlessly. You can dip some cotton in two tablespoons of olive oil and apply that on your nails. It would help you in fighting the dryness of your nails and will bring them back to a fresh and new life.
Reduces signs of growing older
No one wants to make their skin look as their age. We all want to look younger and fresh. However, with age skin problems like wrinkles are very common. But if you use olive oil then you will be able to fight these signs of growing older easily.
You can make a face pack with two tablespoons of olive oil and mix it with a tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Applying this pack on your skin will help you to prevent it from getting sagged and also fight other skin signs of aging. You will have to massage your face properly after applying the pack and make it stay for three minutes or more. You can then wash it off. Doing this for at least three times a day will give you wonderful results.
Works as a substitute for shaving foam
If you have an urgent meeting but you do not have time to go for a parlor waxing then you can use a razor right at your home. But you can to be sure that you get some good quality soap or cream to get the required shaving foam. However, if you cannot lay your hands on any of them then you can use olive oil as a substitute. It will help the blade to glide over your skin smoothly and you will be able to shave seamlessly and without any hassle. Moreover, unlike soap, it will moisture your skin after shaving instead of making it dry and rough.
Olive oil for hair
One of the main reasons behind the growing popularity of olive oil is its all-encompassing benefits. Olive oil for hair shows miraculous results on your hair and promotes hair growth. The various benefits of using olive oil for your har are mentioned below.
Fights dandruff
Getting dandruff is one of the most common hair problems that people face. It is irritable and looks ugly as well. However, using olive oil can help you to fight dandruff. Olive oil helps in moisturizing your hair and also reduces the irritations of the scalp. This results in the reduction of dandruff.
For using olive oil to fight dandruff you will need to heat a cup of the oil and massage it on your hair profusely. You should apply more oil on the hair ends and on your scalp. You should let the pack stay for at least thirty minutes and then wash it off with a good shampoo.
Helps in the growth of hair
There are is sufficient amounts of Vitamin E present in olive oil that make the hair stronger. It also prevents unwanted falling of hair. That naturally makes the hair grow and become healthy and strong. Applying olive oil regularly on your hair can also help you with the problems of the split end.
Provides moisture and nourishment to your hair
There are hair strengthening and smoothening qualities of olive oil that are making it a huge favorite all around the globe. If your hair is extremely dry and lifeless then you can easily solve that problem by applying an olive oil hair pack.
For this pack, you will need half a tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of honey and egg yolk. You will have to whisk the ingredients together and apply that paste on your hair. You should let it stay on your hair for at least twenty minutes and then wash it off with cool water. Follow this routine two times a week if you want your hair to look rejuvenated and fresh.
These are the primary olive oil benefits that one needs to be aware of. Because of its astounding results on skin, hair, and health, more and more people are now including olive oil in their daily routine and diet. However, make sure that you are not using excessive amounts of olive oil in your cooking as it might lead to adverse effects. You can also talk to your general physician before starting to use it. But for your hair and skin, you can use olive oil without any worries or tension.
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