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What are the benefits and harms of olive oil? How to choose a quality one? Rating of the best manufacturers. Application areas. How to properly store olive oil.
Olive oil is the second most popular vegetable oil
The benefits and harms of olive oil
Despite the fact that fruit oil is beneficial to human health in many ways, like other vegetable oils, olive oil can bring not only benefits, but also harm. Knowing the features of its use will help you learn how to use this product correctly and save you from unpleasant consequences, as well as understand the benefits and harms of olive oil.
What is it?
Olive oil is the second most popular vegetable oil used in cooking, surpassed only by sunflower oil.
Description and characteristics
Olive oil has a yellow-green tint and a pronounced taste of fruits, it can be slightly bitter. It has a rich characteristic odor.
Important! You can store it for no more than a month after opening.
Olive fruit oil is the leader among vegetable oils that are used in the field of cooking, in terms of the content of oleic acid Omega-9 - up to 80%.
Chemical composition
The composition of olive oil includes:
- vitamins of groups E, K, B4;
- calcium, iron, potassium, sodium;
- fatty acids Omega-9, Omega-6, palmitic, etc.
How to get
There are three ways of processing olive fruits, which result in olive oil.
- Pressing
This is a mechanical extraction of raw materials. There are two types of spinning: cold and hot. Oil that is made by pressing retains more of its original properties than oil that is obtained by other methods.
- centrifugation
This is the most common way to get oil. Olive fruits enter the conveyor, where they are cleaned of debris and impurities, and then sent to the apparatus, in which the pasta is prepared and processed. The mixture enters the centrifugal extractor, where it is separated into oil, water and pomace. The oil and water fractions are filtered and the oil is sent to sediment for 2-3 months, after which it is filtered for the last time and packaged.
- Extraction
The extraction method is based on the dissolution of oil in organic solvents. Olive oil is extracted with perchlorethylene, trichlorethylene, chloroform. Obtaining oil by this method is economical, but the final product is not of high quality.
Stages of refining
The finished product of olive fruit processing can be subjected to a refining process - deep cleaning. It includes several stages.
- Hydration
After hydration, the product is ready for use.
The process is the removal of phosphatides and other hydrophilic substances from the oil by adding hot water.
- Neutralization
At the stage of neutralization, the oil heated to 80-95 ° C is exposed to alkaline solutions.
- Whitening
At this stage, pigments are extracted from the oil using bleaching clay.
- Freezing
The freezing step is the exposure of the oil to low temperatures to extract waxes and waxy substances from it. Freezing is carried out to give the product a marketable appearance, since these substances can give it turbidity.
- Distillation neutralization
This is a non-alkaline method of neutralization. At this stage, fatty acids and deodorizing substances are removed from the oil.
- Deodorization
This stage is the last one in the refining process. After it, the oil loses its characteristic taste and smell.
The difference between refined and unrefined
The main difference between refined and unrefined oils is the production method. Unrefined oil is a product that has not undergone a refining process.
Another difference is the quality of the final product. As refined oil goes through several complex processing steps, its properties are affected, many of which are lost or altered.
Important! Unrefined oil is not unfiltered. Any oil of the first cold pressing goes through a filtration process.
Cold and hot pressing
Cold pressing allows you to get a natural product, high temperatures and chemical solutions are not used in the process.
During the hot pressing process, the oil is heated, which slightly deforms its chemical composition.
For the convenience of determining the quality of the product, its packaging is marked with certain inscriptions.
- extra virgin olive oil
Such an inscription means that the oil is made by the method of the first cold pressing.
- virgin olive oil
Oil with this marking is also of high quality.
- Aceite de Oliva
This label means that the oil is a mixture of refined and Extra Virgin products in a ratio of 85% to 15%.
The benefits and harms of olive oil compared to sunflower
Sunflower oil is a kind of competitor to olive oil in the field of cooking. Sunflower oil contains seven times the omega-6 linoleic acid and five times the amount of vitamin E.
The benefits and harms of olive oil: the pros of using
Olive oil is distinguished not only by its taste, but also by the wealth of useful properties that are used to improve health and transform the appearance.
For heart health
The main benefit of olive oil for the heart is to reduce cholesterol levels. This is due to the presence of monosaturated fatty acids in it.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Olive fruit oil contains oleocanthal, a substance that gives the oil an anti-inflammatory effect.
Blood vessel health
The intake of olive oil reduces the level of platelet secretion of a substance that provokes its accumulation - thromboxane A2. This reduces the risk of blood clots in the blood vessels.
Helps fight cancer
Olive fruit oil has a protective effect against the development of certain malignant tumors: breast, endometrium, digestive tract, etc.
Obesity prevention, weight loss
Olive oil has a number of properties that have a positive effect on the process of losing weight:
- fast saturation;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- cleansing the gastrointestinal tract;
- good digestibility.
This product is also used to prepare various cosmetic products that improve skin tone, which is an important part of the fight against extra pounds.
Supports Brain Health
It has a positive effect on mental processes. It is especially useful to take olive oil in old age - it reduces the chances of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Fights mood disorders and depression
The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help prevent depression.
Prevention and treatment of diabetes
The oil is involved in the stabilization of carbohydrate metabolism, as well as lowering the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Important! The use of olive oil in diabetes is an integral part of the patient's daily diet. However, it should be borne in mind that the quality of the product is of great importance.
Improving the functioning of the digestive system
The beneficial properties of this oil have a positive effect in the treatment of diseases such as:
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
- gallbladder disease;
- indigestion;
- stones in the kidneys.
Storehouse of useful elements
Due to the presence of antioxidants, anti-carcinogens, fatty acids, vitamins and other natural elements in olive oil, it is so popular.
Its use is shown to people of any gender and age, each of which, to one degree or another, will help improve health.
Important! The product has contraindications. Before use, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Cleansing and restoration of the body
Quality olive oil has a mild laxative effect. This property of this product is used to cleanse the intestines. For this, one tablespoon of oil is taken on an empty stomach. But it is important to remember that during the period of such cleansing, it is necessary to include foods high in fiber in your daily diet.
Treatment of varicose veins
For the treatment and prevention of varicose veins, olive oil is used with the addition of other vegetable oils to it. Mixtures with olive oil are added to baths, massages and compresses are done with them.
Treats gum disease
Olive fruit oil is used to treat various inflammations of the oral cavity, including gums. It also slows down the formation of tartar, has a beneficial effect on tooth enamel - whitens and strengthens it.
For women
The use of olive oil in a special way affects women.
- Normalization of hormone balance
Vitamin E, which is part of this oil, is involved in the production of sex hormones and affects the regulation of the hormonal cycle.
- Benefits for pregnant women
For skin
Olive oil is suitable for the care of all types and has the following effects on it:
- moisturizes;
- heals;
- softens;
- rejuvenates;
- contributes to obtaining an even healthy tan.
For eyelashes
Monosaturated acids, which are part of olive oil, accelerate hair growth and reduce hair loss. It is also useful to use this product for the care of healthy eyelashes.
For hair
The use of olive fruit oil for care will heal them and improve their appearance. All the same fatty acids and vitamins will contribute to this. And phytosteril will give hair elasticity and relieve dandruff.
For men
The beneficial properties of this product will have a positive effect on the health of men.
- Male Strength Improvement
Olive oil has a great influence on potency. Its benefit is to strengthen the blood vessels, so that the blood flows better to the genitals and the erection is enhanced.
- Improving the functions of the reproductive system
The inclusion of olive oil in the diet of men has a beneficial effect on their reproductive health. This is due to the ability of olive oil to increase testosterone levels in the testicles.
The benefits and harms of olive oil: cons and contraindications
Olive oil has a wide range of health benefits, but it can also be harmful to health in some cases.
May lead to acne
In some cases, its use can adversely affect the health of the skin. One of which is the misuse of the product, namely: excessive application of oil to the surface of the skin.
Allergy
Individual intolerance to olive oil is a separate case that requires special attention. And although an allergic reaction to this remedy is rare, before full use it is worth testing for its tolerance in the form of applying oil to a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin in a minimal amount.
Not safe for baby's skin
The use of this product in the care of the skin of a child is safe, if there is no individual intolerance to the components. However, it should be used with caution: do not rub it too actively, it is better to apply the oil with soft massaging movements.
Not suitable for dry skin
Olive oil is suitable for dry skin care and has no contraindications here.
Causes a number of diseases
Due to the high content of omega-9 fatty acids, excessive consumption of this oil can lead to the development of the following ailments:
- atherosclerosis;
- obesity;
- heart diseases;
- malignant tumor of the breast and colon.
high calorie
When using olive oil for food, one should take into account its calorie content, which is 898 kcal. In cases where weight loss is required, the product should be taken with caution.
When using olive oil for food, one should take into account its calorie content, which is 898 kcal. Causes diseases of the heart and blood vessels
The use of low-quality olive oil can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The structure of such a product is deformed and devoid of many of its original properties and components, for example, its use can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels.
Decreased blood sugar
Abundant consumption of olive oil contributes to increased insulin resistance. This can lead to the development of hypoglycemia and some other diseases.
pressure drop
The composition of olive oil contains components that help lower blood pressure, for this reason, its use is not recommended for people with hypotension.
May cause inflammation
Excessive consumption of oil can lead to the development of inflammatory processes in the body, which is caused by the high content of omega-9 acid in it. This component is involved in the formation of a substance that increases the level of inflammation.
Formation of stones in the gallbladder
The use of low-quality olive oil, as well as its use in unreasonable amounts, can lead to the development of cholecystitis and gallstone disease.
May cause diarrhea
Since this oil has a laxative effect, it must be used with caution - excessive use can lead to diarrhea.
Side effects
With proper observance of the dosage and the absence of individual intolerance, olive fruit oil does not cause side effects.
Important! The daily dose of olive oil is no more than three tablespoons.
Selection and storage rules
It is difficult to determine the quality of a product before buying it, but there are a number of visual signs that characterize a good oil, namely:
- golden green shade;
- marking "Extra Virgin";
- abbreviation "DOP";
- dark glass packaging.
If the liquid is gray or bright yellow, then it is a fake.
Olive oil is stored in a dark glass container at room temperature. Shelf life of sealed oil is 2 years. After opening, it retains its properties for no more than a month.
The benefits and harms of olive oil in use
The scope of olive oil extends to many areas of life, among them: cooking, cosmetology and medicine.
To maintain health
Many substances that are part of this oil are beneficial to human health. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. However, the desired effect can be achieved only with the correct use of this product.
In cooking
Olive oil has reached the greatest distribution in the field of cooking. This is due to its pronounced taste characteristics. It is used to prepare salads, hot dishes, sauces, etc.
For eyelashes
Certain components of olive oil have a beneficial effect on the hair structure. For this reason, it is effective as a care product.
Use for massage
The use of olive oil for the massage procedure contributes to:
- removal of dead cells;
- improvement of the protective functions of the skin surface;
- regeneration process;
- moisturizing;
- elimination of inflammation.
In cosmetology
Moisturizing, nourishing, restoring - these and other actions of olive oil have not gone unnoticed in the field of cosmetology. It is used both in an independent form and as part of various care products. Balms, sprays and hair washes are prepared from this oil; scrubs for face and body; creams for hands, feet, body and face. In order to include it in your care, you need to know what are the benefits and harms of olive oil.
Oil aromatization
Unrefined olive oil of the first cold pressing has a rich characteristic smell. This property of the product has found application in the field of aromatherapy and aromatization.
Instructions for use for liver cleansing
The beneficial properties of olive oil favorably affect the condition of the liver. To improve this body, it is recommended to clean with the use of this oil.
Components:
- 20 g magnesium sulfate powder;
- 70 ml of boiled water;
- 1 st. a spoonful of olive oil.
Dissolve the powder in water and drink. Warm up the right side with a heating pad for two hours. After warming up, drink olive oil.
Important! Before starting the cleansing, it is advisable to eat only fruits and vegetables for a week.
For the stomach
When using olive fruit oil for the treatment of gastric diseases, the following effects will be noticeable:
- elimination of inflammatory processes;
- decrease in acidity;
- healing of ulcerative foci;
- improvement of digestive processes, etc.
For the nose
The development of respiratory diseases leads to inflammation and swelling of the upper respiratory tract. To eliminate these symptoms and restore the functions of the mucous membranes, olive oil is instilled into the nasal passages.
From cholesterol
As already mentioned, the substances that make up olive oil accelerate the process of breakdown and removal of low-density lipoproteins from the body and stimulate the production of high-density lipoproteins, thereby normalizing blood cholesterol levels.
For vessels and heart
The components of olive oil have a positive effect on the health of the cardiovascular system. This is due to their abilities:
- reduce the risk of blood clots;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
For joints
The benefit of olive oil for joints lies in its ability to increase the body's level of osteocalcin, a protein that helps strengthen bones.
For the pancreas
Olive oil has a stimulating effect on the pancreas, so its use is useful for violations in its work.
How to apply for snoring
Olive oil is an effective remedy for snoring. To do this, the oral cavity is rinsed for 30 seconds.
For psoriasis
Treatment of psoriasis with olive oil leads to the removal of redness, itching, peeling and the gradual disappearance of plaques, and then to recovery.
for ears
The beneficial properties of olive oil are a suitable remedy for ear care.
- Humidification of the auricle
The skin of the auricles also needs careful care, and this product has an excellent moisturizing effect.
- Removal of excess earwax
To cleanse the ear from excess sulfur, 2-3 times a day for a week, it is washed with a warm mixture of olive and essential oils.
- For pain relief
Olive oil is effective in the treatment of ear diseases, it has an analgesic and soothing effect on the inflamed surface.
From kidney stones
From burns
The vitamins contained in this oil give a protective, regenerating and softening effect. These properties of the product are useful for the treatment of burns on the body.
From diabetes
The ability of olive oil to regulate carbohydrate metabolism and lower blood sugar levels is an important quality for the treatment of diabetes.
For immunity
Obviously, with such an abundance in the composition of useful substances, olive fruit oil cannot but show a strengthening effect on human immunity.
For heels
A mixture of honey and olive oil should be applied to the surface of the heels - this will soften and nourish the roughened skin area.
Olive oil is predominantly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, the most important of which is oleic acid. Oleic acid is known to be extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system and is able to fight free radicals (or oxidative stress) that cause numerous diseases.
According to many large reviews of clinical studies, a daily diet that contains a significant amount of olive oil (including the famous Mediterranean diet) is associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Most scientists have recently focused on the study of biologically active phenolic compounds naturally present in unrefined olive oil. These phenols have a positive effect on several physiological parameters such as plasma lipoproteins, oxidative damage, inflammatory response markers, platelet and cellular functions, and antimicrobial activity.
One tablespoon of olive oil contains:
- 120 kcal
- 14 g fat (9.8 of which are monounsaturated fatty acids)
- 0 g of sugar, carbohydrates or proteins
- 1 mg Vitamin K (10% DV)
- 9 mg vitamin E (10% DV)
How much olive oil should you consume daily to benefit your health? Depending on your specific calorie and dietary needs, you should consume 1 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil per day.
weight loss
A diet enriched with olive oil may contribute to weight loss. In a study by Mary M. Flynn and Stephen E. Reinert, published in the journal Journal of Women's Health in June 2010, two groups of dieting women were surveyed. One group followed a low-fat diet, while the other group followed a diet enriched with olive oil.
In the group in which women consumed olive oil, 80% of participants experienced a weight loss of at least 5%. In the group in which the women followed the low-fat diet, only 31% of the participants experienced a 5% weight loss. The researchers concluded that supplementing olive oil on a regular basis with a balanced diet resulted in greater weight loss with a low-fat diet.
Olive oil prevents weight gain in middle age. Since olive oil is a high-calorie food, it is often avoided for fear that it will lead to weight gain. However, a 2008 study found that olive oil, along with nut oils, did not cause weight gain, while unhealthy fats did.
Since food preparation methods vary and olive oil may not always be possible or necessary, you can simply drink it to enrich your daily diet with it. The use of at least 1 tablespoon of olive oil allows you to accurately measure the amount consumed.
Reduces the risk of developing heart disease
In accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration, daily consumption of 2 tablespoons of olive oil can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is one of the heart-healthy fats. Instead of saturated fats and trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease, try using olive oil instead. In a 2008 study by M.I. Covas and published in the October issue of the magazine Inflammopharmacology Olive oil is noted to be an effective natural remedy for oxidative stress, which is associated with the development of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
Olive oil reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in women. Olive oil has been revered in Mediterranean cultures for a long time. An Italian study found that a diet that included olive oil along with plenty of leafy vegetables and fruits reduced the rate of coronary heart disease in women.
Olive oil is also good for heart and vascular health, here's why:
- Protects red blood cells and therefore your heart. Over time, cells become oxidized, leading to common symptoms of aging. The specific polyphenols (DHPEA-EDA) in olive oil are especially effective in protecting your red blood cells from oxidation.
- Reduces the risk of stroke in the elderly. A 2011 study showed that older people who regularly consume olive oil have a reduced risk of stroke due to the high content of oleic acid in this oil.
- Makes your arteries more elastic. Consuming just two tablespoons of olive oil daily makes you more resistant to strokes and heart attacks.
- Reduces cholesterol levels. Olive oil contains polyphenols, which help keep LDL cholesterol levels within the normal range.
- Prevents myocardial infarction in men. A 2008 study found that men who consumed at least 60 ml of olive oil per day reduced their risk of having a heart attack (heart attack) by 82% compared to men who did not consume olive oil.
Relieves pain
According to a report in a magazine issue British Journal of Medicine September 2005, a compound in olive oil called oleocanthal suppresses pain pathways in a manner similar to that of the analgesic ibuprofen. Fifty grams of olive oil is equivalent to 10% of the recommended daily intake of ibuprofen, the journal notes.
Helps fight cancer
According to a 2004 study published in the journal European Journal of Cancer Prevention, olives, and olive oil (that have not been cooked) are high in antioxidants such as acteoside, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and phenylalanine. Olives and olive oil contain significant amounts of other compounds considered anticancer agents (eg squalene and terpenoids) as well as lipid peroxidation resistant oleic acid.
Supports brain health
The brain is largely made up of fatty acids, and in order to perform daily tasks, normal mood regulation, and clear thinking, we need to get enough of the necessary fats. Like other sources of healthy fats, olive oil is considered a highly beneficial food for the brain, improving concentration and memory.
Olive oil helps fight age-related cognitive decline because it protects the body from inflammation, oxidative stress, and amyloid beta, a brain-toxic protein that can cause dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Some studies have shown that olive oil can prevent and possibly even reverse the memory loss that occurs in Alzheimer's disease.
Combats affective disorders and depression
Healthy fats, including olive oil, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and help prevent neurotransmitter dysfunction. Low-fat diets are often associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. When the brain does not receive enough "happy hormones" such as serotonin or dopamine (important neurotransmitters needed for mood regulation, good sleep, etc.), affective disorders (mood disorders) and cognitive impairment can occur.
One study conducted in 2011 at the University of Las Palmas in Spain found that insufficient intake of unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) was associated with the risk of depression.
Helps prevent or treat diabetes
Fatty acids affect glucose metabolism through changes in cell membrane function, enzyme activity, insulin signaling, and gene expression. Evidence suggests that consumption of polyunsaturated and/or monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil) has beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and likely reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
While carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels, fats help stabilize them and regulate insulin. Even when you eat foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates, adding olive oil to your meals can help slow down the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream. Drinking olive oil is also a great way to increase satiety after meals, which can help prevent sugar cravings and overeating that can lead to diabetes complications.
Helps balance hormones
When trying to balance your hormones and reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, or menopause, it's essential to include plenty of nutrient-dense, healthy fat foods in your daily diet. Olive oil provides our body with essential fatty acids that can help regulate the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands, which ultimately helps balance the hormones in our body. Olive oil is also rich in vitamin E, which helps regulate estrogen production.
Improves skin health
Olive oil is rich in nutrients and antioxidants such as vitamins A and E. While this oil is primarily eaten, you can also use it topically on your face.
Moisturizes the skin
Olive oil penetrates deep into the skin of the face, providing the necessary moisture and protection, keeping it smooth and youthful. This oil is close in chemical structure to the natural sebum produced by your sebaceous glands. Use it as a natural lotion for the body, face and hands. The antioxidants in olive oil (vitamins A and E) can help reduce the damage caused by sun exposure, cigarette smoke and pollutants.
To effectively hydrate your skin with olive oil, it is recommended to rub it onto slightly damp skin because the remaining water on your skin can help keep it from feeling greasy.
Purifies the skin
Mix olive oil extra virgin olive oil with sea salt to make a natural facial exfoliant, especially if your skin is dry and flaky. Massage the skin of the face with the resulting product - this will allow you to get rid of old, dry skin, revealing new and young.
Olive oil effectively cleanses sensitive skin. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans did not have soap and used olive oil to cleanse their skin. They rubbed this oil into their skin and then scraped it off along with the dirt and dead skin cells. There is a wide variety of soaps on the market today, and some of the natural healthier options are made with olive oil. The most interesting thing is that until now, many people prefer to cleanse their skin with pure olive oil.
Increases skin elasticity
Rubbing olive oil on your face helps improve the elasticity of your skin. You don't have to limit yourself to just using it externally. Include it in your diet and your entire body will benefit from its many health benefits.
Other Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin:
- Eye makeup remover. Apply one or two drops of olive oil to a cotton pad and use it to remove eye makeup at the end of the day. When used consistently as a make-up remover, olive oil will soften your skin and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- Eliminates or reduces acne. Olive oil helps fight pimples and acne. Using olive oil and a salt scrub can help treat some types of acne.
- Treats sunburn. Olive oil gently soothes sunburn pain by helping the skin retain moisture. Use equal parts olive oil and water, adding to the jar and closing the lid tightly. Shake well and then apply to the skin. Shake this mixture frequently during application to keep the oil from separating from the water.
- Makes your lips soft and supple. Make your own lip balm by combining olive oil and beeswax in equal proportions. Place it in a small glass jar and apply with your fingertip to your lips. This allows you to maintain the health and beauty of your lips.
- Prevents dry scalp. Useful properties of olive oil also allow you to get rid of dry skin on the head. Using it as a scalp conditioner has proven to be a great moisturizer for dry scalp.
- Prevents sagging skin. The squalene in olive oil increases the elasticity of your skin, preventing it from sagging and giving it a more youthful appearance.
- Removes color from skin. Olive oil gently loosens the paint on your skin. When you wipe off the oil, the paint comes off with it. Plus, your skin will remain soft, supple and smooth.
- Never clogs pores or causes breakouts. Olive oil penetrates the skin leaving it smooth and silky without feeling greasy. Thanks to this, the external use of olive oil does not cause clogging of the skin pores and the appearance of acne.
- Moisturizes and smoothes dry skin on the feet. Make a foot scrub with equal parts olive oil and honey, a third of sugar, and lemon juice from a quarter of a lemon. Soak your feet in warm water and then massage them with the prepared emulsion.
Olive oil also prevents premature aging of your skin. By taking olive oil internally, you can prevent oxidation of red blood cells due to its antioxidant properties. These same properties make it possible to prevent the oxidation of skin cells when applied externally. The antioxidants hydroxytyrosol and vitamin E help prevent cell degeneration in the skin.
Improves hair health
Thanks to the rich composition and moisturizing properties of olive oil, it is ideal for improving the health and appearance of your hair. Its external use can help your hair become healthier, stronger and shinier.
Reduces dandruff
Olive oil mixed with lemon juice can help eliminate dandruff problems. The acidic lemon juice helps to loosen dandruff while the olive oil hydrates the new layer of skin that is formed by sloughing off old dead skin cells. Mix equal amounts of olive oil, lemon juice and water - a few tablespoons of each should be enough. Massage into wet scalp with this product, then leave for 20 minutes and then rinse with shampoo. Use this dandruff treatment no more than once every two weeks.
Moisturizes hair
During the dry winter months, your hair is more prone to breaking, cracking and drying out, making your hair look messy and messy. A little olive oil can help smooth out some of these problems. It adds weight and moisture to the hair, making it more manageable and manageable. Just apply some olive oil on your fingers and run them through your hair.
Strength and brilliance
To help hydrate your hair for healthier, stronger, and shinier hair, make hair masks with olive oil. Rich in vitamins A, E and antioxidants, olive oil helps to protect the keratin in the hair and hydrate it. Olive oil can remove the buildup of sebum that inhibits the formation of new hair follicles and hinders hair growth.
Click on the appropriate item in the table of contents below.
Valuable fat is pressed from fresh olives. Ideally, the pulp of olives is crushed within a few hours of harvest, which lasts from November to March. Otherwise, high-speed oxidation spoils the raw material and the final product.
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Chemical composition
The calorie content and BJU of the product (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) are similar to all vegetable oils.
Per 100 grams - 884 kcal. We give the composition according to the main expenditure unit in nutrition - for 1 tablespoon which contains 14 grams of oil.
- Calorie content of 1 tablespoon - 120 kcal.
- Fat - 14 grams
- Proteins and carbohydrates - 0
- Vitamin E - 10% DV
- Vitamin K - 10% DV
- And scanty inclusions of minerals - up to 0.3% DN.
*DN - average daily burrow for an adult with a diet of 2000 kcal.
Note, according to the US Department of Agriculture natural product does not contain vitamins A and D, the myth about which is widespread in Runet.
With an eye to the BJU of the product, the healing properties of olive oil seem to be an exaggeration. Just liquid fat, where there are no proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, trace elements and moderate amounts of vitamins E and K. Why do nutritionists strongly recommend it for salads and other dishes, especially extra virgin olive oil?
Beneficial features
What is the benefit of olive oil? Let's talk about the best image - unrefined first cold pressing.
A short list of very valuable characteristics for human health.
- There is no harm from skewed in omega-6 fatty acids.
- Polyphenols as powerful antioxidants and protectors against inflammation.
- Oleic fatty acid is a healing omega-9 for the cardiovascular system.
Therapeutic polyphenols
These are complex organic substances with a wide spectrum of action. Studies show that polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil help reduce blood viscosity and harmonize the lipid profile in high cholesterol.
Also, these biocompounds have pronounced antioxidant properties, protect the cell membrane and help fight inflammation.
Harmony omega without distortion in class 6
Excellent health property! And the main positive difference from other oils popular in Russia (sunflower, corn, sesame).
Important! Only oils where omega 6 fatty acids are less than 30% can be taken daily without harm (olive, almond, peanut, peach kernels).
- Oleic (omega 9 fatty acids) - from 60 to 80%
- Linoleic (omega 6 fatty acids) - from 5 to 14%
- Palmitic and others - from 15%
- A scanty amount of omega 3 fatty acids - up to 1%
The modern diet is oversaturated with omega 6. This leads to accelerated age-related inflammation. Reducing omega 6 fatty acids and enriching the diet with omega 3 fatty acids makes a huge contribution to our mobile and healthy longevity.
Protection against atherosclerosis for the heart and blood vessels
The benefits of oleic acid and oleocansal have been studied in depth.
- Reducing inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels. This is the prevention of atherosclerosis.
- Protection of low density lipoproteins from oxidative processes - up to 72%. It also insures the heart and blood vessels against heart attack and stroke.
- Decreased thrombus formation and blood pressure.
- Containment of autoimmune reactions in all organs and systems. This means fewer allergies, severe arthritis, and other diseases where immune cells mistakenly attack the body's own tissues.
An interesting study about 30 tablespoons of olive oil. The strength of the therapeutic effect is equivalent to the 1st adult dose of Ibuprofen. Including in the diet 2-3 tbsp. spoons daily, we regularly receive microdoses of the anti-inflammatory complex. ()
Benefits during pregnancy and in the children's menu
The benefits of olive oil during pregnancy and in the nutrition of children are significant.
Let's repeat about omega: you should strive for a ratio of omega 3 and 6 as 1:4. In the usual diet of contemporaries, this proportion is about 1:20.
There are two ways to reduce the harm from excess omega-6s:
- Remove redundant;
- Add omega 3.
When a pregnant woman switches to an omega-6 neutral oil, she insures herself and the baby from many troubles. By introducing this product, and not the popular sunflower, into baby food, we create the best table for the child with the correct proportion of fatty acids.
Don't forget to fortify your omega-3 menu with fish oil containing at least 450mg of DHA. We drink 1 teaspoon of this. Every day for the whole family.
An all-in-one treatment for skin and hair
Olive oil is a valuable ingredient in cosmetology. Softens, nourishes, rarely leads to blockage of pores. Ideal for hair care, including brittle and dull. In summer, healing fat helps to achieve a smooth tan. One of the best remedies for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. This is largely due to vitamin E and polyphenols.
Use a quality (=expensive) cold-pressed food sample, not store-bought creams with added oil. Strong properties only in pure natural ingredients.
Compare Popular Vegetable Fats
What is more useful olive or sunflower? The answer lies on the surface if you read the information above.
Forget about vitamin E and oleic acid! Yes, in sunflower there is more than the first and there is also the second. Yes, it is a product of our latitude. But the positives are negligible compared to the harms of skewed omega-6s.
It is detrimental to health that sunflower oil is a linoleic fatty acid - omega-6 - up to 54%. Such a high percentage makes sunflower oil an enemy of health. It dramatically increases the risk of myocardial infarction, provokes inflammation and depression, and increases the risk of oncology.
In search of an answer to the question of what to replace sunflower oil with and whether it should be done, rely on the omega profile in vegetable fat. Make no mistake.
Our choice is to at least replace salad oil with olive oil. Even better - switch to a combination of coconut and olive for all dishes as much as possible.
Olive oil on an empty stomach - good or bad
Let's figure it out. Any oil on an empty stomach will cause an active outflow of bile. Any liquid in the amount of 1 glass or more will lead to a sharp activation of the biliary tract. And when drinking at a contrasting temperature, the effect will be even stronger.
Important! People with stones in the biliary tract should not drink oil on an empty stomach or a temperature-contrasting liquid.
Hence the beneficial effects of the olive "panacea" with lemon and honey for constipation. Strengthening peristalsis - the promotion of the food bolus - the release of gases and emptying the intestines. Exactly the same effect will cause sesame, sunflower, almond - any! - oil. The good news is that olive oil does not overload us with omega-6s.
In addition, we are wary of honey in the diet of children, allergy sufferers and people with hyperinsulinism. And allergies and disorders in the metabolism of carbohydrates are the mass problems of contemporaries. For ourselves, we see no reason to supplement the menu with sugars on an empty stomach. Therefore, the morning choleretic in our routine is 1-2 glasses of pure water, cool or warm, depending on the particular family member.
Gastritis olive oil before meals also does not heal. If your stomach is bothering you, you need a gastroenterologist and a Helicobacter pylori test. Diet is extremely important in treatment. If an infection is found, do not be afraid of antibiotics under the guidance of a competent doctor.
Contraindications and possible harm
1) Remember the high calorie content.
Olive oil is the highest calorie liquid fat. 1 tablespoon is capable of covering more than 16% of the average daily energy requirement.
If this figure seems insignificant to you, imagine eating two or even three generously seasoned meals a day. Getting overweight with such a diet is a piece of cake.
2) We exclude the choleretic effect if there are stones in the gallbladder or cholecystitis.
We do not take on an empty stomach! We adjust the amount in dishes - up to 2 tbsp. spoons a day.
3) Ideally, it's still better not to fry food on the extra virgin version.
Because heating destroys healing polyphenols. And in general, frying food is not the best choice for cooking. Only a savage from a tropical island has not heard of this.
If we discard the importance of preserving polyphenols, then we can rely on the latest safety studies. They answer the question What kind of olive oil can be used for frying. The average heat in a frying pan is no more than 170 degrees. This means that it does not provoke the formation of carcinogens in high-quality cold-pressed olive oil. After all smoke point extra virgin version not the lowest - from 191 to 215 degrees.
Even safer refined olive oil- 240 degrees. But this is a "dead version" of superfood. Useful biocompounds are completely destroyed by refining.
Our choice is to steam recipes more often and drizzle with oil after removing from the heat. Simmer over medium heat with water. Eat more salads with fresh vegetables.
Personal experience
For yourself, you can look for another combination of solutions, how to reduce omega-6 in the diet and remove trans fats. Do it if you want to live longer and healthier!
If you really want to fry, then the best choice is. It contains no more than 3% PUFA. The abundance of trans fats simply has nothing to form from. And you can stew with water on both vegetable fats - from olives and from coconut.
Today we are trying to replace both sunflower and corn oil. The opinion is not trivial, but is based on modern knowledge of nutraceuticals and longevity medicine.
Types of olive oil and dosage
The daily dose varies according to age and goals. On average - from 1 to 4 tablespoons per day for an adult. From 0.5 teaspoon for children, starting with complementary foods at 7-8 months.
Important! If you simply add superfood to unhealthy foods, there will be no healing effect.
The composition of the product determines the place where the olives grow and the technology. Below Brief information about each type which can be found for sale. You will learn which olive oil is best for salad and which characteristics are important.
| Type of oil / What's important | extra virgin | Virgin | Refined | Olive oil, pomace, light, pure, purified and others |
| How to produce | First cold pressed, predominantly green olives | Only less valuable ripe olives, cold pressed, incl. repeated | Refining (heating from 200 degrees Celsius, including with the use of hexane) | Not ideally extracted fat, which is scarce, diluted with refined, cheap rapeseed or sunflower, or refined, enriched with synthetic vitamins, etc. |
| Acidity | Up to 0.8% | Up to 2% | Up to 0.5% | Up to 3.3% |
| How better accept | Ideal for salad dressing without heating and in cosmetology | Acceptable for salads, preservation and baking | Cheap option for frying, incl. fast food | Best not to eat |
How to choose and store
Let's focus on the healthiest version of extra virgin.
A quality product is not cheap. The price in Europe starts from 8 euros for 500 ml.
The main producers are Italy, Spain, Greece. This does not always mean that the fruits were grown in the same country. Italian oil is often pressed from Turkish and Tunisian raw materials.
Most polyphenols contain unripe (green!) Olives. But it is easier to squeeze out of ripe ones. Therefore, the cheaper the product on the shelf, the higher the likelihood that the fat was extracted from ripe, and not green, fruits.
Olives that grow on young trees are inferior in saturation with polyphenols to similar fruits from aged trees. The most healing raw materials are unripe fruits from old trees on the Greek island of Crete.
It is also important how the fruits were harvested from the trees, how the preparation for squeezing took place, how long the workpiece was stored before processing. This directly affects the content of polyphenols. Long-term storage and rough automatic cleaning reduce the cost of oil, and, accordingly, reduce its quality.
From air, heat and sunlight, fat becomes rancid. Import in Russia is carried out from the Mediterranean countries. It is difficult to say only by the type of bottle, under what conditions and for how long the transportation took place.
Conclusion. The inscription "extra virgin" on the label is a necessary but not sufficient quality condition. "Extra virgin" only talks about how the pomace went, but not about what raw materials were used, how it was obtained, and what happened to the oil after bottling.
won't help and product coloring. There is no relationship between the color of olive oil and its quality. Only the level of chlorophyll in olives affects. In close analogues, the color varies from light yellow to bottle green.
Storage periods. Most often, 2 years is indicated on the packaging. They reflect the maximum time for which good oil does not have time to go rancid. However, after a year there are significantly fewer useful compounds.
Houses should be kept olive oil in a tightly closed dark bottle in a cool place. After opening, let's say a refrigerator. When refrigerated for a long time, a good sample will form a cloudy precipitate. This is a simple quality test.
6 rules for choosing a brand
For ourselves, we have developed a few rules for finding the best olive oil.
- "Not!" for products in colorless glass and plastic, or with any words other than "extra virgin oil".
- "Yes!" bottle of dark glass and Greece as the country of origin. Tight fitting lid and less than 6 months old spill date. The point of sale is a large supermarket with an active turnover or a popular "grocery boutique", where the goods are also not stale.
- The bottle must be marked with acidity - up to 0.8%.
- We buy without a stock, each time checking the expiration date (“expiry date”). There must be at least a year and a half left before graduation.
- When olive oil is bitter, this is normal. The peak of perfection is a light, barely noticeable bitterness with an admixture of a grassy aroma, like the smell of green tomatoes or freshly cut grass. If the smell is like rotten sausage or old socks, the sample is rancid and there are no polyphenols in it.
- The taste of olive oil can be said to be “clean”, “fresh”, “herbaceous”. Olive oil should be bitter. But the degree of bitterness, like color, depends on the feedstock.
As you can see, choosing among worthy samples is like deciding on the taste of your favorite wine or coffee. Depends on personal preference.
In addition to general rules, it is not superfluous to inquire about the results of recent market research. In 2014, the Russian agency NITs NPE "Test" led a comprehensive comparative examination of 11 brands of extra virgin olive oil.
Got the highest score ТМ Mana Gea, Premium, Borges. The trade mark Maestro de Oliva became a good one. The rest of the samples did not meet the high quality criteria.
We will be glad if you liked our story about a healing product. How to take olive oil, the benefits and harms, contraindications for taking, a scientifically based foundation of beneficial properties and selection rules will definitely come in handy on your way to a healthy diet in terms of fats. May the shopping luck be with you!
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Olive oil is one of the most beneficial foods for the human body. But it is important to learn how to use the popular tool correctly. For certain diseases, different dosages are needed. If you figure out how much and how to use olive oil, then it will only benefit.
What is olive oil
Olive oil is obtained from the fresh fruit of the olive plant. The color and smell of the product may vary, as these properties depend on the region where the tree grows, weather conditions, and so on. Most often, the oil has a rich aroma and a pronounced golden color. It is often used in cooking, the product from the olive is especially appreciated in Greece.
Olive oil has an incredibly rich aroma and pleasant taste.
Store the oil in a dark bottle, preferably in a place protected from light. In this case, the air temperature should not exceed 25 ° C.
It is interesting that the inhabitants of the countries where the olive grows look much younger than their years. This is due to the regular consumption of oil and cosmetics based on it.
Chemical composition of the product
Extra virgin olive oil mainly consists of mono-unsaturated fatty acids:
- 60-80% of all fatty acids belong to oleic acid, omega 9;
- 4-14% linoleic acid, omega 6;
- 15% palmitic and other saturated fatty acids (steatico, palmitelaiko);
- 0.01-1% omega 3;
- 0.0–0.8% peanut and fragrant.
Extra virgin olive oil is produced from fresh fruits, so its chemical composition is very rich in nutrients.
The product also includes:
- polyphenols, phenols and phenolic acids (antioxidants that prevent premature aging);
- squalia (prevent the development of oncology, especially breast cancer);
- sterols and β sitesterol (found only in olive oil, prevent the formation of cholesterol);
- tocopherols (vitamin E);
- extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin A, D, K.
Useful properties of olive oil for the human body
Application in traditional medicine
Olive oil is used not only for cosmetic purposes, but also for medicinal purposes. There are many diseases in which the product will be very useful.
For liver cleansing
With the help of olive oil, you can quickly and effectively cleanse your liver. But before the process itself, you have to properly prepare the body. A few days before cleansing, include freshly squeezed juices in your diet. It is good if they are sour (from grapefruit, green apples, etc.). Also, try to eat more grains, lean meats, and vegetables. Forget about junk food for a while. Eat small meals every 3-4 hours. Thanks to the preparation, the body will better endure the cleansing. Remember that such a serious procedure can be done no more than once every six months and only if necessary.
Before cleansing the liver with olive oil, you must include freshly squeezed juices in your diet.
Stages of cleansing
"No-shpu" can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription, so you can easily purchase a drug for the cleansing procedure
The best lunch after a liver cleanse is oatmeal with berries
Contraindications to cleansing the liver with olive oil
For the stomach
Olive oil is an excellent remedy for stomach ulcers. To carry out a healing procedure, you will need a glass of the product and the same amount of aloe juice.
Aloe juice is very useful for the stomach, as this product perfectly relieves any inflammation.
Combine the ingredients and leave to infuse for three days. Then you need to bring the mixture to readiness. To do this, add 10 grams of honey to a small container. Pour a little water into the sweet ingredient and heat it up. Combine the resulting substance with the present composition. Take one tablespoon of the remedy 30 minutes before meals four times a day. Course - 1 month. If necessary, you can repeat the treatment after 60 days.
For even better results, you can additionally take one tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach. You can do this daily, without interruption.
For the nose
Due to its tonic and emollient properties, olive oil is often used to treat the nose for colds. To prepare a healing agent, you need to purchase a dry wild rosemary. Pour a tablespoon of flowers with olive oil (100 g) and leave for 3 weeks. Then squeeze the rosemary. Bury the resulting substance into the nose in a few drops. Up to four such procedures can be done per day. The course of treatment is 8 days, if necessary, repeat in a week.
Ledum is often used for colds, as it quickly helps to cope with its main symptoms.
From cholesterol
Olive oil can significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. To do this, add the product to salads or other dishes. The daily norm is 2 tablespoons. Make sure that the dishes are not too hot, otherwise the oil will lose its beneficial properties. You can also take the drug on an empty stomach in the same amount. After two weeks, take tests, cholesterol levels should drop significantly.
Salad with olive oil will help to cope with bad cholesterol
For vessels and heart
The use of olive oil significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. To achieve this effect, you must include two tablespoons of the product in your daily diet. In this case, you can add olive oil to salad, pasta, and so on. The dish should not be hot, otherwise the beneficial properties of the medicinal product come to naught.
For daily use, it is very important that the olive oil is of the highest quality, i.e. first cold pressing.
From hemorrhoids
Olive oil has a softening and wound-healing effect. Due to this, the product is often used to treat hemorrhoids. There are several ways to apply.
Ingestion
To facilitate bowel movements, you need to take a tablespoon daily. Soon you will forget about such a problem as constipation. Use the product until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Enemas
Combine four tablespoons of olive oil, one raw egg yolk and a glass of warm water. Use this composition to make an ordinary enema. This method will help reduce pain and. Doing enemas is recommended no more than three times a week, breaks are not needed.
Raw yolk is very useful for hemorrhoids, as it has a binding and wound-healing property.
Massage
Lubricate your hands with olive oil and gently press them on your stomach, making massage movements. The procedure can be done daily, without interruption. Soon the pain will decrease, and constipation will pass.
Compress
Combine olive oil and honey in a 1:1 ratio. Moisten the resulting mixture with cotton wool and apply to the inflamed area. The procedure can be performed up to three times a day until the pain is completely gone.
Honey combined with olive oil quickly relieves pain from hemorrhoids
Olive oil can be gently applied to the anus after each bowel movement. The irritation will pass quickly.
For joints
By regularly consuming olive oil, your bones will become visibly stronger. The joints will gain flexibility and elasticity, as a result of which you will forget about fractures and osteoporosis. Olive oil promotes the synthesis of osteocalcin. This substance is the main indicator of bone strength.
Interestingly, in countries where it is customary to use olive oil, people rarely suffer from osteoporosis.
To maintain healthy bones and joints, it is enough to eat two tablespoons of the product daily. But if you want to solve the problems that have already appeared, then you need to take additional measures. For example, massage of diseased joints.
For the procedure you will need:
- 400 ml of olive oil;
- 20 g dried echinacea root.
Echinacea root combined with olive oil helps with joint pain
Grind the root into a powder and pour it with olive oil. Place the resulting mixture in a water bath. After half an hour, strain the remedy. Lubricate them with sore joints daily. At the same time, try to make massage movements. Do not allow discomfort, the procedure should be comfortable. The course is 12 sessions. If the pain persists, you can repeat the treatment after four weeks.
For the pancreas
If you suffer from any diseases associated with the pancreas (for example, pancreatitis), then it is not recommended to include olive oil in the diet. During the period of exacerbation, it is completely forbidden to use this product, since it is very fatty and can aggravate the situation. But a month after the relapse, you can carefully add olive oil to your menu. The maximum daily dose is one tablespoon. If after this the disease worsens again, then it is better to completely exclude olive oil from the diet.
From snoring
To get rid of unpleasant night sounds, it is enough to use a tablespoon of olive oil per day. The product moisturizes the muscles of the throat, making snoring less noisy or disappear altogether. You can use the tool constantly.
For sure to get rid of the night sickness, take a tablespoon of olive oil right before bed every day.
For psoriasis
Due to its powerful moisturizing effect, olive oil is often used to treat skin diseases. Psoriasis is no exception. To eliminate inflammation, lubricate the affected areas with olive oil several times a day. Very soon, the skin condition will improve significantly, the itching will pass, and the peeling will become almost invisible. You can use the tool daily, you do not need to take breaks.
For the treatment of psoriasis, it is necessary to use olive oil. Others can cause severe irritation and worsen the situation.
for ears
Olive oil has long been used to reduce pain during the fight against ear infections. The product relieves inflammation and protects the sink from the penetration of bacteria. There are several ways to use olive oil for the ears.
Humidification of the auricle
Place a bottle of olive oil in a bowl of hot water. This will warm up the product and make it ready for use. Gently pour one drop into the ear. This must be done twice a day. The oil should be warm, but not hot. You can perform the procedure daily, because it does not cause harm.
Removal of excess earwax
Soak a plain cotton swab with olive oil. Place the resulting device in the auricle. Remember that oil must not leak. Rinse your ears after five minutes. The procedure can be performed no more than once every three weeks.
For pain relief
You need to take a teaspoon of cinnamon and combine it with the same amount of olive oil. Heat the resulting mixture for five minutes over low heat. Cool the composition a little and pour it into the auricle. A few drops should be enough. Then place a cotton swab in your ear. It is advisable to do this before going to bed, and in the morning you need to wash the affected areas with hydrogen peroxide. Repeat the process until you feel improvement. This will most likely happen in a couple of days.
Cinnamon will quickly relieve ear pain, especially if you dilute it with olive oil.
From kidney stones
To get rid of kidney stones, you need to prepare a mixture based on olive oil. First you need to squeeze the juice from three large lemons. Then combine it with two cups of olive oil and the same amount of cabbage brine. The resulting composition must be taken once every half an hour, 100 ml.
Pain in the abdomen with such cleansing is normal, so do not be alarmed.
Lemon juice combined with olive oil and cabbage brine is a powerful cleanser
After some time, the stones will gradually leave your body. This can cause severe pain. Drink an infusion of chamomile, it helps a lot in such situations. If there are large stones, in no case do not take them out yourself. It is worth noting that the day before the procedure you can not eat, you can only drink non-carbonated water in unlimited quantities. Purification is performed once, if necessary, repeated after a year.
From burns
Olive oil is excellent for burns, as it has wound healing, soothing, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Just lubricate the affected areas with the product and very soon you will notice an improvement in skin condition. You can also do compresses. To do this, apply gauze soaked in olive oil to the burn. After 15 minutes, gently wash the affected area.
Olive oil for burns should be applied several times a day to the skin until the redness subsides.
From diabetes
Olive oil lowers blood sugar, so it is highly recommended for diabetics. Due to the content of monounsaturated fats in the product, the patient's condition gradually improves, and insulin returns to normal. Olive oil lacks trans fats and cholesterol, unlike butter. Diabetics are advised to consume up to 5 teaspoons of the product per day. In addition, the inclusion of oil in the diet will be useful for healthy people. The thing is that the tool is also an excellent prevention of diabetes.
For immunity
Olive oil contains many antioxidants that significantly strengthen the immune system. The recommended daily allowance is two to three tablespoons of the product. This is enough to boost the immune system. You will notice how rarely you will get sick with colds and other diseases.
Interestingly, no other oil contains as many antioxidants as olive oil.
Women's Health Benefits
Thanks to the regular use of olive oil, the skin remains firm and elastic longer.
If you regularly take care of your hair with olive oil, they will become healthy and beautiful.
Contraindications and possible harm
Contraindications to the use of olive oil are:
With proper use and the absence of contraindications, olive oil cannot harm the body. But otherwise, allergies and pain in the abdomen are possible.
Video: positive and negative properties of olive oil, product selection features
Much is said about the beneficial properties and contraindications of olive oil. The unique properties of this gift of nature were known even to representatives of ancient civilizations. The ancient poet Homer rightly called the product "liquid gold".
Presumably, the birthplace of the olive is Egypt. But thanks to the Phoenician traders, it came to the European countries of the Mediterranean, where products based on it were widely used as effective cosmetic and medicinal products.
Olive oil is the basis of the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized as one of the best for health. It has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and preserves youth.
Composition of the product:
- polyphenols;
- oleic acid (up to 80%);
- carotenoids;
- omega-9 fatty acids;
- antioxidants;
- linoleic, palmitic, stearic acid;
- vitamins A, D, K, E.
All substances are absorbed almost completely, which makes the product unique. There are about 900 kcal in 100 ml of Olive Oil. In 1 st. l. - at least 150 kcal.
Olive oil (Olive Oil): useful and medicinal properties
The product is easily absorbed by the body and has a beneficial effect on all organs:
- normalizes pressure;
- strengthens bones, prevents calcium leaching;
- maintains muscle tone;
- promotes rapid healing of wounds;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- lowers cholesterol levels;
- restores normal acidity in the stomach;
- speeds up metabolism;
- helps to moderate the constant feeling of hunger;
- improves eyesight;
- slows down aging.
"Liquid Gold" is an excellent means of preventing diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal ulcers, obesity, oncology, and thrombosis.
Benefits for men
Men should pay special attention to the product. Regular use of Olive Oil is the prevention of many cardiovascular diseases. These diseases are the main causes of sudden death among men over 40 years of age.
It is popularly believed that olive oil increases potency. This was already known in ancient Greece. The high content of fatty acids improves blood circulation, and this directly affects the male genital area.
What is useful oil for women?
Studies have confirmed that high-quality cold-pressed oil reduces the risk of oncology, especially for malignant tumors of the breast. The product contains antioxidants that remove toxic substances, prevent the mutation of healthy cells and inhibit the reproduction of damaged cells.
Olive oil can be used both internally and externally. The constant presence of "liquid gold" in the diet has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair.
During pregnancy and for children
In the diet of a pregnant woman, olive oil must be present without fail. It not only saturates the body of the expectant mother with nutrients, but also has a positive effect on the unborn child.
In addition, its use prevents the appearance of stretch marks, eliminates constipation and reduces the risk of late toxicosis.
The product contributes to an easier course of childbirth, as it makes the uterus elastic and soft. Therefore, many obstetricians even recommend that pregnant women increase the amount of oil consumed in the last weeks before childbirth.
The product will also only benefit children if taken in the recommended amounts. It strengthens bones, tendons and muscles, regulates the digestive tract, saturates the children's body with nutrients.
How to take olive oil medicinally
In order for the use of oil to produce a therapeutic effect, you need to choose it correctly.
- The unrefined product is considered the most useful, as it is not exposed to high temperatures. But it can only be used as a medicine, for dressing salads and making sauces, it is not suitable for frying.
- It is better to stop your choice on the option with the inscription Extra Virgin.
- It is undesirable to buy a product that says "mix". This suggests that it consists of several varieties, which negatively affects its properties.
The color of the oil may vary depending on the variety of olives, their degree of maturity and harvest time. The product is stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a dark and cool room.
The beneficial properties of the oil are successfully used in the treatment of cholelithiasis, atherosclerosis, diseases of the oral cavity, and liver cleansing.
To dissolve small stones in the gallbladder, the following methods are used:
- Make an enema. Move 100 ml of lemon juice and 100 ml of olive oil. Drink 2-3 hours after the evening meal. Sleep on your right side with a heating pad under your liver. In the morning, cleanse the rectum again with an enema.
- Prepare 500 ml of oil and 500 ml of lemon juice. 6 hours after the last meal, drink 4 tbsp. l. oil and drink it with 1 tbsp. l. juice. Every ¼ hour, repeat the reception. At the end, drink the remaining juice.
Such procedures can be carried out only after consultation with a specialist and laboratory tests, since the consequences can be disastrous. Large stones can get stuck in narrow ducts, and the patient will not avoid surgical intervention.
Warm oil relieves inflammation of the gums. You need to pick up a brush with soft short bristles and, dipping it in oil, gently massage the gums. It is also useful to rinse your mouth with oil for at least 7-9 minutes every day before eating, without swallowing it.
Olive oil on an empty stomach: benefits and harms, how to use
In the first 14 days, it is enough to take 0.5 tbsp. l. in the morning on an empty stomach and ½ hour before the evening meal. Then this amount can be increased to 1 tbsp. l.
During this period, it is necessary to carefully monitor the well-being and condition of the body. In the presence of chronic diseases, an exacerbation may occur, therefore, before starting the reception, it is better to consult with a specialist and constantly be in touch with him.
When losing weight
To quickly lose extra pounds, it is better to drink olive oil not separately, but in combination with honey and lemon. All these components and individually have healing properties, and in combination they give an amazing effect. Honey contributes to the rapid digestion of fats, lemon - removes excess water and lowers cholesterol levels, oil - saturates the body with useful substances.
Such an elixir of health is especially useful to drink during a diet, when the body suffers from a lack of nutrients.
Olive oil in cosmetology
Even in ancient times, rich people used olive oil during various body skin care procedures. Now the product is included in many cosmetic products.
Facial skin benefits
The composition of the oil contains unique substances that rejuvenate, help smooth fine wrinkles, make the skin healthy, radiant, smooth and silky, protect the face from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. The product is hypoallergenic, so it can be used even by people with sensitive skin.
Olive oil:
- slows down the process of aging and withering of the skin;
- starts the process of cell regeneration;
- retains moisture;
- smoothes fine wrinkles;
- cleanses the pores.
The product can be used in its original form. To do this, it is enough to warm it up to a warm state and apply it on the face with a cotton swab along the massage lines. Almost all masks have a contraindication - they can not be applied to the sensitive area around the eyes. An olive mask is an exception to this rule. Not only will it not damage delicate skin, but it will also smooth out existing crow's feet. The oil should be warm, it should be applied with light driving movements. It can be left overnight or blotted after ½ hour with a napkin.
For a change, you can experiment with masks, each time adding new ingredients. Olive oil goes well with any fruit and vegetable. They are crushed into gruel, mixed with oil and applied to the face.
The oil is used as a cosmetic milk, removing decorative cosmetics with it.
Application for hair beauty
Regular use of hair masks will restore their silkiness, elasticity and strength.
Mask recipe:
- Combine olive and sunflower oil in the same ratio.
- Add beaten yolk.
- Apply to curls. Keep for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and shampoo.
You can also prepare a vitamin mixture and consume it regularly. To do this, take half a lemon, squeeze the juice out of it, mix with 200 ml of honey and ¼ tbsp. olive oil. Store the resulting mixture in a cold and dark place and eat 1-2 tsp every day.
For nails
One of the easiest ways to restore strength and beauty to your nails is to massage them with olive oil. Heat a little oil in a water bath until it is pleasantly warm. Soak a cotton pad in it and rub the nail plates with soft but intense movements, as if erasing varnish. After the procedure, additionally massage all the nail plates with your fingers.
To enhance the effect, other oils are added - lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, sandalwood. They will need quite a bit - a few drops per 1.5 tbsp. l. olive oil. As additional ingredients, oil solutions of vitamins E and A are used.
It is also useful to do baths. Warm oil is poured into a small container and the fingertips are lowered into it for 20-25 minutes. To prevent the oil from cooling, place the bowl with it in a small saucepan of hot water. It is desirable to carry out the procedure 2 times a week for a month.
People who have been diagnosed with an inflammatory process in the gallbladder can only consume the product in limited quantities. The oil has a strong choleretic effect, and this can only exacerbate the disease.
It is enough to consume 15-17 ml of oil per day. It is very high in calories, so people who are trying to lose weight need to take this fact into account.
Only oil that has not been exposed to high temperatures brings benefits to the body. As a result of frying, it loses almost all useful properties and can even be harmful.
Knowing how to take olive oil, you can not only cheer up and improve well-being, but also strengthen the body.