The Top 10 Benefits of Olive Oil
There are many different types of cooking oils you can use, but olive oil tends to be one of the most popular.
You can use it in nearly every meal, from breakfast to dinner, and there are quite a few benefits that come with it as well. Keep reading to learn more about the top 10 benefits of olive oil!
1) Weight loss
Olive oil is a healthy fat that can help to reduce weight. It is high in monounsaturated fats, which are known to help with weight loss. Additionally, olive oil can help to reduce belly fat.
It is also a satiating food, meaning it can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. Finally, olive oil has been shown to boost metabolism and increase the number of calories burned.
People who consume diets rich in olive oil have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than those who do not.
One study found that people who increased their intake of extra-virgin olive oil over two years had a decrease in weight, waist circumference, and abdominal fat area.
It may be good for your heart: Studies show that people on Mediterranean diets rich in olive oil have decreased risks for heart disease and stroke compared to those on typical Western diets.
One study found an inverse relationship between dietary pattern emphasizing fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, nuts and cereals such as breads or pasta mixed with olive oil reduced risk for death from coronary heart disease by 27%.
There's more: Olive oil can also be good for your brain! One study found that when older adults consumed one liter of olive oil per week for six months, they improved cognitive function.
Furthermore, according to Harvard Medical School, studies suggest consuming unsaturated fats like olive oil may protect against Alzheimer’s Disease because they affect beta amyloid plaques - abnormal clumps of protein that form on nerve cells and cause degeneration in the brain.
Olive oil can even help you keep a healthy digestive system! The main component in this edible item is oleic acid - a type of monounsaturated fatty acid linked to helping regulate inflammation levels throughout the gut wall.
Olive oil also contains phenolic compounds - natural plant substances known for their antioxidant activity and ability to reduce oxidative stress inside cells.
2) Prevents diabetes
1. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body turn sugar into energy.
2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of those, about 7 million don’t even know they have it.
3. Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of toes, feet, or legs.
4. Research has shown that olive oil may help prevent diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. In other words, olive oil keeps your cells sensitive to insulin so your blood sugar levels stay within normal ranges.
5. Researchers looked at 20 men with prediabetes who ate a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or mixed nuts for one year. The study found that eating the Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil was more effective at reducing blood sugar levels over time than eating the Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts.
6. The results suggest that using extra-virgin olive oil as part of a healthy lifestyle may be an effective way to help prevent diabetes among prediabetic individuals who are not taking medication but want to reduce their risk factors as much as possible.
7. So next time you cook dinner, grab some extra-virgin olive oil! It’s versatile and delicious.
8. Extra-virgin olive oil also offers these additional benefits:
9. It can improve skin elasticity, resulting in fewer wrinkles on the face.
10. It can also lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, making it beneficial for cardiovascular .
11. And because it's rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, extra-virgin olive oil might protect against cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer.
12. When eaten raw, such as drizzled on salads or cooked vegetables, this tasty fat is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols.
13. Plus, it tastes great! If you're looking for a healthy alternative to butter or margarine, try adding a spoonful of extra-virgin olive oil to your dish instead.
14. It’s available in grocery stores everywhere and its versatility makes it an incredibly valuable addition to any kitchen.
15. Whether used for sautéing or baking, cooking or dressing up dishes, it provides unique flavor and unmatched nutrition benefits for everyone at the table – from kids to adults.
16. Cooking with extra-virgin olive oil provides numerous perks: 17. You get healthy nutrients from natural ingredients
18. You enjoy flavorful meals without salt 19 . You keep saturated fats low 20 . You boost heart health 21 . You promote weight loss 22 . You stabilize blood sugar 23 ..
3) Hair treatment
When it comes to hair, olive oil is most commonly used as a deep conditioning treatment. To use, simply massage the oil into your scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap, and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing out.
You can also add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for an extra moisture boost. In addition to its conditioning benefits, olive oil can also help with dandruff, frizz, and split ends.
Olive oil makes a great makeup remover: It not only removes dirt and excess oils but leaves skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. Plus, since olive oil is hypoallergenic, there’s no need to worry about irritation.
Use on acne: If you struggle with pimples and cystic acne, try rubbing some pure, cold-pressed olive oil on the area at night before bedtime (or anytime during the day). The natural antioxidants in olive oil will help reduce inflammation and heal the area faster.
Cold sores/fever blisters: These are another pesky problem that often require prescription medication.
However, if you dab a little bit of olive oil onto the sore 3 times daily, you should see improvement within 2 days! Another added benefit? The high oleic acid content helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels by reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Want to know more?
While we could go on and on about all the amazing benefits that come from adding this kitchen staple to your diet (from cooking meals, to homemade beauty products), we hope these top ten have helped convince you just how amazing this liquid gold really is!
4) Natural facial cleanser
When it comes to cleansing your face, olive oil does a fantastic job at dissolving makeup, dirt, and other impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Simply massage a small amount of oil into your skin and rinse with warm water.
Your skin will feel soft, supple, and healthy in no time! Not only that, but it will also be better able to resist the dryness and flakiness that can come from using harsh soaps or heavy moisturizers.
It's also important to note that when you use soap on your skin instead of olive oil, the body is unable to produce as much vitamin D since there are no fats on the surface anymore.
Since people often think of milk when they hear about this vitamin, it may seem strange for the fat in milk not to provide enough; however dairy products contain other fat sources which have different effects on our bodies than what we get from an ingredient like olive oil! If you need any more convincing that all-natural facial cleansers like olive oil work wonders, just try out this simple recipe:
'twelve teaspoons raw organic honey
two tablespoons extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
one teaspoon lavender essential oil'
Mix these ingredients together until well combined, then store in a glass jar. Use this product twice daily by spreading onto dampened skin and washing off with cool water.
There are many benefits to making your own personal care products rather than purchasing them pre-made! For example, the lack of chemicals used in homemade cosmetics means that you're less likely to break out due to clogged pores.
You'll also be saving money and helping the environment by cutting down on packaging waste! The best part? All you need are some basic kitchen staples (like eggs, honey, and sugar) plus a few more specific items depending on what kind of cosmetic item you want to make.
Here are five recipes for common beauty products perfect for summertime!
Many people turn to cooking their meals rather than going out because of high gas prices - if you know how to cook, now is a great time to start getting those cooking skills up so that you don't have to worry about driving everywhere.
5) Anti-aging benefits
The antioxidants in olive oil are thought to protect cells from damage. These same antioxidants may also help reduce inflammation, which can lead to premature aging. Additionally, oleic acid, a compound found in olive oil, has been shown to increase collagen production.
Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin looking plump and smooth. So it’s no wonder people have been using olive oil for centuries as an anti-aging remedy. Many cultures around the world - including Greece, Spain, Italy and Morocco - use olive oil as part of their beauty routines.
They believe that massaging their faces with the natural product keeps them looking youthful. For those who want to try this home remedy, experts recommend heating some olive oil in your hands before rubbing it on your face.
Rub gently all over your face, neck and décolleté for about five minutes before washing off with warm water. Try applying some right after a shower when your pores are open.
Another option is to place two tablespoons of the liquid into an organic cotton pad and wipe it over the areas you want to treat. As well as working wonders on wrinkles, many find that regular use softens facial lines caused by sun exposure or smoking
6) Helps in digestion
When you consume olive oil, it sends a signal to the gallbladder to release bile. Bile is an acid that helps break down fats so that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, olive oil can help stimulate peristalsis, which is the movement of food through your digestive tract.
As a result, olive oil can help prevent constipation and promote regularity. It also has been found to help relieve gas and stomach bloating. Improves cardiovascular health: The polyphenols in olives have been shown to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation by free radicals.
And consuming polyphenols in moderation can lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Furthermore, polyphenols are believed to inhibit tumor growth and cancer cell formation. Decreases risk for diabetes: Studies show that monounsaturated fat reduces insulin resistance - thus decreasing one's risk for developing type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes - when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet with exercise regularly incorporated.
With a low glycemic index and low-calorie content, it’s also ideal for weight loss efforts. Inhibits wrinkles: Consumption of olive oil leads to production of protective compounds on the skin called squalene and oleic acid, according to research published in 2013.
Increases HDL cholesterol levels: Another component in extra virgin olive oil is alpha-linolenic acid which is considered good because studies show that those who eat foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid have higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol than those who don't eat these foods;
increasing HDL has proven benefits on the cardiovascular system by lowering bad cholesterol while boosting good.
7) For skin and hair care as well as body massages, etc.
1. It is rich in antioxidants and thus helps to delay the aging process. 2. It is a natural moisturizer that can keep skin hydrated and supple. 3. It can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 4. It can help to protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays.
5. It can be used as a natural treatment for dandruff and other scalp conditions. 6. It can help to nourish and condition the hair, making it soft and shiny. 7. It can be used as a natural massage oil, which can help to relax the body and mind.
8. It can be added to a bath or foot soak to soften and soothe the skin. 9. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides when consumed on a regular basis.
10. Finally, it is non-allergenic and safe for people with food allergiesallergies because it does not contain any traces of gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts or tree nuts. The majority of these benefits are due to its high content of healthy fats, such as oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.
As such, olive oil should be an essential part of your diet and your beauty routine! Here are some great ways to incorporate this staple into your everyday lifelife 1) Add about one tablespoon of cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil to your morning coffee for increased energy and improved brain function.
2) Add one tablespoon of cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil to your breakfast cereal for a healthy dose of vitamin E, selenium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. 3) Replace butter with cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil while cooking if you want an alternative that's healthier than traditional oils.
4) Use two tablespoons in place of butter or margarine while baking breads and pastries if you want something better than shortening.
8) Combats coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis
Olive oil has been used as a natural remedy for centuries, and for good reason. Its unique properties make it an effective treatment for a number of ailments, including coughs, colds, sore throats, and bronchitis.
Here are the top 10 benefits of olive oiloil -It can help reduce pain and inflammation
-Improves skin complexion
-Keeps hair healthy and shiny
-Improves digestive health
-Helps prevent cancer
-Lowers cholesterol levels
-Enhances eye health
-Boosts brain functionfunction -Provides antioxidants to cells
-Treats menstrual cramps
-Relieves arthritis pain
-Increases energy levelslevels A tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil on salad or in a meal is enough to give you a boost. Extra-virgin means that the olives were cold-pressed rather than heated, which preserves nutrients and improves taste.
Prevents dental problems: Dental plaque is dangerous because it leads to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, heart disease and more. But brushing your teeth with just one teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil will remove harmful bacteria from your mouth for up to 24 hours! Try this two times per day for optimal results!
9) Good for teeth, gums and mouth hygiene
If you're looking for a natural way to improve your oral health, olive oil may be a good option. A review of studies published in the International Journal of Dentistry found that olive oil can help reduce plaque and gingivitis, and it may also be effective at fighting bacteria that cause bad breath.
Additionally, swishing olive oil around in your mouth for two minutes can help increase saliva production, which can protect your teeth from cavities. It's important to note that while most research has been done on extra-virgin olive oil, even regular olive oil contains some healthy properties.
The key is to find an organic, cold-pressed variety because heat processing can damage many of the beneficial compounds. Also remember not to brush your teeth for 30 minutes after consuming any type of oil or fat, since doing so will wash away much of its protective benefits.
Olive oil can help make skin smoother: Massaging moisturizer made with olive oil into dry skin or cracked heels before bedtime has been shown to significantly reduce , roughness and itchiness over time.
10) It can treat acne & pimples
If you’re dealing with pimples or acne, you can use olive oil as a natural remedy. All you need to do is apply a small amount of olive oil to the affected area and massage it in for a few minutes.
You can then leave it on overnight or wash it off after a few hours. Repeat this process daily until your pimples or acne disappear. It will help remove dirt and dead skin cells that have built up due to excessive washing, without stripping away the protective layer of oils that prevents irritation.
It's also gentle enough for even sensitive skin types. It's packed with antioxidants: Antioxidants are vital for fighting free radicals in the body that may cause oxidative stress and damage cells—especially those which are living near cancerous tissue.
In fact, one study found that people who consumed diets rich in plant-based foods had higher levels of circulating antioxidants (specifically vitamin E) than those who consumed diets high in animal fats.
So it makes sense that olive oil has some powerful antioxidants that make it one of the healthiest foods around! However, if you're buying cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil, be sure to store it in a cool dark place to avoid rancidity.
It's good for digestion: Olive oil aids in digestion by stimulating the gallbladder to produce bile, which breaks down fat into smaller pieces so they can be digested more easily.
The monounsaturated fat content of olive oil helps control blood sugar levels and slows down carbohydrate absorption - both major factors when looking at ways to maintain optimal digestive health.