Best Benefits Of Olive Oil For Skin, Hair, And Health
Did you know that olive oil was popularly called ‘liquid gold’ in the ancient world? Here are the best benefits of olive oil that will make you add them to your oils at home. Most chefs today recommend its use. But did you know that olive oil is used to improve your skin health too?
Does it pique your interest? Good, because I have a health fact to share with you.
“People from the Mediterranean, where olive oil is grown and consumed the most, have the lowest mortality rates in the world when it comes to cardiovascular diseases.”
Wait, there is more.
The benefits of olive oil are many. Weight loss, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, arthritis — name it, and olive oil has a cure for it.
Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of olive oil. Are you ready?
Scientific Name – Olea europaea
Native – Mediterranean Basin
Olive oil is extracted from the olive fruit. From ruling our kitchens to taking over the cosmetic world, olive oil has become a rage all over the world in recent times.
Types of olive oil:
When you go shopping, a good variety of olive oils catch your attention. If you are wondering what they are all about, the next few minutes will give you an insight into that
1.Virgin Olive Oil –
The most popular variety, virgin olive oil is a well-known cooking oil with a surprisingly low acid content. It is best suitable for people who want to enjoy the benefits of olive oil without spending a bomb.
2.Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Made by cold pressing olive fruit, this oil is considered to be the best for our body. But mind you, not everybody can afford to use extra virgin oil due to its high cost.
3.Pure Olive Oil –
This oil is actually an amalgamation of refined and virgin olive oils. It has a high acidic content, and hence is unsuit9able for use.
Lampante Oil –
The type that is used only as a fuel and is not suitable for cooking.
Now that you know the types, let’s move on to the benefits. The Many Benefits Of Olive Oil
Benefits For Skin
Moisturizes Skin
Improves Skin Health
Helps Remove Makeup
Has Anti-Aging Properties
As A Lip Scrub
Cures Cracked Heels
Treats Diaper rashes
Serves as a shaving cream
Benefits For Hair
Keeps Hair Healthy
Can Be Used As A Pre-shampoo Treatment
Benefits For Health
Improves Nail Health
Helps Prevent Breast Cancer
Helps Prevent Diabetes
Prevents Alzheimer’s
Strengthens Bones
Treats Depression
Aids Weight Loss
Controls Cholesterol
Relieves Constipation
Helps Eliminate Kidney Stones
Helps Dilute Ear Wax
Helps Preventing Strokes
Acts As A Pain Relief
Skin Benefits Of Olive Oil
You are watching a video on YouTube when up pops an advertisement where a celebrity is bragging about her favorite skin cream while convincing you how it worked for her. And you rushed to a cosmetic shop to buy the cream, only to realize it is wildly expensive.
What if we told you olive oil offers the same benefits as some of the costly cosmetic products in the market?
Here’s why you should prefer olive oil over all the chemical-laden skin creams in the market.
1.Moisturizes Skin
Before we proceed, I have a few questions in mind.
Do you religiously go for an in-house moisturizing session after every shower?
Do you finish a bottle of body lotion within a month?
Are you willing to experiment with some natural product in place of your regular branded lotion?
A solution that will last longer without as many side effects?
If you replied in the affirmative to at least one or all of my questions, go for olive oil.
This oil contains a good amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from various external factors like the harsh sunrays or the wind . The light texture of olive oil makes it a perfect non-sticky moisturizer that stays for long and suits all skin types .
What You Need
1 spoon of extra virgin olive oil
What You Need To Do
- After you have showered, leave your skin a little damp and massage the olive oil onto your face.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with lukewarm water.
Note: If you have dry skin, apply the oil to your face before going to bed, and let it stay on overnight. You can remove the oil in the morning with the help of a gentle face wash and some warm water.
2.Improves Skin Health
When it comes to beauty, most of us swear by natural ingredients. All we want is a glowing skin. No matter how many creams are there on your shelf, for a quick fix, we always reach out for a fruit pulp or a vegetable juice extract.
How can olive oil help?
Olive oil contains vitamin E, which improves skin health by treating inflammation, acne, and protecting the skin from serious ailments like psoriasis and skin cancer.
Honey acts as a humectant while yogurt does the job of a gentle exfoliant, thereby enhancing skin health.
What You Need
• 1/3 cup of yogurt
• ¼ cup of honey
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
What You Need To Do
Mix the ingredients thoroughly till you get a thick solution.
Apply this solution on your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water.
You can follow this remedy once a week.
3.Helps Remove Makeup
Are you in a dilemma over your makeup remover brand? Don’t fret.
Virgin olive oil is an easy and comparatively cheap alternative to market brands.
Besides, where can you find a product that does the job without harming your skin? I always recommend natural remedies as I have sensitive skin that suffers blisters or rashes if there’s the slightest variation in the products.
What You Need
• 1/3 cup of yogurt
• ¼ cup of honey
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
What You Need To Do
- Dip a couple of cotton balls in olive oil and rub them over your face to remove makeup.
- You can also moisten a cotton pad with olive oil and use it to remove makeup on your eyes. In addition to removing makeup, the oil can also soften the skin around your eyes.
4.Has Anti-Aging Properties
As you age, your skin starts to sag and develop wrinkles. You can delay these signs of aging with olive oil.
What You Need
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vineger
• A pinch of sea salt
What You Need To Do
Massage your face with a few drops of olive oil.
Mix the remaining oil with sea salt to make an exfoliant.
Add the lemon juice for a refreshing feeling.
Rub this mixture on those areas on your face that are dry, rough, and scaly.
5.As A Lip Scrub
We live in a world of Instagram and Facebook, where we proudly post our selfies, showing off our pout. And if it has to be a pretty picture, you might as well take care of your lips.
Did you know olive oil can make your lips supple and pretty?
What You Need
• Crushed brown sugar
• A few drops of olive oil
• A dash of lemon juice
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients and scrub your lips for five minutes just before you head to bed.
- Olive oil helps smoothen your chapped lips. Sugar and lemon act as exfoliating agents.
- Heals Cracked Heels
If your cracked heels are stopping you from putting your best foot forward (pun intended!), try olive oil. Exfoliate your heels using hot lemon water and rub olive oil on them generously for added moisture and smoothness. You can wear socks for quick relief.
Now that you know how olive oil benefits your skin, don’t you want to know how it can benefit your hair? Read on.
Hair Benefits Of Olive Oil
I have envied Rapunzel’s long tresses ever since I was a kid. I’m sure many of you can relate to what I am talking about. What if I told you it’s not so difficult to get thick, long hair like Rapunzel? Excited? Read on to know how.
1.Keeps Hair Health
Olive oil, in combination with a few other ingredients, can work wonders to keep your hair healthy. The oil is rich in vitamin E that helps fight hair loss . Honey moisturizes your hair. It also contains other nutrients like magnesium, zinc, sulfur, calcium, and B vitamins that aid hair growth The egg yolk is rich in protein, a nutrient that is the primary constituent of hair .
What You Need
• ½ a cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• A egg yolk
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly till you get a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste to your hair and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water, and then follow up with a conditioner.
2.Can Be Used As A Pre-shampoo Treatment
I remember, as a kid, my mom gave me an oil massage before a shampoo so my hair could imbibe the goodness of the oil. Though I hated being all oily at that time, eventually, I understood how important this process was for my hair.
An olive oil massage before shampoo helps in giving a distinct shine and strength to your hair.
What You Need
A small cup of olive oil plus GLB hair growth oil
What You Need To Do
Heat a some of theses oils and apply it on your hair generously, especially on the scalp and the ends.
Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Olive oil and GLB hair growth stimulate growth moisturizes your hair and reduces scalp irritation.
Serves as Diaper-Rash Treatment
There are very few products that are safe for both babies and adults. Olive oil is perfect for the sensitive skin on a baby’s bottom and as a moisturizing remedy for cradle cap too.
3.Serves Shaving Cream
Run out of shaving cream? Head to the kitchen and slather legs with olive oil before applying the blade. You’ll ward off razor burn and bumps with the help of this natural lubricant.
Health Benefits Of Olive Oil
The benefits of olive oil are not limited to just enhancing your beauty. You
1Improves Nail Health
Nails can say a lot about your health. If you look pale, doctors often check your nails. Dull, lifeless, brittle nails are a few problems we encounter. But did you know olive oil can actually improve nail health?
If you are planning to flaunt that trendy nail art for your best friend’s wedding, you need to first start caring for your nails so they look healthy.
The vitamin E in olive oil can improve the appearance of nails affected by an ailment.
What You Need
2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil
What You Need To Do
- Simply dip a cotton ball in olive oil and dab it on your nails.
- You can let it stay for about 30 minutes before washing it off with normal water.
2.Helps Prevent Breast Cancer
Olive oil and cancer — the correlation can be coined as absurd. But using olive oil in cooking can help prevent breast cancer.
In a Saudi Arabian study, it was found that oleuropein, a natural compound found in olive leaf, has potential anti-breast cancer properties (10).
In another clinical trial conducted in Spain, it was found that women who consumed a diet containing olive oil were 62 percent less likely to contract breast cancer.
2.Helps Prevent Diabete
Including olive oil in your diet can also keep your blood sugar under control. Trust the many studies that prove this little fact.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a diet rich in mono and polyunsaturated fats, like the one that contains olive oil, can help prevent diabetes .
In another study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consumption of olive oil was linked to a reduced risk of diabetes in women .
3.Prevents Alzheimer’s
According to the Scientific American, oleocanthal in olive oil can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease . The American Chemical Society has also come up with similar findings.
In an American study, extra virgin olive oil was found to improve learning and memory in mice, supporting the possibility of its replication in humans suffering from Alzheimer’s .
4.Strengthens Bones
If you thought calcium alone made your bones strong. Here’s news — olive oil too can strengthen the bones.
In a study that involved men consuming a Mediterranean diet, it was found that olive oil might contribute to strong bones. Their blood was found to contain higher levels of osteocalcin, which was an indication of healthy bone formation.
5.Treats Depression
We all have our share of mood swings. Our state of mind depends on a lot of things. Thankfully, there are a few foods that act as antidepressants. And you can count olive oil among them.
One of the amazing benefits of olive oil is to treat depression. Olive oil can increase the levels of serotonin, the brain chemical. This, it has been found, is similar to the effect of some antidepressants.
6.Aids Weight Loss
Losing weight was never this easy. What if you could lose weight while snacking on your favorite food? No kidding here!
Have your favorite Italian pasta or a salad drizzled with olive oil and watch yourself go from flab to fab.
A study published in the Harvard School of Public Health had supported the efficacy of olive oil in aiding weight loss. The weight loss that occurred due to two different types of diets (a moderate-fat Mediterranean diet that includes olive oil, and a lowfat diet) were compared. By the end of the study, only 20 percent of the volunteers in the low-fat group were still following the diet.Controls Cholesterol
You can lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your body by using of olive oil.
Olive oil contains minimum levels of saturated and polyunsaturated fats. This property gives it the ability to control blood cholesterol levels in the body. Olive oil contains the highest level of monounsaturated fat – around 75-80%, which helps build good cholesterol and HDL in the body.
Oh no, I’m not stating this fact without scientific proof.
Research conducted at the University of Minnesota has shown that while Greek, Cretan, and other Mediterranean population ate almost as much dietary fat as Americans, they had significantly lower rates of heart disease. The difference is being pointed to the Mediterranean’s consumption of extra virgin olive oil.
Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain found in a study that an extra virgin olive oil rich diet lowered the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. It is also linked to an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol in the human body.
7.Relieves Constipation
Use olive oil as a remedy for constipation.
Olive oil benefits the gastrointestinal tract and colon . The consistency and texture of olive oil help in stimulating your digestive system, making food move smoothly through the colon. When you take this oil on a regular basis, it helps in completely preventing constipation.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats This helps in increasing mobility so that food can move through the colon without any problem. It also helps in speeding up bowel evacuation and prevents constipation.
This oil is rich in vitamins E and K, iron, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients improve your overall health, including the digestive tract, and help prevent constipation as well.
How To Use
Olive oil can be used in many different ways for the treatment of constipation. Take a look:
Raw Olive Oil
Have one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil twice a day. Take the first tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach and the second one an hour before you go to bed. If you forget to take it while your stomach is empty, wait a few hours after you have eaten. Repeat this every day until constipation is relieved.
Olive Oil With Fruit
If you do not like the taste of raw olive oil, you can combine it with a fibrous fruit like apple or orange. First, take a tablespoon of the oil in the morning and then eat the fruit. If it does not help, take another tablespoon in the evening with veggies such as broccoli that are rich in fiber. Do this on a regular basis until you obtain relief.
Olive Oil With Orange Juice
Add one teaspoon of olive oil to a glass of orange juice and drink it every morning on an empty stomach. It will help in lubricating your system all day long and keeps you healthy. You can also try olive oil with a cup of coffee.
Olive Oil With Lemon Juice
Mixing a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice is also an effective way to treat constipation naturally. Drink this mixture once every day. You can also take one teaspoon of olive oil with a wedge of lemon in the evening to lubricate your system and to keep your colon from drying while you sleep.
Olive Oil With Milk
This is a great remedy for severe constipation. All you need to do is add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to a cup of warm milk. Mix it well and make sure your stomach is empty when you drink it. Do this regularly to get rid of constipation.
8.Aids to Eliminate Kidney Stones
Olive oil consumption can also help dissolve kidney stones .
What You Need
• 2 ounces of lemon juice
• 2 ounces of olive oil
• Water
What You Need To Do
Take around 2 quarts of water in a pan and heat it on a medium flame.
Let it boil. Once it has reached the boiling point, remove from the heat.
Add around 2 ounces of fresh lemon juice and some extra virgin olive oil.
Mix properly and store the water in the refrigerator after it has completely cooled down.
9.Helps Dilute Ear Wax
Using olive oil to clean ear wax is a good idea .
To prevent the onset of cerumen impaction, experts recommend using olive oil to remove wax from your ears. In most cases, when you try to clean impacted earwax, the hardened wax chunks move further back into the ear canal.
This is where olive oil comes in handy. It helps to soften the cerumen, making it easier for you to remove earwax. Once it has been sufficiently softened, the wax gets broken down into smaller pieces, and often moves to the outer edge of your air canal, where it can be safely and thoroughly cleaned with a soft cloth or tissue.
What You Need
• Olive oil
• A dropper
What You Need To Do
- Heat a small amount of the oil a little above room temperature. Warm olive oil will help break down the earwax. Make sure it is not too hot as it can burn your ear canal. It should be about as hot as your body, and not more than that.
- Fill a clean dropper with just a couple of drops of the oil. You do not need more than ¾ of a standard-sized dropper.
- Gently let the oil drop into your ear canal. Make sure your head is tilted sideways so that your ears are pointed upwards. Squeeze in one drop first, and if it feels alright, slowly dispense the remaining oil.
- Leave the oil to do its work for about 10 to 15 minutes. To help the oil penetrate, shift your ear canal by opening and closing your mouth gently. You can also massage the area under your ear. If you need to move, holding a cotton swab over your ear can prevent the oil from spilling out.
- Once the oil has softened the earwax, turn your head so that the oil can spill out. You can rinse it off by using a dropper filled with warm water to flush the oil out. You can also let water into your ear while showering and then let it drain out.
- Lastly, wipe off any excess oil from the outer part of your ear with a soft cloth or tissue.
You can repeat this method several times a week as required. While a few people say that it should be done two to four times a day, others recommend the treatment only a few times a week. It takes some patience with this remedy as it can take up to two weeks for even minor cases to clear up completely.
10.Prevents Strokes
You may not know this but the daily consumption of extra virgin oil can help prevent strokes in the elderly .
A study has shown that older people who adopted olive oil in their diet were 41% less susceptible to the risk of strokes. We all know that strokes occur due to blood clot in the blood vessels connecting to the brain, which can even lead to brain damage and, eventually, death. Olive oil helps in diluting these clots, ensuring proper blood flow to the brain.
12.Acts As A Pain Relief
Be it external or internal injury, extra virgin olive oil is known to relieve pain.
The presence of a compound called oleocanthal in olive oil makes it an anti-inflammatory agent that can cure any type of disease, be it topical or chro
Not mentioning the proper process of selection after enumerating the numerous benefits is like luring a kid with candy without giving him one. Let’s take a look at the selection process of olive oil.
Best way to choose the best quality for use
There are five things you need to keep in mind while choosing olive oil.
1.The first thing you need to do is verify if it is extra virgin olive oil. Turn the bottle around and look for the term ‘extra virgin’. But then, there are other parameters too.
2.Check where the oil is from. If you find a lot many countries listed on the backside label of the bottle, it is pretty obvious that the oil has traveled a long way before reaching the store, and there is a high possibility that it is degraded.
3.Look for the harvest date. It is important to note that olive oil is unlike wine — it doesn’t get better with age. The oil can be good for about two years if stored in optimum conditions (inside a dark cupboard at room temperature). If you don’t see a harvest date mentioned anywhere, it’s better you replace the bottle on the rack and check for something else.
4.Remember to smell it and taste it. Of course, you can’t do that at the store. But make sure you smell the oil and taste a little of it once you have brought it home. If you encounter any off-odors—that of old peanut butter, wax, or sweaty socks—return the oil to the store saying it is rancid.
5.Favor domestic oil. Well, high-quality olive oil is produced all over the world. But, according to research, olive oils produced in the domestic country consistently score higher in quality than the imports.
How to store olive oil at home
The storage of a product is as important as the selection, if not more.
Just note these simple pointers to ensure the longevity of your olive oil.
• Choose a cool and dark place to store the oil.
• Ensure the oil is away from heat, air, and light.
• Store the oil in a dark or opaque glass bottle, or a stainless steel container.
• Ensure the lid of the bottle is closed tight.
GLB tip: Thankfully, olive oil has a longer shelf life when compared to normal cooking oils. Some varieties can even last three years.
Cooking With Olive Oil
You can ideally use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a perfect condiment – drizzled over fish, steamed or baked vegetables, salad dressings, bread, cookies, etc.
GLB Note: It is important to note that olive oil has a lower smoke point (the temperature at which the oil begins to break down, losing its beneficial properties) as compared to other oils. Also, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than normal olive oil. So, ensure that you use extra virgin olive oil for cooking on medium/low heat (between 250 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
A Word Of Caution
Though olive oil has a lot of benefits, it does have some side effects, which you cannot afford to ignore. Take a look:
• Olive oil can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. When someone who is allergic to olive oil applies it on their skin, the immune system sets off to attack it. This causes the body to produce antibodies, resulting in common food allergy symptoms. People who are allergic to olive oil may develop eczema and skin rashes that can prove to be itchy.
Hence, it is always better to do a patch test before using the oil topically. In case of any allergic reaction, consult your allergist or dermatologist immediately.
• Since olive oil is rich in calories, its overconsumption can cause the risk of heart diseases. Make sure you don’t use more than 2 tablespoons of olive oil on a daily basis.
• If you are diabetic and going through a scheduled medication, consult your doctor before using oil. Olive oil may react with the medications and cause a further drop in your sugar levels, which can be fatal.
• Using more than the advised quantity of olive oil can also cause a massive fall in your blood pressure levels, gallbladder blockage, and several other diseases.
• Too much of olive oil may have a completely opposite effect on your weight, owing to the high-fat content in the oil.
• Don’t heat olive oil for too long (more than 20 to 30 seconds) as it has a tendency to burn quickly, making it lose most of its beneficial properties.
• Never apply the oil to wounds or cuts without prior consultation.
• Decrease the dosage of oil when cooking for pregnant or lactating women.
Conclusion
Use olive oil for smooth, supple, and flawless skin. Scrubbing a bit of this oil on your lips and heels makes them even and pretty.
This unique oil also makes your hair healthy and shiny. Olive oil has also proved to be very effective in curing diabetes, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, obesity, and kidney stones.
Now, didn’t I tell you how olive oil was truly amazing? Why not give it a try and see the results for yourself?
And for those who have already been using olive oil,were you aware of all the benefits and uses highlighted in the article? Also, what made you switch to this light oil? How is your experience with this oil so far? Do tell us in the comment section below.
Nature cares,Be natural !
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