There are many beauty and health benefits of extra virgin olive oil that will help you look great!
It is so versatile it can be used internally or externally.
Taken internally, olive oil promotes better digestion, stimulates metabolism, and lubricates mucous membranes. It can also be applied externally, for dry skin, nails, and hair!
Make sure you buy Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil too. It’s the one with the most nutritional value! Cold pressing is a very slow process in which olive oil is extracted from olives. It is a healthier technique and gives you 100% olive oil with no additives. That's what makes it so much better for you!
One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat. The beneficial fat it contains is called monounsaturated fat, called Omega 3 fatty acids, which has a calming effect on blood cholesterol levels. In those Mediterranean countries where olive oil is consumed a lot, (such as Greece, Italy and Spain), there is a low incidence of cardiovascular disease.
The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil helps protect your body's digestive tract. Ancient civilizations used olive oil to heal wounds. Today it is not only considered a good remedy for skin problems but is also an effective moisturizer. Olive oil benefits are simple yet extremely effective.
Components
Olive oil contains 77% monounsaturated fatty acids, 14% saturated fatty acids and 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and Vitamin E.
Lowers Cholesterol
The Monosaturated fats in Extra Virgin Olive Oil help lower LDL, (bad), Cholesterol without affecting the HDL, (good), levels.
You can take 1 tsp. twice daily to help lower your Cholesterol levels. If you take too much Olive Oil at one time, you might actually raise levels.
Never take large amounts of Olive Oil right before taking a Cholesterol test at your doctor’s office! Temporarily it will raise your cholesterol levels before lowering it, so it's not a good time to get it tested.
Help for Digestion and Constipation
Take 1 – 2 teaspoons of Olive Oil daily on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve an upset stomach, flatulence, and heartburn.
For constipation, take 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. The better your body is able to get rid of waste products, the more weight you'll lose. You can also use Olive Oil as an enema. Use 1 tablespoon mixed with around 20 oz. boiling water, cooled to lukewarm, and mix together. The rest is up to you!
The Antioxidant Benefit
Olive Oil contains the antioxidant Vitamin E. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. They are therefore less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and can cause Cancer.
Moisturizing Qualities
Olive Oil applied to the skin or hair and nails, and is an excellent way to moisturize.
To moisturize the skin, apply olive oil to dry spots or stretch marks. You will love how soft and supple your skin feels!
Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil to build strong fingernails and soften cuticles. Apply a teaspoon or so of Olive Oil to your hands and nails overnight, then put gloves on. Wear them overnight. Gradually you’ll notice a big difference in the strength of your nails. They will become much more resistant to cracking, breaking, chipping, or tearing.
Apply a generous amount of Olive Oil overnight on your hair. Wear a cap if you can, or wrap your hair in a secure towel, so you don’t mess up the sheets or pillowcases. Shampoo as usual the next day. Your hair might be flat or limp for a day or so, but the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. It really leaves hair soft and silky!
I’ve also read that Olive Oil, applied to the scalp can help prevent hair loss. To do this, massage it into the scalp overnight for at least 8 days. Let it work on the scalp overnight and shampoo and condition in the morning. I don’t know if this is true or not, but it might be worth a try.
Ear Infections
Lukewarm olive oil can be used to treat ear infections or earaches. Place a few drops of warm olive oil in your ear and lie down for 5 minutes on the opposite side. Allow the olive oil to saturate your inner ear. You may not be able to hear during this time, so don't be alarmed. Turn over and allow the olive oil to flow out of your ear. For earaches, soak a cotton ball in olive oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain dissipates.
Fat Levels Found in Various Oils
Type of Oil
Monunsaturated
Polyunsaturated
Saturated
Canola
58.9
29.6
7.1
Coconut
5.8
1.8
86.5
Corn
12.7
58.7
24.2
Flaxseed
22
74
4
Grapeseed
16.1
69.9
8.1
Olive
77
8.4
13.5
Palm
37
9.3
49.3
Peanut
46.2
32
16.9
Safflower
12.6
73.4
9.6
Sesame
39.7
41.7
14.2
Soybean
23.3
41.7
14.4
You can easily see how wonderful and beneficial extra virgin olive oil really is! If you want to get the most health benefits from using it, use cold pressed olive oil.