Benefits of olive oil: nutritional, therapeutic and cosmetic

 

The benefits of olive oil are many and varied. 

It is an essential element 

6in the lives of the peoples of the Mediterranean basin. It is 

characterized by high nutritional, therapeutic and medicinal value, 

which is why it is called the green gold of the Mediterranean countries.

Olive oil is excellent for health, 

and an essential component of any healthy diet.

 It helps fight cholesterol,

 detoxify and regenerate cells. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, 

especially when eaten raw. It retains excellent nutritional properties after cooking at high temperatures.

Before going into details about the benefits of olive oil, let’s take a historical look at

 the origin of the olive tree and the use of its oil.

olive Tree

The olive tree is the oldest tree in known human history. 

Some historians trace its history back to 60 thousand years ago, 

and it used to grow wild in the countries of the Mediterranean basin.

 Specialists say that the Phoenicians were the ones who began planting this sacred tree. 

The ancient Egyptians also knew it before they cultivated it later, but they did not extract its oil until 2,000 years after its cultivation. 

It was said that it was one of the secrets of mummification.

The olive tree is a blessed tree, sacred to the heavenly religions and pagans. 

It symbolizes life, immortality, and strength. It also symbolizes peace,

 because the white dove that the Prophet Noah sent to find out if the flood had receded returned with an olive branch, 

which was evidence of the subsidence of the flood and the appearance of dry land.

Old olive oil

Olive oil was first used in ancient times to preserve foodstuffs from spoilage. 

His trade began with the ancient Phoenician, 

then Greek and Roman civilizations.

Later, its use developed to be consumed directly in food, to light lamps, and then for medicine and beauty.

pe olive fruits. 

Olive oil is considered the only oil that can be used in its raw form, 

as it is used in cooking and preparing salads, as it has nutritional, 

therapeutic and medicinal value because it contains a high percentage of vitamins, fatty acids, 

minerals, essential elements, and a high percentage of antioxidants that prevent the growth and spread of roots. 

Free radicals in the body, which damage its cells.

What is olive oil?

Olive oil is extracted from ripe olive fruits. 

Olive oil is considered the only oil that can be used in its raw form, 

as it is used in cooking and preparing salads, as it has nutritional, 

therapeutic and medicinal value because it contains a high percentage of vitamins, fatty acids, 

minerals, essential elements, and a high percentage of antioxidants that prevent the growth and spread of roots. 

Free radicals in the body, which damage its cells.

What are the benefits of olive oil?

Olive oil is excellent for health, because it is rich in omega 3, 6, 9 and monounsaturated fatty acids.

One of the benefits of olive oil is that it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, 

and lowers the levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood.

It is also rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that slow down cell aging, vitamin K (for blood clotting and bone strength) and E (for skin elasticity).

The benefits of olive oil are many because it is rich in antioxidants. It protects and nourishes the skin and prevents signs of aging. 

It is also suitable for all skin types for adults, children and newborns, and is effective for hair and scalp care.

Benefits of olive oil on an empty stomach

has amazing health benefits

Scientific clinical trials have shown that taking a small dose of pure olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach has amazing health benefits.

Olive oil contains many unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health, and antioxidants that help protect the heart and blood cells from damage.

Taking a dose of olive oil daily on an empty stomach has many benefits, including:

1- Weight loss

A diet rich in olive oil contributes to facilitating weight loss, 

and drinking olive oil is a great way to benefit from its benefits to get rid of obesity, 

as researchers concluded that drinking olive oil regularly causes more weight loss than following a low-fat diet, 

with the need to avoid excessive amounts. Eating it is high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation 

and should not be consumed with a diet that is primarily full of fat.

2- Heart disease

Drinking two tablespoons of olive oil daily helps reduce the risk of heart disease, 

according to scientific studies and research, 

as olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is a healthy type of fat.

Therefore, eating olive oil instead of saturated and trans fats reduces the risk of heart disease.

One of the benefits of olive oil is that it is effective against oxidative stress, 

which is linked to many diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

Olive oil moisturizes hair and skin, and nourishes nails and bones.

3- Strengthening the functioning of the immune system

Since ancient times, people have been drinking olive 

oil on an empty stomach in order to improve the function and efficiency of the immune system,

 which is responsible for fighting various diseases.

Benefits of olive oil for hair

Olive oil provides many benefits to the hair because it contains a long list of vitamins. 

It is particularly rich in polyphenols. Its benefits for hair have been known for thousands of years. 

Nourishing and repairing, it provides the hair fiber with everything it needs

1- Benefits of olive oil for hair loss:

Olive oil contains vitamin E, which helps prevent hair loss.

Olive oil also contains many hair-nourishing minerals, such as zinc,

 magnesium, sulfur, and calcium, which help in hair growth and protect it from loss.

It is enough to mix two equal amounts (as needed) of olive oil and coconut oil,

 massage the scalp with the mixture, then leave it on the hair for at least an hour,

 before rinsing the hair with warm water.

2- Benefits of olive oil for thin hair:

Olive oil helps restore hair density, 

because it contains vitamin E and omega 3, 

which strengthens and nourishes thin hair.

It is recommended to mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 7 drops of tea tree oil. 

Apply the mixture to the hair from the roots to the ends. 

It is best to cover the hair with a towel dipped in hot water or wear a plastic bath cap.

3- Benefits of olive oil for white hair:

Using olive oil on the hair maintains the natural “pH” level of the hair and scalp,

 so the acid mantle of the scalp can resist bacteria. Thus, it helps protect hair from premature signs of graying.

Olive oil also helps increase the secretion of natural melanin in the hair, which helps maintain the natural hair color.

To prevent the appearance of gray hair, it is recommended to mix an equal amount (as needed) of olive oil and black seed oil.

 Apply the mixture to the scalp and massage gently. The remaining amount is spread on the hair from the roots to the ends.

Leave the mixture on the hair for at least an hour,

 then wash it with warm water. Use this mixture twice a week to obtain satisfactory results.

Harmful effects of olive oil

Ensure that the olive oil is original and cold pressed.

– Store olive oil in a glass or metal container that does not rust, in a dry place that does not reach the heat of the sun or light.

– Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, diseases related to saturated fats,

 and diseases related to fats should consult their physician before using olive oil for treatment.

– Test olive oil on the skin before applying it to the skin. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions.

 Do not apply olive oil to the skin before bed and leave it on the skin until the morning.