How And Why You Should Use Olive Oil For Your Hair

The olive tree originated from Asia. However nowadays it can be sourced from Mediterranean countries and has been cultivated from these areas for over 3000 years, with the majority of these olive tree crops are used for the production of olive oil. This process involves pitting the olives, which are then ground up into a pulp. The juices are then removed from the pulp by a pressing process and finally the water is separated from the oil.

There are a number of varieties of the oil available however the less processing involved the higher the level of nutrients. Extra virgin is derived from the initial pressing and contains the most aroma and flavor. Brands labeled as "regular" or "pure" are produced with chemical filtering and refining which results in a lower nutrient level.

The beneficial properties of olive oil are simple however have proven to be very effective. As a food product it contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which studies show that it promotes good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol. The oil is loaded with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which are believed to help protect against cancer.

As a natural beauty and skin care product, one of the main valuable properties of olive oil is the nourishing quality it possesses. Being a natural product, olive oil can help reduce and repair damage typically caused by chemical based products. Ultimately improving the overall condition and health of hair in the following ways.

Dandruff

A dry and flakey scalp typically causes dandruff. By massaging olive oil into the scalp it will restore and infuse moisture back into the scalp and reducing flaking. The reason the oil is commonly used in the treatment of head lice and dandruff is because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Split Ends

During the winter months hair tends to dry out and become prone to split ends and breakage, resulting in frizzy and unruly hair. By applying this oil to the hair it will help smooth flyaways by adding moisture and a little weight, as well as softening the hair making it more pliable and more manageable.

Shine

Olive oil can bring dull and lifeless hair back to life by restoring moisture giving it that natural healthy shine. Regular hair care products contain sulfates, which actually strip away the moisture from hair leaving it looking drab and unhealthy. Oil extracted from olives contains high levels of fatty acids that help penetrate the cuticles of hair making it extremely effective for treating dry hair.

Hair Loss & Growth

Olive oil promotes hair growth with its fantastic properties. As we have already learnt, it can help improve the hairs elasticity, this reduces hair breakage, which ultimately helps prevent hair loss and in turn result in hair growth. A harmful hormone called DTH is present within the body and can decrease the hair follicle shaft and therefore resulting in hair loss. Olive oil helps reduce this hormone from being produced; this reduces the chances of hair loss. Because olive oil is extremely rich in antioxidants, this helps to repair damage and aids in the production of healthy hair growth.

Shampoo Recipe

1 ounce of olive oil
1 egg
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients using a blender, apply and use mixture in place of your regular shampoo.

Oils are one of the safest, most effective and natural ways to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss and generally improve hair health. Olive oil is fantastic, but my absolute favorite oil is jojoba oil for hair. To discover more about this miracle oil, click the blue link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daisy_Raybould

Oleuropein - A Key Ingredient In Olive Oil

Oleuropein is a tyrosol ester and phytonutrient that can be sourced from green olives, olive leaves and olive oil. It is very effective at fighting free radicals and early studies indicate that it may also act in a protective capacity in other areas of the body. In this article I will be looking at oleuropein in detail and outlining its main health benefits.

1) DISCOVERY:

Awareness of oleuropein dates back thousands of years. It was used by the ancient Mediterraneans to treat infections, fevers and pain and by the ancient Egyptians to perform mummifications. However, it was not isolated until many years later in the late 1800s.

2) HEALTH BENEFITS:

Oleuropein is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body's cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are nasty substances that are released into your body's cells during oxygen based reactions and have been linked with an increased risk of cancer (a health disorder which leads to your cells growing in a rapid, out of control way), diabetes (a health disorder which leads to your blood glucose levels becoming dangerously high), premature ageing and a weak immune system.

According to early studies, this tyrosol ester may also have further health benefits in humans. For starters, it may be an antibacterial (a substance that kills or slows down the growth of bacteria), antifungal (a substance which treats fungal infections), anti-inflammatory (a substance which prevents unnecessary inflammation in the body) and antiviral (a substance that kills or slows down the growth of viruses). It may also prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Finally, it may keep your skin cells safe from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, reduce blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that causes blockages in the artery walls and increases your heart disease risk), reduce high blood pressure and boost your immune system.

3) FOOD SOURCES:

Olives, olive leaves and olive oil are the only natural food sources of oleuropein but it can also be found in olive leaf extracts.

4) OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:

Consuming high levels of natural oleuropein has no reported side effects. However, it is still not clear what effect large amounts of supplements containing this tyrosol ester have on blood cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure. Therefore, people with blood related health disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure should check with their doctor before consuming any supplements. Pregnant women are also advised to check with their doctor before consuming supplements containing this phytonutrient.

5) SUMMARY:

Although very few studies have been performed on oleuropein, those that are available are very promising. Not only is this tyrosol ester an impressive antioxidant but it may also keep your blood healthy, fight various diseases and more. So make sure your kitchen contains plenty of olive oil and start enjoying all the health benefits of oleuropein.

Tom Parker owns Free Fitness Tips - a fantastic source of free, impartial fitness advice. You can learn more about oleuropein and the other tyrosol esters by visiting Free Fitness Tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Parker

Olive Oil Skin Treatment - Skin Care Ingredients

Author: ConstantineKara

When looking for the right skin care or skin treatment products, it is important to know what ingredients are found in these products and how they can benefit your skin. There are many skin care products marketed, that treat different types of skin conditions by the choice of ingredients used in their recipes. The most important in my opinion, is to consider choosing products with natural ingredients.

Natural ingredients are less likely to cause irritants and allergies.

Skin care products with natural compounds are basically designed to help the skin and body to do what they do natural.

As a small summary, the body naturally produces fats, oils and water to help the skin stay moist, supple and create barriers to environmental elements such as temperatures, sun and pollutants. The body natural heals it's self by producing new cells to replace dead cells and thus slows down the aging process.

When these processes are compromised, unhealthy body and skin condition occur.

The elements which cause the body or skin to not function properly are many.

They include age, blood circulation, UV radiation, pollutants and free radicals, bacterial infection, vitamins, nutrition and more.

All these would be better discussed in detail, on an article all it's own.

In this article, I will try and explain the different ingredients used in all natural skin care products and the beneficial effects they have to skin.

Ingredients such as plants and herbs, oils, fruits and extracts. This guide will hopefully help you choose the right product, for the skin condition you're looking to treat.

Here is a list of ingredients found in the better skin care products:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera juice helps to soothe skin and serves as an anti-inflammatory.
It contains healing effects and helps heal burns and reduces scars from cuts and wounds by destroying bacterial invasions. Nourishes skin and tissues with vitamins E and C.
Also may be used as an anti-microbial cleanser for acne.

Apricots

For skin nutrition, apricot kernel oil contains the essential fatty acids oleic and linoleic acid. It is also high in vitamins A and E aiding in new skin cell growth. All of these substances can help to sooth irritated skin while also moisturizing.

Calamine

Calamine is a soothing ingredient that helps provide relief from itching.
Well know to help irritation and itching caused from mosquito bites and bee stings, sunburn, poison ivy and jellyfish stings. It works by causing a cooling sensation as it evaporates on your skin.
A must have when going to the beach or camping.

Sunflower

Sunflower oil provides protection for the skin as it can be easily absorbed. It also helps to retain moisture in the skin. Sunflower oil is an excellent source for Beta-Carotene. Beta-Carotene can make your skin less sensitive to the sun.

Olives

Helps to slow the aging process of the skin and increases the skin's ability to retain moisture. Contains antioxidants to help from free radicals. Contains vitamin E.
Vitamin E helps the body increase and regulate the levels of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is necessary for new cell growth as well as healthy skin and hair.

Honey

Helps to reduce sagging, wrinkling and aging of skin resulting from exposure to the sun.
It helps to attract and retain water keeping the skin moist.
It contains vitamins like vitamin B and C, minerals and amino acids. Key compounds in helping the skin stay nourished and healthy.

Pomegranate

An Amino Acid that is found to have antioxidant properties and root out harmful free radicals.
It contains omega 5 conjugated fatty acid which are effective for the rebirth of new cells and over all reduces the skin from aging.

Menthol

Helps to stimulate the skin's cold receptors and produce a cooling effect when
applied to the skin. It also helps clear scars and blemishes caused by acne.

Broccoli-Flower

Helps to improve skin elasticity and collagen production. It contains antioxidant properties that may aid in reducing free radicals that can damage the skin structure.
Contains vitamin-A. Along with other pro-vitamins like beta carotene, alpha carotene and zeaxanthin. All helping to maintain the skin's integrity.

Strawberry

An organic compound and essential human nutrient that promotes healthy skin and stimulates collagen. Vitamin B3 is a heterocyclic aromatic amide that helps strengthen the skin barrier.
Strawberries contain salicylic acid that cleans the skin from dead cells and your face look brighter and shinier. A great ingredient for facial scrubs or face masks.

Avocado

An organic compound and essential human nutrient that is necessary for cellular growth. Vitamin B6 is directly involved in the synthesis of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Most popular ingredient for facial masks when treating dry skin. Avocado oil is closely similar to our natural skin oils.
Vitamins A, D and E, all help maintain healthy skin.

Carrots

An ester of retinol and palmitic acid which is an important hormone-like growth factor for cells. Vitamin A is necessary for new cell growth as well as healthy skin and hair.

Rose Pedals

An organic oil that is derived from the rose plant. It is extremely rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin C. Rosehip fruit oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Popular use in spay mists as a toner and refresher. Rose pedal oil is great as a bath oil to balance the PH of the skin and it's aroma helps you to relax.

Almonds

An antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by free radicals. It is vital to the formation of red blood cells and aids the body in using Vitamin K. Vitamin E preserves the skin's oils and helps protect the functioning of cells and intracellular processes.

Grape Seed Oil

An oil that is derived from the grape seed and contains several antioxidants. Grape seed oil is extremely rich in linoleic acid and is very useful in controlling the skin's level of moisture.
Helps to tighten and tone the skin, making it a good ingredient for anti-aging products. It is a light and finely textured oil and very useful for moisturizing. Also used as a emollient for products intended for acne prone skin.

Blackberries

Zinc Oxide forms a barrier on the skin and protects it from moisture and irritants.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants such as Anthocyanin, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, iron and zinc. Blueberries helps to boost up the immune system and prevents infections.
Protects the skin from damage that occurs due exposure to sun.
The antioxidants present in blueberries, helps to prevent wrinkles.
Used as a facial to prevent aging skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree is a natural antiseptic. It has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
Used to treat athlete's foot, nail fungus and ring worms.
Also used to treat acne, insect bites and also softens corns.
It is becoming a very popular remedy for many viral infections of the skin.

While there are many more natural ingredient that are used in skin care products, the list above are some of the most popular. The use of these ingredients as stand alone or in combination can treat almost all skin conditions.

Hopefully this small guide will help you know what to look for when choosing a skin care product for the conditions you're looking to cure.

Please remember that when treating skin conditions, especially for chronic condition like acne, sunburns, viral and fungal infection. If you don't notice improvements within a few weeks with the regular use the skin care products, please consult your physician or dermatologist.

Thank you for reading

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/olive-oil-skin-treatment-skin-care-ingredients-4999988.html

About the Author


I started writing article about Olive Oil Skin Treatment and the benefits of the olive fruit and it's oil, because olive oil has survived through the ages and remains one of the most trusted natural product.
Being also from the Mediterranean, Olive Oil was very common in my home and I understand very well about it's benefits through my upbringing.

For more on skin care you may want to visit some of my sites. |

Olive Oil Skin Treatment | Olive Oil Skin Treatment BLOG | Olive Oil Skin Treatment Hub

Extra virgin olive oils: for those who want to look and feel healthier

Author: Kim Hannam

Though Olives have been considered as one of the best sources of healthy oil in the Mediterranean regions, people in other parts of the world too are beginning to discover its innumerable health benefits. Incredibly large number of people are using extra virgin olive oils for preparing salads, pastas, and other foods to look and feel healthier.

Extra virgin olive oils have unique properties that help in promoting better health. Extra virgin olive oil is the oil that is produced from extracting the olives for the first time. This very fact makes it richer in antioxidants and other essential nutrients, fatty acids, and vitamins than other olive oils.

Extra virgin olive oil helps in reducing weight. It increases fat oxidation so when you increase your intake of the particular oil, your body burns fat faster. Being rich in anti-oxidants, it helps reduce the oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol. The presence of monounsaturated fats in the extra virgin olive oil helps lower the bad cholesterol in the body without having any effect on the good cholesterol. For people struggling with high cholesterol, a few teaspoons of this oil can help bring their cholesterol level under control.

Extra virgin olive oils help prevent heart diseases, control blood sugar level, lower inflammation, and reduce occurrence of breast cancer. In addition to providing these health benefits, extra virgin olive oil proves beneficial for your skin and hair too. People apply olive oil to their skin to get softer and smoother skin. It can also be used to build stronger fingernails. Extra virgin olive oil makes finger nails much stronger and more resistant to cracks and breaks.

The hair can also benefit from this unique oil. It is used like normal hair oils to get soft, shiny, and healthy looking hair. The benefits of the virgin oils are almost unlimited. By combining unique flavour and special health benefits, this oil has become top quality culinary oil for health conscious people.

To buy extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, and other quality culinary oils for enjoying healthy life, you may visit www.olivado.ca Olivado oils include a range of the healthiest, most delicious and versatile oils on the market today. All olivado oils available here are made from natural products that form the basis of good health. The unique techniques of oil production further promise very high quality oil with great shelf life. To know in detail about the olivado oil, please visit the website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/extra-virgin-olive-oils-for-those-who-want-to-look-and-feel-healthier-5158927.html

About the Author


An Author is an Contributor writer for the website and plays major role for the website - Avocado oil.

The Top Three Best Oils For A Beautiful, Healthy Head Of Hair

There are a number of ways to make our hair more beautiful and improve its overall health. We can use herbal rinses to wash away dirt and chemicals, we can use hair masks to add vitamins and nutrients, we can nourish from the inside with healthy foods and vitamin supplements, but without a doubt the most effective, the easiest and the most fun way to achieve stunningly beautiful, gorgeous locks that gets others to sit up and take note, is by using the power of many of natures' oils.

Oils are a fantastic way to add moisture, create shine, soften and smooth the hair. They can prevent hair loss, promote new growth, stop dandruff in its tracks and even prevent premature greying. Oils really are natures miracle, and using these three in your hair care regime will help you transform your hair.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a fantastic hair moisturizer. It has a high moisture retaining capacity and therefore locks in moisture and helps the hair appear soft, smooth and shiny. It contains lauric acid which fights microbial action, one of the major causes of hair loss. Coconut oil is also a fantastic anti-dandruff solution.

Olive oil

We all know the benefits of consuming olive oil for our health, but applying it to our hair is highly beneficial too. This fatty liquid has been found to prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth, de-frizz frizzy hair, eliminate dandruff and moisturize. Simply rub some of the olive oil between your fingers and rub it into your roots and onto your tips. Alternatively, buy a natural olive oil shampoo or conditioner.

Mira hair oil

This is definitely my favorite, but it's a little more expensive. Mira hair oil is a unique blend of seventeen natural and organic ingredients. It has an incredible number of benefits. It stimulates hair growth and makes hair grow faster, it stops hair loss and gets rid of dandruff within just a few applications, it stops, or at least significantly slows, greying and it adds moisture and shine.

The above three oils are strongly recommended for transforming your hair, but they aren't the only beneficial ones. Other highly rated hair oils include: sweet almond, castor, emu oil, Argan oil, lavender, rosemary, jojoba and tea tree oil.

Oils are the best way to improve our hair health. Try one or more of the above oils and see how they work for you.

The above three oils are fantastic for your hair. One oil that just missed the cut in this article is Argan oil. To discover how to use Argan oil for hair click the blue link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daisy_Raybould