Top Health Benefits of Olive Oil

The numerous health benefits of olive oil run almost as deep as its history. It may appear simple, but in fact, is one of the most complex oils used today. In order to reap the wide range of health benefits, we must take time to understand the creation process and the different types.

History

The exact origin of olive oil remains unknown, but evidence of the existence of olives dates back farther than 6,000 years ago. As one of the oldest cultivated trees, it first grew in Crete, Greece in 3500BC. At that time, the tree spread to the Mediterranean basin, which includes African shores and Southern Europe. In 2000BC, olives were found inside Egyptian tombs; additionally, that date is when cultivation began to play a major role in the Crete economy. Crete began the first olive export to Greece, Asia Minor, and Northern Africa. Olives were a luxury in Greece and it became not only a food item, but was highly regarded as a beauty treatment.

Types of Oil

Most countries utilize the International Olive Oil Council to define quality and standards; however, the United States does not adhere to these standards. Instead, the United States follows the USDA's 1948 Classification System, which includes the following qualities: extra-virgin, virgin, refined, pure, olive pomace, refined olive pomace, and lite. Please read the following for descriptions of the most common types:

Extra-virgin oil is the highest quality due to its high mineral and vitamin content. In order for olive oil to be considered extra-virgin, the oil must be produced by extraction methods that contain no chemicals or hot water, be first cold-pressed, have an acidity level of less than 1 percent, and have perfect taste.

Virgin olive oil, like extra-virgin, is first-cold pressed and produced without chemicals or hot water; however, virgin oil may contain an acidity level up to 3.3 percent. The flavor can vary and the taste is less mild than extra-virgin varieties.

Refined olive oil is created by refining virgin oil. The acidity level is greater than 3.3 percent; the finished product is tasteless and the odor is unpleasant.

Pure olive oil is a mix of virgin and refined. It has the same acidity level as virgin and can withstand high heat. The nutritional content is lower than virgin oil, which make it inexpensive compared to high quality oils. Pure oil is commonly used as all-purpose oil.

Light and extra-light are types of oils that contrary to the name do not contain less calories, but are a blend of refined oils that are made from the lowest quality oils created through chemical processing.

Health Benefits

Olive oil is composed of monounsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat. Introducing monounsaturated fats into your diet is healthier than ingesting saturated and trans fats. Monounsaturated fats offer a plethora of health benefits, when used in moderation. The following is a list of all of the wonderful health benefits it can impart.

It has the capability to lower blood pressure due to containing beneficial antioxidants, which are most prevalent in extra-virgin oil. The antioxidants, called polyphenol, are believed to be the primary source to help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. To receive maximum benefits, men should consume four tablespoons and women should consume three tablespoons, daily.

Research shows that monounsaturated fats, as found in olive oil, contain oleic acid and is capable of reducing the instance of cancer. Oleic acid is capable of reducing the effect of the cancer forming gene, called oncogene. Olive oil is noted to positively help breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

Olive oil is able to control blood sugar specifically by lowering blood glucose levels. Diabetics, or border-line diabetics, are instructed to follow a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. Olive oil can help control blood sugar even if diabetics switch to a high fat diet, considering most of that fat comes from olive oil.

Monounsaturated fats that are found in plant oils are best at controlling good and bad cholesterol.

Consumption can help your body rid itself of bad cholesterol, known as LDL cholesterol. Additionally, this oil does not negatively effect the levels of good cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol. In fact, it can even raise the levels of HLD cholesterol providing a double benefit.

Researchers state that the extra-virgin variety contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient. The ingredient, oleocanthal, helps it to act as a pain reducer, much like over-the-counter aspirin. It will not show immediate results, but can provide pain reducing benefits if consistently ingested over a period of time.

How to Cook with Olive Oil

Now that the health benefits have been explained, let's discuss some of the common methods of how to cook with this oil.

High quality, extra-virgin oils should be reserved for use in dressings, dips, and vinaigrettes. Replace oil for butter in baked potatoes, or brush onto cooked vegetables or fish. Sprinkle rosemary, basil, cracked black pepper, and sea salt on top of extra-virgin oil for a delicious bread dip.

If you are to saut or fry, choose a combination oil which is a mix of extra-virgin and regular olive oil. Use olive oil grade for deep-frying which works wonderful due to its high smoke point of 410 degrees Fahrenheit.

One additional way to incorporate olive oil into your diet: use it for non-stick oil when a recipe calls for butter or spray oil. Drizzle onto your pan and spread evenly with a paper towel to ensure complete coverage.

Who Should Avoid Olive Oil

Allergies are uncommon, but should not be ignored. In most cases, an allergy is a mild occurrence and the symptoms will go away in a short amount of time. On the other hand, a person can experience a more severe allergic reaction, which can lead to anaphylactic shock. A person who suspects an allergy should take note of the following symptoms: stomach or chest pain, rash, migraine, or red, itchy eyes. These allergies are rare and as a key part of theMediterraneandiet, the health benefits of olive oil are well recognized and enjoyed by millions.

There are many common foods that are beneficial for health. For more on the health benefits of honey or how red wine benefits your diet visit thehealthbenefitsof.com.

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Olives – A Superb Nutrition to Mankind

Olives are one of the oldest foods known to man, dating back some thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. The olive tree was valued as a symbol of peace and happiness and is well-known as a blessed tree. While olives were used as food, olives leaves are widely used for medicinal values and, olive oil are treated as perfect oil for cooking purposes.

Olives are concentrated in monounsaturated fats and a good source of vitamin E. Because monounsaturated fats are less easily damaged than polyunsaturated fats, it’s good to have some in our cells’ outer membranes and other cell structures that contain fats, such as the membranes that surround the cell’s DNA and each of its energy-producing mitochondria. The stability of monounsaturated fats translates into a protective effect on the cell that, especially when combined with the antioxidant protection offered by vitamin E, can lower the risk of damage and inflammation. (In addition to vitamin E, olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids, which also appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.)

It’s true that olives do have some fat, but it’s the incredibly healthy monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats have been found to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.

Current research shows there are around 100 naturally occurring compounds in fresh olive leaves. These all work together in ‘natural synergy’ to provide an effective year-round defense system for the olive tree. These compounds include a unique group of powerful polyphenolic antioxidants which are potent scavengers of free-radicals. In simple terms, they defend their cells against attack and damage.

The antioxidants in olive leaf scavenge free-radicals eliminating them before cell damage is done. Olive Leaf does not cure diseases, it is however a cold blooded killer of most pathogens. Once the pathogens have been stunned or killed off, the immune system can rebuild it and cure the disease or get rid of the symptoms. One compound in olive leaf is oleuropein which converts to elenolic acid in the body. The oleuropein and its related sub compounds target viruses and bad bacteria while relaxing blood vessels.

Nutritional Value of Olives

Given below is the amount of nutrients present in three olives, combined together:
Fat – 2.5                        Cholesterol – 0m
Sodium – 110mg             Carbohydrate – 1g
Calories – 25                  Protein: 0g
Iron                               Vitamin E
Dietary Fiber                  Copper
Fatty Acids                    Amino Acids

Due to fat content olives are highly energetic especially when ripe. They should be used preferably in the winter. Moreover, Olives are easy to digest if well chewed and, black olives are better than green olives.

The health benefits of Olives, Olive leaves and Olive Oil are listed as follows:

General consumption of Olives, due to their high anti-oxidant properties, help to combat against diseases such as cancer (particularly breast cancer and colon cancer).

The nutrients in olives help to prevent heart disease. Olives Leaves help combat against strokes, heart-disease, High blood pressure, diabetes. The olive leaves tea helps prevent and defends against High blood pressure.

The Vitamin E in Olives may even help to reduce the frequency and/or the intensity of hot flashes in women going through menopause.

The anti-inflammatory actions of monounsaturated fats and, the Vitamin E contained in Olives is the body’s primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Anti-oxidants help to strengthen the body’s immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature ageing, as well as delaying the effects of ageing.

Olives are also very light foods (i.e. it contains low calories), but at the same time very filling; being able to quickly satisfy hunger and, lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime.

The chronic ulcers and boils, which show difficult healing condition, are healed up with the use of olive oil generally. The local application of olive oil or the water extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves is effective on boils, rashes and itching.

The Olive oil can also be used on hands, hair and as a base for massage oil. When used as a balm it fortifies the hair and it keeps the hair shiny and prevents dandruff.
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Olive Oil when used as a balm fortifies and moisturizes the skin, combating dry skin and softening it. It also combats against acne.
 
Massaged onto the body, Olive oil fortify the limbs, combat against inflammation, and sooth away aches and pains from tired muscles and so on.
 
Olives aids in digestion and strengthens the bowels, as well as the stomach.

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Olive Oil and Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are unfortunately a fact of life for many people. Fortunately, this annoying health problem can often be solved outside of a doctor’s office. Kidney stones are often gotten rid of without any surgical medical procedures. This can be done with one of several home remedies for this problem. Most of these home remedies should be used with other home remedies to be thorough in dissolving these pesky body build ups.


Olive oil and kidney stones are connected through a couple of these home remedies. Olive oil is mostly used along with lemon juice to make an effective recipe for ridding oneself of these sorts of internal build ups and deposits. Olive oil is not usually effective by itself, but appears to be very effective when used with lemon juice and a good dose of hot water.

This remedy is not only for olive oil and kidney stones, but also olive oil and gallstones. So, if you are ailed by either of these health problems, this home remedy may just work for you. It is recommended that all eating be stopped for forty eight to seventy two hours. It is suggested that during this time you intake nothing but water. Cranberry juice is also acceptable in this period of only fluid intake as cranberries are a natural diuretic. It is also suggested that the water that is ingested during this time be distilled.

However, if your tap water is not considered to be hard water, it should be alright. The hard water from a tap is too full of minerals and can further irritate your condition rather than help it. After you spend two to three days purging your system of nothing but water, it is wise to spend an extra day in taking juices like cranberry juice if you have not already done that. Pear juice and beet juice are also great for this sort of condition.

After these few grueling days of nothing but liquids, you may now integrate solid foods. Solid foods like shredded raw beets are good to start with. When beginning to eat these solid foods, you will now start to incorporate the olive oil into the mix of things along with lemon juice. Adding uncooked applesauce to this recipe is also a wise idea. Olive oil is quite necessary to this diet, as it stimulates the production and proper elimination of the fat digesting enzyme which is known as lipase.

If at all possible, use only high quality olive oil to keep the formation of these troublesome stones at bay. Be sure to avoid meats, greasy foods, deep fried items, or any other processed fats or oils. This includes margarine and butter, so be careful not to use these things too. Eating small meals is also a good idea. You do not want over work your healing insides at this time. Be as easy on yourself as possible. Some people will not be able to take it as easy as they should during this healing process, but it is important to try and be as easy possible with yourself at this time.

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Olive Oil And Child Development

Olive oil plays a major role for a baby’s development since conception.


Its high content in antioxidants, help prevent the destructive effects of the substances that are harmful to our bodies. Its fatty acids are very important for our health, because they support the hormones and help assisting in the cell membrane development.

Mothers who consume it during their pregnancy, they have better chances of having healthier children.

• Olive oil contains linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acids), are the healthiest foods for newborn and growing children. Such a deficiency in linoleic acid, results in retardation and many skin problems.
• The extra virgin contains polyunsaturated fats at a similar level to human milk. It is a very sufficient source of these acids, that are very important and can not be drawn from the human body.
• It is a major contributor to the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system before and after birth. It is the only oil that is recommended for mothers and mothers to be, by experts.
• The high content of vitamins E, A and K in it, is very important for contributing to the development of bones in children and maintaining the bone strength in adults.
• The vitamin E is very crucial element for the growth of the fetus and it lasts beyond pregnancy. During pregnancy the vitamin E in the mother’s blood, concentrates in the breast glands and when breast feeding, the vitamin E is supplied to the baby.
• It has the most beneficial effects on the bones by producing calcium and prevents calcium loss. The more the olive oil intake, the better the strength of the bone.
• French researchers say that it is necessary during the growth of a child and later in adulthood, to avoid calcium loss.

In some places in Greece, when a child is born, an olive tree is planned. That tree will grow and develop as the child does. The tree will start producing the olive fruit about six years later, when the child starts school. Along with the child grows the tree, only the tree will have a much-much longer life then the child.
My name is Mary Dimitropoulos and I was born and raised in Sparta, located in the Southern part of Greece, the Peloponnese Peninsula. It is known for its olive orchards and olive oil production. I come from a family of olive oil producers.
Olive oil has been the irreplaceable food for thousands of years for the Greek people and the olive oil production is a family affair with only one goal: to produce the perfect olive oil. http://www.theolivesgift.com/about/

 
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Stop Hair Loss with Olive Oils

Olive trees, Olea europaea, are the oldest trees in fruit and are undoubtedly one of the most important fruit trees in history. The culture of the olive tree has been closely connected with the rise and fall of empires in the Mediterranean and other advanced civilizations throughout time.

The olive tree dates back to early ancient times in both biblical and classical writings. In these early writings, the olive oil is referenced as a symbol of goodness and purity, and the tree represents peace and happiness. In ancient times, oil was also burnt in sacred lamps at temples during the Olympic Games and the winner was crowned with its leaves.

In modern times, the olive tree is considered one of the most valuable plants and olive oil still plays a vital role in the treatment of various diseases, especially hair loss. The following are the three main benefits of using olive oil.

Nature anti-bacterial

Olive oil has anti-bacterial properties. It is also full of antioxidants, which are well known to prevent aging of the body. By their nature anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, hair loss has occurred due to the application of hair products with harsh chemicals, can be reversed and treated effectively. You can also help clear the scalp and hair of dirt and debris that can clog follicles and interfere with the growth cycle of hair strands. When olive oil is applied to the scalp, anti-fungal nature helps minimize chemical damage done to the scalp, thus restoring the scalp to its previous healthy hair loss and preventing oneself in process. It also prevents dandruff can cause hair loss.

Prevents dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Training

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), hormone has a very detrimental effect on the scalp. If there is no formation of DHT in the hair, which can stop hair loss leimodecrease the size of the hair follicle, thus leaving the hair follicle, very thin or in some cases even nonexistent. Regular application of olive oil on hair helps in preventing the formation of the hormone DHT in the hair shaft, therefore, stop hair loss.

Rich in nutrients

Olive oil is rich in nutrients such as vitamin E, niacin, vitamin D, and biotin. All these nutrients are very favorable for the growth of hair. When olive oil is applied to the scalp, these nutrients are absorbed by the roots of the hair, preventing hair loss and promote hair growth.

There are some ways you can use olive oil as a treatment for hair growth. You may massage the scalp. This is a very powerful way to stimulate their locks of hair to grow, because you are giving your hair all the benefits of this natural oil, plus you are increasing circulation to the scalp, it also helps the chains to grow . It is very important to olive a part of your diet and beauty regime, so you can see first hand why olive oil is as effective treatment of hair growth. 

 

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Some Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of if not the most commonly used oils that we know. There is probably not a person in the world who has not used this nutritious product in some way shape or form. Olive oil is best known as cooking oil but there are many more benefits to using it on a regular basis.

The manufacturing and exporting of olive oil is a very big industry and is the biggest source of revenue for many of the countries which export it. There are so many uses and applications for this product that I can’t see how it will ever cease to be a major export. Some of the many uses of this product are for cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, soaps, and lamp oil. Olive oil is more popular in Mediterranean countries and has been for thousands of years. It’s has become popular in western countries because it is seen as such a good nutritious, natural alternative to many other products.

Olive oil is valuable as cooking oil because it is low in saturated fats and very flavorful. As a matter of fact I use it extensively in preparing many of the dishes that I like to cook. I prefer the unrefined extra virgin oil for cooking because it has not had many of its natural ingredients removed. You can also use this wonderful product on salads and various other foods. Olive oil is good for you and is recommended for internal use for many medicinal purposes. You simply can’t go wrong with this product.

Olive oil is used in many cosmetic products because it is an excellent skin care product. Olive oil is not heavy so it doesn’t block the pores. It nourishes the skin so it can be used right out of the bottle. Olive oil fights many diseases which attack the skin and it has anti bacterial benefits when you apply it immediately after showering. I recommend the use of pure olive oil alone for skin care or if you prefer you can mix it with other natural oils for external skin use. Some good products to mix it with include almond oil, vitamin E oil, and aloe vera oil.

Olive oil is also used in combination with many pharmaceutical products for added benefits. It can be used as a carrier which holds other products in suspension, or it can be used in order to combine its healing effects with other products.

Olive oil is used in soaps as well. It is good because of its moisturizing effects and enhances the soaps which it is combined with.

Olive oil has been used as a lamp oil since times of old. It is useful as a lamp oil because it burns very evenly when it is lit and is very dependable.

When you choose olive oil choose pure oil. The different grades of olive oil are used depending on the purpose of use. I like to mix olive oil with other essential oils depending on the purpose that I have in mind. I do this when I use it externally.

Virgin oil is oil in which no chemicals were used in processing it. I like the virgin and extra virgin olive oil as a cooking oil, but preferably I use the extra virgin oil. The extra virgin olive oil has less than 0.89% acidity. It is good in salads and dips also because the low acid content gives it a superior taste.

Pure olive oil is a blend of virgin and refined olive oil and is good for most uses. It has little taste so it is a good oil to use for cooking of frying foods. You would do well to keep this excellent natural product on hand in your own household. Fragrance Oil Express

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Important Health Benefits Of Olive Oil! Including Losing Weight

Some of the health benefits of olive oil have been known for thousands of years. Besides being used in meal preparation, it was also used to soothe and help heal wounds, and applied to the hands and face to produce that lovely soft skin. In recent years, researchers have discovered even more benefits such as lowering blood pressure and possible heart attachs or strokes, as well as reduce some forms of cancer or tumors. It can even be used for losing weight.

To get the most health benefits of olive oil you should know which kind to buy. look for the dark green bottle with the label that says "extra virgin cold pressed". It should not be on the top shelve, but farther down so its not in the bright light. You will find that there are several kinds on the shelve and that's why its important which one you buy. Olive oil can be cold pressed which is the first pressing. For the second pressing they may use either heat and some chemicals to squeeze out more oil and label it "pure olive oil", and for the third pressing they use chemicals to extract even more. The last oil is usually lighter in color and is labed "light". Most of the olive oil we see on the shelves in North American grocery stores comes from countries around the Mediteranean Sea such as Italy, Spain, Greece and others in the middle east.

The olive oil we buy is basically a fat, one of several kinds. They are needed to help the digestive system absorb the nutrients in the food we eat so they can get to the cells, nerves. It is a monosaturated fat and includes antioxidents and a compound called oleuropin that keeps the LDL (bad) cholesteral from sticking to the artery walls in form of plaque, known as hardening of the arteries that can cause high blood pressure, heart attachs or strokes. Other sources of these fats are nuts, avocado and canola. Polyunsaturated fats come from some fish such as salmon. Saturated fats are found mostly in animal, dairy, eggs and some seafood, as well as coconut and palm oil. These oils tend to raise the cholesteral (bad LDL) level in the blood. Another kind of fat is called transfat which is hydrogenated oil and added to packaged foods to give a longer shelve life. The saturated fats take longer to digest and some of them may end up as fat stores on your abdomen or thighs. Many packaged food manufacturers have been advised to stop using transfats altogether. You should check the labels.

The real health benefit of olive oil comes from the fact that it is more readily digested than other oils, particularly if it is cold pressed and unheated. Adding olive oil to raw salad greens can be a delicious addition to any meal. Losing weight can come from adequate exercise and workouts along with reducing the eating of saturated fats and increasing the consumuption of monosaturated fats. Imagine the money saved by paying fewer medical bills.

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