Olive oil is a vegetable extract obtained from the fruit of a small tree called olive, also scientifically known as European Olea , which belongs to the oleaceae family . This oil is used mainly in the culinary area, however, it has also been used for cosmetic and even medicinal uses, since it contains properties that are extremely beneficial for health in general.
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Olive oil benefits
Olive oil is one of the most famous oils, this due to the multiple benefits it brings to health and the versatility that can be given to its use. This vegetable oil is used mainly in cooking, since it is much healthier and serves to enhance the flavor of food, but it is also widely used in cosmetics, since it has properties that help maintain hair, skin and even nails in perfect condition.
Among the most outstanding benefits of olive oil are the following:
Helps keep hair shiny and healthy
Using olive oil for hair is a good option when you hope to combat both dryness and hair loss, since thanks to its properties it gives it the softness and shine it needs, keeping it healthy and strong. To use olive oil on your hair, it is recommended to apply a mask of this oil weekly and let it rest with a slightly hot towel until it cools, to later wash your hair, although it would be best to leave it at least a day, so that look more radiant.
Promotes weight loss
Olive oil to lose weight is effective, this because it has properties that facilitate digestion and prevent the body from absorbing fat and sugars. That is why people who want to lose or maintain the same weight, should take a tablespoon of olive oil daily on an empty stomach.
It manages to keep the skin hydrated and cleaner
The benefits of olive oil on the face are many, especially for those with dry skin, as it helps keep it hydrated. But not only that, since it also serves to regenerate tissues, which allows the skin to be smooth, toned and free of conditions.
In the same way, olive oil can be used as a natural make-up remover, since due to its properties, it serves to keep the face clean and without any trace of makeup.
Strengthens nails
The olive oil with lemon before sleeping helps to strengthen the nails and keep them healthy, for this it is necessary to mix in a container a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with a tablespoon of lemon juice. In this mixture the nails should be immersed for at least 10 minutes and it is recommended to do this procedure just before going to sleep, since in this way the oil compounds will act throughout the night.
Protects the liver
Extra virgin olive oil helps to protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol or oxidative stress and more so if it is combined with lemon, since both ingredients are healthy and act in an incredible way. According to research, the combination of both helps to maintain a healthy liver and even to heal one who is sick, for this it is recommended to use the juice of half a lemon along with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, mix both ingredients and consume daily for best results.
Regulates cholesterol in the blood
Olive oil is really useful for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, since it contains monounsaturated fatty acids, but it also has phytosterols, a substance that helps increase good cholesterol (HDL). All this allows regulating cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as avoiding the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Prevents and fights stomach problems
Without a doubt, olive oil with lemon is a combination that cannot be missed to treat different health problems, among them are stomach problems, because thanks to the properties that both ingredients contain, they serve to improve digestion and reduce gas or stomach bloating, thus preventing constipation.
On the other hand, to protect the stomach from these problems, it is recommended to drink the mixture of a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of olive oil before meals.
Rejuvenates the skin
The skin tends to age over the years and even due to sun exposure, this is because the sun exerts a very powerful oxidizing power, so it is necessary to protect the skin against such effects and for this it is recommended to use oil of extra virgin olive, since it contains antioxidant properties that help keep the skin rejuvenated, in addition to providing the hydration it needs to stay healthy.
Relieves muscle and joint ailments
Olive oil is good for reducing discomfort in muscles and joints, which are caused by some diseases or by the practice of physical exercise, this is possible thanks to the fact that it has fats in its composition that achieve an anti-inflammatory and analgesic power in the body.
Strengthens bones
According to studies, olive oil prevents the loss of bone density, thus helping to strengthen bones and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis; To use it for this purpose, it is recommended to consume between one or two tablespoons of this oil daily.
Improves brain function
People who consume olive oil frequently have a lower risk of suffering strokes, this was known through a study carried out in France on people over 65 years of age, which revealed that this oil is very good for the brain, since it helps to protect it, delay cognitive deterioration and to keep neural connections in good condition.
Olive oil: properties
This vegetable oil is very beneficial for health, so it can be consumed on a daily basis; However, there are many types of olive oils, but the most recommended or healthy is the one known as extra virgin olive oil, since it is extracted naturally without undergoing any chemical intervention.
This oil contains a series of nutrients and monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for the health of the body, among the most relevant elements of this oil are:
- Vitamins: A, D, E and K.
- Minerals: calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus.
- Triacylglycerols.
- Polyphenols.
- Fatty acids: omega 3 and omega 6.
Contraindications of olive oil
Olive oil, being very healthy, has no contraindications, so anyone can use it, unless they suffer from an allergy or intolerance to one of the components it presents, so they should not use it.
Does olive oil cause any side effects?
Olive oil does not cause any side effects if it is used moderately, however, if it is abused in its use it can contribute to weight gain and promote the appearance of cardiovascular problems. Likewise, this can also act as a natural laxative and cause diarrhea, so it is recommended that its consumption be moderate.
In the same way, it is important to know that if you are taking any medication for diabetes or blood pressure, consume this oil in moderation, as it lowers blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Conclusion: Is olive oil good for your health?
There is no doubt that olive oil is very good for the body, because it helps to keep it in perfect condition, but it is important to mention that its benefits are not only there, since aesthetic health also benefits from use. of this oil, since it helps the hair, skin and nails stay healthy and hydrated, so its use in cooking, cosmetics and natural medicine is highly recommended.
In addition, with regard to cosmetics, there is nothing better than using olive oil and saying goodbye to those expensive products made from chemical substances, since, as previously mentioned, it turns out to be healthier.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.