Olive oil is a fat obtained from the fruit of the Olea europaea (olive tree), a characteristic tree of the Mediterranean region.
The oil is used in cosmetics, medicine, kitchen and soaps.
Contents
Difference between Regular and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin means that it is obtained directly from the olive through physical processes, while refined or rectified oil has been processed to eliminate chemical defects.
Unfiltered, the oil is cloudy, but this does not mean that its quality is reduced.
Composition
The first aspect is the composition of triglycerides, which are formed from fatty acids. Olive oil consists mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids (73.3%, mainly oleic acid), while animal fats consist mainly of saturated fatty acids.
Monounsaturated fatty acids are much more stable. Olive oil also has a low percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids and this is important because the body cannot synthesize this type of fatty acids on its own.
Olive oil also contains other substances. The most important are tocopherols and polyphenols. These components have an important antioxidant function and are mainly found in virgin olive oil, because the processes of refining alter and remove these ingredients.
Olive oil has a delicate taste, but can also be bitter in some cases. It depends on the quality of the olives.
Nutritional table
What are the nutritional values of 100 g of olive oil?
Calorific value | 3,701 kJ (885 calories) |
Carbohydrates | 0 g |
Fat | 100 g |
— saturated 14 g — monounsaturated 73 g — polyunsaturated 11 g | |
– Omega-3 fatty acids | less than 1.5 g |
– Omega-6 fatty acids | 3.5 – 21 g |
Protein | g 0 |
Vitamin e | 14 mg (93% of the recommended daily allowance for adults) |
Vitamin k | 62 mg (59% of the recommended daily allowance for adults) |
Bottled olive oil protected from heat and cold lasts 18 months, but if someone consumes this product after the expiration date, there is no risk to health.
Olive oil in the diet
Extra virgin olive oil is healthy because it is the most easily digestible fat and has the following properties:
- It helps in the absorption of vitamins A, D and K.
- It contains fatty acids that the body cannot produce.
- It slows down the aging process.
- It promotes the activity of the intestines, liver and bile,
- It has a slight laxative effect, you should drink the oil then on an empty stomach (on an empty stomach).
- Decreases LDL, or “bad” cholesterol in the blood.
The daily recommended amount is about 3 tablespoons.
Olive oil is one of the best oils for frying because it only begins to degrade at a very high temperature (210°) and produces pollutants.
Usually, other oils become harmful at temperatures around 140-180°.
Vitamins
Vitamins can be fat-soluble or water-soluble.
In general, fat-soluble vitamins (such as those found in olive oil) are not lost during cooking.
They are stored in the liver and adipose tissue for a long time. It is therefore not necessary to take in these vitamins with every meal.
Whole olives in oil contain both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin E (a natural antioxidant): Olives contain 2.3 IU (International Units) of vitamin E per tablespoon. One tablespoon contains 8% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E. Vitamin K: The richest source of vitamin K is green leafy vegetables.
The greener the vegetables, the higher the vitamin content, because the vitamin is contained in chlorophyll. Vegetable oils such as olive oil are the second source of this vitamin.
Benefits of olive oil
The benefits of this oil for the skin are shown by direct application, but also when you drink it.
The components of the oil have many benefits for the skin.
For example, extra virgin olive oil contains antioxidants (such as polyphenols) that reverse the aging process and wrinkling of the skin. In addition, they protect the skin from the damaging effect of free radicals. Since olive oil contains vitamin E, it is moisturizing for the skin and a beauty product for the face.
Secret weapon for weight loss
According to one expert, a diet high in olive oil can lead to greater and more sustainable weight loss than a low-fat diet.
Of course, you should not exaggerate, because olive oil has almost 900 calories per 100g. With a larger amount you gain weight.
Diabetes precautions
Consuming olive oil in a balanced diet can help prevent or slow down the onset of diabetes mellitus (L Schwingshackl et al. – 2017).
Analgesic
Extra virgin olive oil contains a substance called oleocanthal, which contains anti-inflammatory substances. Thus, olive oil acts like natural ibuprofen (Parkinson et al. – 2014).
Strengthening
the immune system Packed with antioxidants (essential in strengthening and protecting the immune system), extra virgin olive oil can increase resistance to resistant infections (Puertollano et al. – 2010). Other oils do not contain such high levels of important antioxidants.
Help in pregnancy
Applying olive oil helps prevent stretch marks. In addition, the psychomotor reflexes of the child can be improved during pregnancy.
Life expectancy
Because extra virgin olive oil can help prevent and/or reduce the impact of many diseases (including some tumors), it also helps to live longer (Owen et al. – 2014).
Lubricant
Olive oil can be used as an internal lubricant for vaginal dryness, but only if no condom is used.
Cosmetic use of olive oil
Benefits of olive oil for hair
There is a link between olive oil and hair growth. It can cure various skin disorders and is a good therapy for hair loss.
One of the benefits of olive oil for hair is that it helps in the prevention and treatment of hair loss.
Many people lose their hair due to the presence of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which causes a decrease in hair follicles.
DHT is responsible for hair loss and male pattern baldness.
Applying olive oil to the hair prevents the hormone production of DHT in the scalp. Thus, the main problem of hair loss is combated.
The presence of antioxidants in olive oil promotes a healthy scalp. Hair damage caused by excessive use of chemicals can be cured by applying olive oil.
Olive oil is an effective therapy for hair loss and acts like a natural balm. In other words, an olive oil pack keeps hair shiny and soft.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties of olive oil help treat dandruff and lice. Dandruff can lead to thinning of the hair; Olive oil helps to cure this problem and can thus reduce hair loss.
It helps to keep the scalp clean and improve the natural resistance of the hair.
A scalp massage with olive oil improves blood circulation and strengthens hair growth. At the same time, a massage helps to reduce stress and promotes a peaceful sleep, which is important for maintaining health.
Mixture of cinnamon and honey
This is another popular remedy for hair loss. Make a paste by mixing olive oil with honey and cinnamon.
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil and add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Mix well and make a paste from it, apply it to the hair.
- Leave on the hair for 15 minutes and then wash out with a mild shampoo.
Skin tan
Olive oil can be a good product for faster skin tanning, which makes the skin appear golden.
The first two times you should use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor when sunbathing, then you can apply olive oil to the skin. But it is better to avoid the time of the great heat of the day (between 11 and 16 o’clock).
However, people who suffer from facial pimples should avoid olive oil as it closes pores and can cause discomfort.
Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an inflammation of the skin that needs oil to reduce symptoms and soften the skin.
Olive oil is an excellent product for dry skin on the legs. In addition, it is useful for cracked lips and to strengthen the nails.
You can use ozonated olive oil (which is olive oil enriched with ozone), which combines the effects of oil with those of ozone. In particular, it offers the following advantages:
- reduces cellulite,
- stimulates cell metabolism,
- keeps hair moist.
Face
Olive oil can be used as a makeup remover as well as to reduce wrinkles or crow’s feet.
It is an ingredient for face masks, along with lemon juice, white clay and honey.
It is also useful as a remedy for spots on the face.
You can use a mixture of olive oil (two tbsp) and brown sugar (one tbsp) to scrub the face.
Application of olive oil for earache
Earache can have many causes. The most common cause is a massive accumulation of earwax.
Earwax is a protective layer that prevents foreign body particles from entering the ear canal and coming into contact with the eardrum.
But too much earwax can cause pain and other problems. Another cause of earache is an infection of the inner ear.
If not treated in time, it can lead to hearing loss.
So you have to check whether an infection has existed for a long time.
Olive oil can be used for both situations.
Instructions:
Take a small cotton ball that adapts to the ear and dip it in warm oil. If enough oil is absorbed, squeeze out the cotton ball in the affected ear or simply insert the cotton ball into the ear and leave it there so that the oil can run inside. If the oil is dripped into the ear, the person should lie on his side to facilitate penetration into the ear canal.
To remove the earwax plug, the person should turn to the other side after 5 minutes and place a clean cloth under the ear to let oil and earwax run out.