Olive
Oil - Home Page
The
Olive and Olive Oil
Uses
of Olive Oil
Benefits
of Olive Oil
Olive
Oil and Health
Olive
Oil and Beauty
Olive
Oil and Hands
History
of Olive Oil
Types
of Olive Oil
Countries
and Olive Oil
Olive
Oil in Recipes
An
Olive Oil Story
Olive
Oil Recipes:
Olive
Oil in Dressings
Olive
Oil in Salads
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Oil Recipes
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Benefits of Olive
Oil
Olive oil has been
a staple food source in many Mediterranean countries for over 3,000 years
and it is widely regarded as having a number of important internal health
benefits. Olive oil is also popular for use as a topical application with
fans of natural health remedies.
The fats contained in olive oil are mostly monounsaturated and as such,
healthier than the saturated fats that comprise many western diets. In
the Mediterranean countries where there is a high consumption of olive
oil amongst the general population, the incidence of cardiovascular disease
is much lower.
Olive oil is also high in polyphenols, which along with the high levels
of monounsaturated fat are a major contributory factor in lowering cholesterol
levels. Replacing unhealthy fats in the diet with olive oil can also protect
against diseases such as Alzheimer's-long linked to high consumption of
cholesterol and saturated fat.
Scientific studies carried out have shown that patients who consumed higher
levels of extra virgin olive oil in their diet were able to reduce or
eliminate medications required to control blood pressure. Other studies
have proven that olive oil can be linked with a lower incidence of colon,
breast, and various skin cancers.
Olive oil is also very beneficial in lowering the incidence of gallstones
as it naturally promotes the secretion of pancreatic hormones and bile.
It is great for the digestive tract in general and is a very useful remedy
for treating constipation.
Other nutritional benefits of olive oil include the high levels of omega
9 fatty acids, which are great for your skin. Olive oil also contains
vitamins E, K and A, as well as lots of other micro-nutrients. Vitamin
E is an important antioxidant that helps to prevent conditions such as
coronary heart disease.
Olive oil is useful for treating ear problems. Topical application of
a drop or two of lukewarm oil in the affected ear can very often relieve
problems with hardened earwax.
As well as the important health benefits of olive oil, it is great for
applying on dry skin. It can be used on the scalp as a preventative hair
loss remedy and as a home remedy for dandruff issues. Olive oil is also
great for building strong fingernails and softening cuticles.
There is really no end to the benefits of olive oil. It is a cheap and
easy way of giving your long-term health a significant boost.
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