Olive Oil Health Benefits and Uses
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Oil has always been a necessity whether at home, at factories, and even inside industrial firms. And for a lot of people, no matter what the health experts say about fried foods, frying will still be the most preferred way of cooking food. Olive oil is clearly the healthiest oil anyone can use. Plus, it has a lot of added benefits.
The known health benefits of olive oil:
1. Heart disease protection
The rich monounsaturated fats in olive oil can improve the functions of the heart and the arteries. This effect is mostly seen among older individuals whose diet is rich in olive oil.
2. Prevents many types of diseases
Olive oil can prevent many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, stress, and high blood pressure. This oil has many properties that can fight off inflammation, along with the many symptoms of the diseases.
3. An appetite suppressant
Adding a dash of olive oil in your diet will make you feel less hungry throughout the day. As a result, you’ll eat less and will crave for sugar far more infrequently. The long-term effect is a much improved body weight.
4. Promotes healthy digestion
Olive oil is known for its digestive aid properties. And many men and women from different generations have used it for this particular purpose. Olive oil soothes the stomach and the intestines, thus making them perform their functions better.
5. Fights osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the decrease in bone mass. By taking olive oil on a regular basis, postmenopausal women were able to increase their MDA, ALP, and nitrate levels, all of which will contribute to improved bone density.
Calories in Olive Oil
Olive oil contains minimal calories compared to all the other oils. That is why it is the most preferred one for cooking. For every 1 tablespoon of olive oil, which roughly is equivalent to less than 15 grams, there are about 120 calories present. That’s 100% calories from fats, which is more or less equivalent to 13.5 grams. Further broken down, its saturated fat content is 1.865 grams, polyunsaturated fat is 1.421 grams, and monounsaturated fat is 9.85 grams. This calorie content and composition breakdown is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Needless to say, a tablespoon of olive oil amounts to 6% of an average person’s recommended daily intake. Further defining olive oil’s calorie content, one teaspoon contains 40 calories, 1 oz has 250 calories, 100g equates to 885 calories, and 1 cup has 1910 calories.
Other Uses of Olive Oil
Aside from the compounding health benefits of olive oil, it also proves to have a few other uses, most of which a common person would never have thought possible. As you can see, the popularity of olive oil goes outside the kitchen. You’ll be surprised that olive oil can also be used to:
1. Achieve a healthier skin, hair, and scalp
For the longest time, olive oil has been a favorite ingredient of many health care and beauty product such as soaps, lotions, fragrances, body mist, and many others. Linoleic acid, which is the soothing ingredient of olive oil, can moisturize the skin and make it glow with health.
2. Ease snoring
Olive oil can possibly ease snoring because of its lubricating properties. Many experts tell snorers to take a sip of olive oil before going to bed so they can reduce the sound that their throat produces when they sleep.
3. Polish furniture
Olive oil must be the most effective, hypoallergenic, and all-natural compound to polish furniture made of copper and silver. Olive oil can effectively prevent tarnishing, corrosion, and streaks. Simply rub a small amount on the surface after cleaning.
4. Treat earaches
With the use of a cotton swab, apply a small amount of olive oil onto the affected part of the ear. Olive oil is also very effective for removing earwax.
Olive Oil for Skin Treatment
As a skin treatment, olive oil can be directly used as a moisturizer. But more than just making your skin beautiful, it also incorporates four different antioxidants into this largest organ of the body. The antioxidants in olive oil are known to help neutralize the presence of free radicals. Free radicals are known to speed up the process of aging and in extreme levels, can cause skin cancer.
Olive oil can be taken orally, added to one’s diet, or applied liberally onto the skin to achieve the desired effect. It can be used as an aftershave, body oil, and bath oil. It can also be turned into a balm to effectively soothe dry skin and lips.
Olive Oil for Hair Treatments
Everyone can say goodbye to tangled and damaged hair by simply applying olive oil to the hair strands. Olive oil can resolve frizzy or dry hair by moisturing and taming your locks. It is especially useful during very hot or very cold days. Use olive oil to treat the hair by simply applying a good amount of it onto your locks and then wrap them neatly with a towel. You may also use a shower cap. Let it stay that way for thirty minutes. Then proceed to bathe and shampoo as usual. Your hair will then remain vibrant throughout the day.
Olive Oil has always been the favorite ingredient of conditioner and shampoo manufacturers because of its effectiveness. This oil can strengthen the hair and make it flexible. With regular use, you won’t have to worry about expensive salon treatments that could take hours. Olive oil may just make all of your hair problems disappear.
