Back when I was a child, my mother used to stress upon eating foods cooked in olive oil. And, I wondered why. When we had other types of oil in the market, why should we only go with olive oil?
Well, there is a strong reason for that. And you will understand once you are done with this post. Olive oil also known as ‘Jaitun Ka Tel’ in Hindi, ‘Jeeta Tailam’ in Telugu, ‘Aliv Enney’ in Tamil, ‘Oudala Enne’ in Kannada, ‘Jaitun Ka Tel’ in Marathi, ‘Oliyenna’ in Malayalam, ‘Jolopai Tel’ in Bengali.
What You Need
What You Need To Do
Why Does It Work
Olive oil contains a good amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from various external factors (1), (2). It has also been found that olive oil can be used as a moisturizer, especially for dry skin, to get really good results (3).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
Why This Works
Like already discussed, olive oil contains vitamin E. This nutrient improves skin health by treating inflammation, acne, and even protecting the skin from serious ailments like psoriasis and skin cancer (4).
Honey acts as a humectant and yogurt acts as a gentle exfoliant, thereby enhancing skin health (5).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
Why This Works
Olive oil for skin is a great option when it comes to moisturization. This can contribute to skin health and anti-aging.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
Why This Works
Olive oil contains vitamin E, which is often used to reduce hair loss (6). Honey ensures the hair is moisturized. It also contains other nutrients like magnesium, zinc, sulfur, calcium, and B vitamins that aid hair growth (7). The egg yolk is rich in protein, a nutrient that is the primary constituent of hair (8).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
Why This Works
The vitamin E in olive oil has been found to improve the health of nails. It can also improve the appearance of nails affected by an ailment (9).
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What You Need To Do
You can ideally replace your regular vegetable oil with olive oil for cooking.
Why This Works
In one Saudi Arabian study, it was found that oleuropein, a natural compound found in olive leaf, has potential anti-breast cancer properties (10).
In another clinical trial conducted in Spain, it was found that women who consumed a diet containing olive oil were 62 percent less likely to contract breast cancer (11).
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Why This Works
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a diet rich in mono and polyunsaturated fats, like the one that contains olive oil, can help prevent diabetes (12).
In another study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consumption of olive oil was linked with a reduced risk of diabetes in women (13).
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Why This Works
According to the popular American science magazine, Scientific American, olive oil might serve as prevention for Alzheimer’s. Oleocanthal, an active compound in olive oil, might have the properties that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease (14). The American Chemical Society has also come up with similar findings (15).
In an American study, extra virgin olive oil was found to improve learning and memory in mice, supporting the possibility of its replication in humans suffering from Alzheimer’s (16).
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Why This Works
In one study that involved men consuming a Mediterranean diet, it was found that olive oil might contribute to strong bones. Their blood was found to contain higher levels of osteocalcin, which was an indication of healthy bone formation (17), (18).
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Why This Works
One of the amazing health benefits of olive oil is to treat depression. Olive oil can increase the levels of serotonin, the brain chemical. This, it has been found, is similar to the effect of some antidepressants (19).
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Why This Works
A study published in the Harvard School of Public Health had supported the efficacy of olive oil in aiding weight loss. The weight loss that occurred due to two different types of diets (a moderate-fat Mediterranean diet that includes olive oil, and a low-fat diet) were compared. By the end of the study, only 20 percent of the volunteers in the low-fat group were still following the diet.
On the other hand, 54 percent of the volunteers still followed the Mediterranean diet and reported their diet regimen to be more flavorful. It was found that those on the Mediterranean diet had lost about nine pounds over a period of 18 months (20).
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There are certain things you need to keep in mind while using olive oil. They are:
Selection
There are five things you need to keep in mind while selecting the right kind of olive oil.
Storage
Cooking With Olive Oil
You can ideally use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a perfect condiment – drizzled over fish, steamed or baked vegetables, salad dressings, bread, etc.
It is important to note that olive oil has a lower smoke point (the temperature at which the oil begins to break down, losing its beneficial properties) than other oils. Also, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than normal olive oil. So, ensure that you use extra virgin olive oil for cooking on medium/low heat (between 250 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
Precautions
Olive oil has been found to cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. When someone who is allergic to olive oil applies it on their skin, the immune system sets off to attack it. This causes the body to produce antibodies, resulting in common food allergy symptoms.
People who are allergic to olive oil might develop eczema and skin rashes that can prove to be itchy. Hence, it is always better to do a patch test before using the oil topically. In case of any allergic reaction, consult your allergist or dermatologist immediately.