subject: The Benefits (and uses) of Olive Oil [print this page] The Benefits (and uses) of Olive Oil The Benefits (and uses) of Olive Oil
Olive oil; an everyday kitchen cupboard staple, widely used but maybe not so widely understood. We know it comes in a fancy bottle and tastes pretty good on salads, but what else, other than the obvious, can this velvety liquid do for us?
The answer is, a lot. Recent studies have shown that olive oil, an important component in the Mediterranean Diet, can cause havoc for cancerous tumours, effectively starving them of the proteins they rely on and forcing them to destroy themselves. The oil also combats conditions such as heart disease and arthritis, by switching off' genes that exacerbate related symptoms. Amongst the ingredients' are healthy polyunsaturates in the form of omega-6 fats, which fight inflammation, and monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids, such as oleic acid, which can help improve memory. With these kinds of abilities, olive oil can claim a place on the superfood list, and with a whole host of other uses, it wont be long before it becomes the multi-purpose weapon' of choice for healthy living enthusiasts.
Referred to as liquid gold' by Homer (Ancient Greek athletes took great pleasure in slathering it on themselves), olive oil was being extracted from olives in the Eastern Mediterranean as far back as 5,000 years ago. In the years since then, it has been used in medicines, religious rituals, as fuel for lamps, and in more natural skincare products. The list is endless, but what cannot be disputed are the immense benefits that come from consuming olive oil on a regular basis.
In modern extraction, the olives are ground to a paste, pressed to separate the liquid, and then filtered to eliminate the solids that have a detrimental effect on its shelf life. Experts recommend that we get 50ml, or 10 teaspoons, of oil per day, and this should be in the form of the superior-tasting extra virgin olive oil, the highest grade available. Some people, not wanting to forget their daily dose, may knock back theirs in a shot-like fashion, but for those who find this hard to swallow, it comes down to finding imaginative ways to spread this allowance throughout the day. As well as salads, try adding a drizzle to fish, meat and potatoes, or season with a little salt and pepper and offer it up as a dipper for fresh, crusty bread. To compliment this, eating a diet low in red meat and dairy and high in fruits, nuts and vegetables will ensure you are well on your way to adopting the revered Mediterranean Diet, which contains an impressive line-up of cancer-busting foods.
Olive oil is no doubt used more widely in the culinary sense, but it would be prudent to exploit it for all of its alternative uses and health-giving properties. Take, for example, the fact that it acts as a mild laxative and stool softener. It can also treat hardened ear wax, removing the need for the dreaded syringe. It can be burned in an oil lamp using a linen or cotton wick to cleanse' the surrounding air, and if relatively fresh can be a wonderful, nourishing addition to homemade soaps. The most popular use, though, second to being consumed, is in skincare. In terms of all-over body care, stretch marks can be prevented or even banished by regularly using a skin-softening mix of olive oil, vitamin E oil and even a little sugar to really beat them into submission. But most notably, facial skincare is where olive oil can produce some really impressive results.
The oil cleansing method, or OCM, involves an evening regime of cleansing and moisturising the face with a blend of extra virgin olive oil and castor oil. Smearing and kind of oil onto the skin may go against most modern beauty rules, but in fact the oil you apply to your face will dissolve the natural oils hardened in your pores that harbour all kinds of impurities. Castor oil is extremely thick and strong, and as such needs to be diluted with extra virgin olive oil. Skin types vary from person to person, therefore a personal blend of the two can be created with a little experimentation. Typically, the balance is between 10-30% castor oil, and between 70-90% extra virgin olive oil. This duo will undoubtedly pack quite a punch; castor oil possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, while the essential fatty acids in olive oil help maintain the skins' natural moisture balance and keeps cell membranes healthy. Skin will need a few days to adjust to the new regime, after which time it will become less congested and baby soft with a healthy glow. What more could you want from a relatively cheap, easy-to-use, DIY facial?
So there we have it; the wonderful world of the multi-purpose olive and the oil that it yields. Jeanne Calment, a French woman who lived to the ripe old age of 122, was a living testament to the benefits of olive oil she ritually poured it on her meals and massaged it into her skin. Embracing a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular consumption and use of olive oil could work wonders for your long-term health. Yes, there's certainly more than meets the eye to this modest little fruit.
