Benefits of olive oil for the body. Olive oil: benefits, harms, properties and contraindications

Consumers from all over the world are showing more and more interest in olive oil. Benefits and harms, how to take oil for illnesses, properties - all this is of interest. Let's talk in detail about this fragrant product.

The chemical composition of the oil ensures its gastronomic and therapeutic value.

The product contains many useful substances for the human body:

• polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 - up to 1%;
• unsaturated fatty acids Omega-9, in particular, oleic acid - up to 80%;
• unsaturated fatty acids Omega-6, in particular, linoleic acid - up to 15%;
• saturated fatty acids, in particular, palmitic, stearic and heptadecanoic acids - up to 15%;
• vitamin E (tocopherol);
• vitamin A;
• B vitamins;
• vitamins K and C;
• phenols, polyphenols and phenolic acids;
• squalene;
• β-sitesterol;
• terpene alcohols;
• trace elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and others).

Table "Nutritional value of olive oil"

The calorie content of the product is 898 calories per 100 grams. This is 63% of the daily calorie requirement for the average person.

Medicinal and beneficial properties of olive oil

The value of olive oil has been known for centuries. The peoples of Greece, Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe and Asia appreciated this product. Ancient healers and cosmetologists used both pure oil and healing mixtures based on it.

Modern medicine also actively uses olive oil for the treatment of various somatic diseases. And cosmetologists use this golden gift to rejuvenate skin, hair and nails. Olive and oil-based skin care products are used all over the world.

Useful and medicinal properties of the product:

• helps to restore the normal level of acidity in the stomach, as if enveloping the mucous membranes;
• prevents the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system and diabetes by minimizing the amount of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
• increases brain activity (memory improves, mental activity increases);
• carries out the prevention of nervous diseases;
• improves immunity;
• has anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect;
• contributes to the normalization of the musculoskeletal system (cartilaginous tissue is restored, increases the endurance of muscle fibers);
• beneficial effect on the state of the digestive tract (increases bile production, normalizes the digestion process);
• has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body due to the antioxidants it contains;
• prevents the degeneration of cells and the formation of malignant tumors.

Benefits for men

The male body responds positively to the use of olive oil. Even in ancient times, they noticed that the product has a beneficial effect on potency. To increase it, preparations were prepared that were taken orally.

How exactly the components of the oil affect the sexual sphere:

1. Increases the production of the male hormone testosterone.
2. Blood rushes to the genitals faster, stimulating an erection.
3. Increases the stamina of the male body.

What is useful oil for women?

For the female body, olive oil is a storehouse of valuable substances. This is a real elixir of youth and a beauty salon in one bottle. For women, it is useful to take oil both inside and do external procedures.

Oil is useful for such properties:

• cleanses the skin, makes it smooth and velvety;
• nourishes tissues, increases their elasticity;
• prevents premature aging of the body;
• removes all toxins, toxins and free radicals;
• provides hair shine, silkiness and well-groomed appearance. You can buy cosmetic hair oil in the store, or you can make your own mask;
• strengthens nails, smoothes the nail plate and nourishes the cuticle;
• improves hormonal levels and sexual function, as it contributes to sufficient blood supply to the genital organs.

Olive oil during pregnancy and for children

During pregnancy, the female body needs all the beneficial components of olive oil. Unsaturated acids, vitamins and microelements are beneficial for both mother and child. For a pregnant woman, oil is also useful as a source of additional stimulation of the immune system. It increases the resistance of the pregnant body to various infections.

During the development of the fetus, olive oil contributes to the proper formation of the brain, all nervous system and bone tissues. Without the substances contained in the oil, the child will not receive the necessary components for growth and development. During breastfeeding, it is olive oil that helps the baby’s fragile intestines to quickly adapt to adult food. Pediatricians recommend adding it to the first complementary foods.

How to take olive oil for medicinal purposes?

Therapy with the use of olive oil is not new for a long time. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to use extra virgin oil. This is a cold-pressed product that retains all the beneficial properties.

In diseases of the intestines, oil is used in the form of formulations, microclysters or rectal suppositories. The most common pathologies that oil can prevent or cure are constipation associated with impaired peristalsis, intestinal cancer, accumulation of toxins and toxins, and chronic inflammation.

You can clean the intestines in 2 ways:

1. Take 1 tablespoon of oil daily with warm water (the best way to use oil for chronic constipation).
2. Do microclysters using heated oil. To do this, 100-150 ml of oil is heated in a water bath to body temperature and an enema is made. Empty after 10 minutes.

Olive oil for the liver

Olive oil has a very beneficial effect on the liver:

• removes toxins and free radicals from tissues;
• the liver is rejuvenated and renewed;
• improves blood flow;
• produces a choleretic effect, which is extremely useful for cholelithiasis;
• contributes to the relief of pain in liver diseases.

Application in gynecology

In gynecological practice, olive oil is valued for its medicinal properties:

• the ability to have anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects;
• prevention of malignant neoplasms.

Most often, olive oil is used to make therapeutic tampons. They are made from gauze and cotton wool. Oil-soaked tampons are placed in the vagina, where they have a therapeutic effect. Olive oil tampons are one of the best adjuvant treatments for cervical erosion.

Olive oil on an empty stomach - the benefits and harms. How to use?

Olive oil on an empty stomach has a powerful therapeutic effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract. Normalization of cholesterol levels, increased appetite and normalization of peristalsis are only a small fraction of the healing properties that the product has.

Nutritionists around the world strongly advise to use virgin olive oil on an empty stomach. It is preferable to do this in the morning. In the morning, the body receives the maximum amount of nutrients from the consumed products. You can drink oil both during the height of gastrointestinal diseases, and for the prevention of relapses.

But this product has some side effects. It can provoke an exacerbation of certain pathologies. Therefore, you cannot self-medicate. Before taking it is worth consulting with a therapist.

oil for weight loss

Despite the fact that the product is a fat, it can contribute to weight loss. Olive oil does not have a powerful fat burning effect. It provides weight normalization in a different way.

Benefits for weight loss:

• normalization of the level of "bad" cholesterol;
• ensuring the normalization of digestion;
• cleansing the liver and intestines from toxins and free radicals;
• normalization of appetite;
• providing the body with useful vitamins, trace elements and fatty acids.

Olive oil in cosmetology

In cosmetology centers, olive oil-based products are quite popular. They are used for dry skin, dull hair, and brittle nails. The most beneficial properties for the body are first-pressed products. It is also used in the production of luxury cosmetics.

Facial skin benefits

The product contains many useful components that have a positive effect on the condition of the skin:

• phospholipids normalize metabolic processes;
• carotenoids have a calming and regenerating effect;
• copper, calcium and iron remove free radicals, thereby preventing skin aging;
• unsaturated fatty acids protect against the harmful effects of the environment;
• vitamin A nourishes skin cells with moisture and stimulates blood circulation;
• B vitamins have a rejuvenating effect;
• vitamin E renews the cellular structure, gives the skin an even relief and velvety;
• vitamin K eliminates pigmentation and evens out the overall tone.

For dry skin, olive oil is used in its pure form or with several auxiliary components, and for oily skin, it is recommended to dilute the oil with citrus juices. Do not overuse face oil. With prolonged use of pure oil, the functions of the sebaceous ducts change. The skin becomes oily and the pores become clogged. Black dots and comedones are formed.

Application for hair beauty

Olive oil has a good effect on the scalp and split ends. Most often, a hair mask based on olive oil and sea salt is used. The components are mixed and rubbed into the scalp. Wrap hair and leave for an hour. Wash off the mask with shampoo and rinse with water with lemon or grapefruit juice. This mask nourishes the scalp, makes the hair obedient and silky.

IMPORTANT! Be sure to perform a sensitivity test before using this component.

To do this, put a drop of the product on the bend of the elbow. If after 15 minutes there are no unpleasant phenomena (itching, redness), you can safely use it for home procedures.

Olive oil for nails

Women's hands, and especially nails, need nutrition and care. Olive oil has a great effect on the condition of the nail plate. It prevents its delamination, providing a strong manicure.

The most popular home treatments are the olive oil bath and rubbing the oil into the nail bed and cuticles. Warm baths promote accelerated nail growth. They nourish not only the nails, but also the skin of the hands. And rubbing oil with lemon juice at night helps to whiten and strengthen the nail plate.

Harm of olive oil for the human body

Despite just a huge number of positive effects, olive oil can have a negative effect on the body.

When to avoid using this product:

• with inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder in the acute stage;
• with cholelithiasis in the stage of relapse;
• in the presence of individual intolerance to olive oil;
• during the development of diarrhea;
• Hypotension patients should refuse a large amount of oil, as it can lower blood pressure.

When using the product, you should be careful:

• daily norm of oil - 2 tbsp. l. A larger amount of the product can cause unwanted processes in the body;
• oil is best consumed fresh, and not heat-treated;
• The shelf life of this oil is 1 year. If the selected product has more of it, most likely it is a fake with preservatives that will not bring any benefit to the body.

IMPORTANT! It is worth remembering that olive oil, first of all, is a fatty product. And, despite its high value, it is worth observing the measure. Otherwise, there is a risk of obesity, disruption of the digestive system and other systems.

Olive oil helps spice up salads and other dishes, but it's also good for our health. Due to its composition, extra virgin olive oil can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, slow down the metabolic process and the development of diabetes, help treat cancer, improve osteoporosis and rejuvenate the skin. Read more about the health benefits of olive oil in this article.

Attention! The studies described in the article in their experiments used only extra virgin olive oil(EVOO, top quality), which contains the entire list of useful substances. Such an oil is very rare to find in stores, and its choice requires the special knowledge listed in this article.

The article is based on the findings of 86 scientific studies

Authors are cited in the article:

• Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Austria
• Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Spain
• Department of Medicine, Albany College of Medicine, USA
• Department of Pathology, Londrina State University, Brazil
• Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Spain
• Department of Health Sciences, EMGO Institute, VU Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• and other authors.

Please note that the numbers in brackets (1 , 2 , 3 , etc.) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific studies. You can follow these links and read the original source of information for the article.

What is olive oil

Olive oil is a vegetable oil obtained from olives (the fruit of the Olea europaea, family Olive), traditional trees of the Mediterranean. The oil is produced by grinding and pressing whole olives. The resulting oil is widely used in cooking for salad dressings, and is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, soap production and as fuel for oil lamps. Olives and olive oil is one of the 3 main food plant components of Mediterranean cuisine (). The other two components are wheat and grapes.

OLIVE GARDEN

Olive trees have grown around the Mediterranean since the 8th millennium BC. e. Today Spain is the largest producer of olive oil followed by Italy and Greece. However, per capita consumption of olive oil is highest in Greece, followed by Spain, Italy and Morocco. Butter consumption in South Asia, North America and Northern Europe is much less, but is steadily increasing every year.

DIFFERENT OLIVES

Where is olive oil produced

Today, the olive tree is grown all over the world. Olive trees are native to dry subtropical climates, but also thrive in extreme environmental conditions such as drought and high temperatures. Although the olive tree requires rich soil, it can adapt to a wide range of different soil types. The map above shows the climate range where the olive tree is grown today.

OLIVE AND OIL PRODUCTION REGIONS

More than 1 billion olive trees grow in 20 countries around the world. Over 15 million acres of olives are planted around the world, but 90% of these orchards border the Mediterranean. The annual olive harvest is almost 10 million tons. More than 1 million tons are processed as olives for canning, while the rest is the largest part pressed to produce olive oil.

Spain is the world's largest exporter of canned olives. Most of its exports are Spanish-style green stuffed olives.

PRODUCTION SCHEME OF THE FIRST COLD PRESSED OLIVE OIL

The composition of olive oil depends on the variety, growing height, harvest time and the extraction process into oil. Mostly olive oil is composed of (up to 83%), with smaller amounts of other fatty acids including linoleic acid (up to 21%) and palmitic acid (up to 20%). In addition to various fatty acids, olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, contains various polyphenols, which are of great medical interest due to their medicinal properties.

CONTENT OF USEFUL AND HARMFUL FATTY ACIDS IN DIFFERENT OILS

Olive oil Extra Virgin (EVOO) is the highest grade of oil obtained by cold mechanical pressing, without the use of solvents or other chemicals. This oil contains e more than 0.8% free acidity, and it is believed that has a healing effect, have an excellent taste with some fruitiness. This olive oil accounts for less than 10% of all oil produced in many countries. However, in the Mediterranean countries, such oil makes up a significant share: Greece - 80%, Italy - 65%, Spain - 50%.

Standard olive oil is an oil of lower quality compared to the first extraction, has free acidity up to 1.5%, and is considered a product with good taste, but no medicinal effect.

Refined olive oil is a virgin oil that has been refined using charcoal and other chemical and physical filters that do not change the structure of the product. In him free acidity, expressed in oleic acid, is not more than 0.3 grams per 100 grams ( 0,3% ).

acidity of olive oil

Free acidity is an important parameter that determines the quality of olive oil and is determined as a percentage of free fatty acids in 100 grams of butter( is the main fatty acid present in olive oil).

According to European Commission regulations, extra virgin olive oil must have a free acidity of less than 0.8%. Standard olive oil has an acidity of 0.8% to 2%, while olive oil for oil lamps (low quality that is not edible) has a free acidity higher than 2%. The increase in free acidity is due to free fatty acids released from triglycerides.

QUALIFICATION SCHEME FOR PRIMARY AND REFINED OLIVE OIL

Free acidity cannot be determined by taste or color., for this there is a special technique and devices that are used in production.

Although the low values ​​of free acidity (less than 0.8%), which can sometimes be seen on the labels of olive oil bottles, indicate the high quality of this oil, but by this parameter alone impossible to say that the oil is really first cold pressed.

What are the Health Benefits of Olive Oil?

Olive oil contains many different substances, but only two groups of them are of health value. The first element includes, which in olive oil occupies approximately 66-83% of the volume of the total oil. The second group includes various polyphenols, which in the olives themselves are contained in the amount of 97-400 ppm (or 0.04% of the total volume of the fruit), and in olive oil their content fluctuates around 120 ppm (or 0.012% of the oil volume).

Oleic acid and its beneficial properties

According to many scientific studies, the main beneficial properties of oleic acid are as follows::

• Lowers the level ()
• Protects against the development of heart disease ()
• Reduces()
• Raise()
• Alert development()
• Reduces inflammation ()
• Normalizes the functioning of the immune system ()
• Helps in healing ()
• Reduces chronic pain ()
• Helps maintain brain function during aging ()
• Slow down ()
• Prevents the development of cancer, especially lung cancer ()

You can learn more about oleic acid and its beneficial properties.

Olive oil polyphenols

A key feature of the naturally occurring polyphenols in olive oil is their remarkable antioxidant capabilities. This ability to reduce oxidative stress is associated with many beneficial properties of plant polyphenols through modulation of the oxidative pathway (), through direct action on enzymes, proteins, receptors and several types of signaling pathways (), as well as through interference with epigenetic modifications of chromatin.

Different types of olive oil show different concentrations of polyphenols ranging from 2.7mg/kg of olive oil to 366mg/kg. Research results have shown that there is a linear increase in high-density lipoprotein () in human blood, depending on the amount of polyphenols contained in olive oil. But low density lipoproteins () also decrease depending on the amount of polyphenols in the oil. ()

The scientists came to the conclusion that polyphenols are the same(or even more) important for heart health than the monounsaturated fats in olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil contains the highest amount of polyphenols.

CONTENT OF POLYPHENOLS IN DIFFERENT OLIVE TREE VARIETIES ()

The main polyphenol in olive oil is oleuropein (Oleuropein). This substance is found in green olives and in the leaves of the olive tree.

Known Properties of Oleuropein and Other Olive Oil Polyphenols (Animal and Cellular Studies):

• Cell-suppressing anti-cancer capabilities (in vitro and in animals): cancer liver, breast cancer, mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer ()
• Reducing oxidative stress in blood vessels and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease ()
• Reducing developmental risks and helping treatment - obesity, metabolic syndrome And type 2 diabetes ()
• Reducing the risk of developing and reducing the activity of amyloid diseases of the brain ( Alzheimer's disease) ()
• Various epigenetic effects leading to protection against: stroke, brain damage in old age, breast cancer, colon cancer, increased blood glucose levels, general inflammation, LDL oxidation ()

Useful properties of olive oil

Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats

An average quality olive oil is about 14% saturated fat and 11% polyunsaturated fat, such as Omega 6 And Omega 3 fatty acids. ()

But the predominant fatty acid in olive oil, as mentioned earlier, is oleic acid, which makes up from 66 to 83% of the volume of the oil.

Research shows that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have beneficial effects on genes, associated with the development of cancer. ( , , , )

Monounsaturated fats are also fairly heat tolerant, making olive oil suitable for cooking, but only not for frying food, when olive oil is transformed into aggressive products that have a carcinogenic effect.

Olive oil contains many antioxidants

In addition to useful fatty acids, this oil contains a small amount of vitamin E and. In addition, olive oil also contains many strong antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active and may reduce your risk of chronic disease. ( , )

They are also able to fight inflammation and protect cholesterol from oxidation in the blood - two main benefits that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. ( , )

Olive oil has an anti-inflammatory effect

Chronic inflammation is considered the leading force in the development of diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and even obesity.

Olive oil can reduce overall inflammation, which is one of the main reasons for the health benefits of this oil.

The main anti-inflammatory effect is exerted by polyphenols. Key among them is oleocanthal, which has been shown experimentally to act similarly ibuprofen(drug), anti-inflammatory drug. ()

Some scientists have calculated that the amount of oleocanthal in 3-4 tablespoons(50 ml) olive oil has the same effect as 10% of the adult dose of ibuprofen.() Therefore, these scientists suggested that long-term consumption of small amounts of olive oil may be responsible for the low risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease in people who practice olive oil.

OLEOCANTHAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SCHEME (www.semanticscholar.org)

Oleocanthal is an activator of TRPA1, an ion channel that is activated by ibuprofen. Oleocanthal has been found to be responsible for the burning sensation in the mouth when consuming extra virgin olive oil.

Other studies also show that oleic acid in olive oil can lower levels of important inflammatory markers like . ( , )

Another study also showed that olive oil's antioxidants can suppress some of the genes and proteins that control inflammation. ()

Olive oil reduces the risk of cancer and helps in its treatment

One of the main phenols in olive oil is hydroxytyrosol ( Hydroxytyrosol),has antitumor activity due to the properties of an antioxidant, the ability to inhibit cell growth and stimulate cell death. The effect of hydroxytyrosol on thyroid cancer cells led to their programmed cell death. (P2)

Prolonged and sufficient consumption of extra virgin olive oil may be a protective factor against breast cancer. (P3) An olive oil diet may affect the risk of breast cancer in a variety of ways. (P5)

Another polyphenol, oleuropein, may cause programmed cell death in breast cancer. colon cancer And thyroid cancer. (P4)

The antioxidants in olive oil may reduce oxidative damage due to free radicals, which are thought to be a leading risk factor for cancer. ( , ) Many other in vitro cell studies show that compounds in olive oil can fight cancer cells. ( , )

However, more research is needed, especially clinical studies, to determine exactly whether olive oil actually reduces cancer risk.

Olive oil reduces the risk of diabetes

In a study involving 11 overweight diabetic patients, olive oil was added to their diet, which significantly lowered their fasting blood sugar levels. Daily consumption of this oil may also improve metabolic parameters in patients with overweight and type 2 diabetes. (R7)

Elderly people who were at risk of losing their sight due to diabetes were switched to a diet containing olive oil. As a result of this experiment, they reduced risk of vision loss compared to those who did not increase the amount of olive oil in their diet. (R8)

Several studies link olive oil to its beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and improvement. ( , )

A randomized clinical trial in 418 healthy people confirmed the protective effect of olive oil before the development of type 2 diabetes. () In this study, switching to a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of diabetes by more than 40%.

Olive oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

In a study, 165 patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease switched to an olive oil diet. As a result, these patients showed lowering blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. ()

Olive oil-fortified tomato sauce has a greater impact on heart disease risk factors than regular tomato sauce alone. (P10)

In a study in nonsmoking women, olive oil reduced blood nitric oxide (nitric oxide) as well as levels of endothelin, a lipid that constricts blood vessels. This explains the effect of olive oil to reduce blood pressure in women with. (P12)

Olive oil levels up. It also reduces oxidative lipid damage, reduces inflammation, and improves tissue function. (C13)

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. Observational studies conducted several decades ago showed that heart disease is less common in Mediterranean countries. () This led to extensive research and it was found that it significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. ( , )

PYRAMID OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

While reducing inflammation, olive oil also protects bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, improves the health of blood vessel walls, and may help prevent excessive blood clotting. ( , , , , , )

Interestingly, it has been shown in many studies to be one of the strongest risk-reducing factors for cardiovascular disease and premature death. In one study, adding olive oil to the diet reduced the need for drugs to treat hypertension by 48%. ( , , )

Olive oil helps with metabolic syndrome

Women who eat a diet high in olive oil have a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. (R15)

combination of olive and fish oil demonstrates a synergistic effect on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in patients. (P16) In addition, it can cause the reversibility of these negative health conditions. (P17)

Olive oil reduces the impact of Alzheimer's disease

Mice that had memory loss added olive oil to their diet for 8 weeks. Their memory improved and there was a significant reaction in the cerebral cortex, which was explained by the formation of new cells in the brain. Regular consumption of olive oil May prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease. (R18)

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aß) and Tau proteins in the brain. In mice, olive oil leads to the regulation of Aß enzymes that help prevent Alzheimer's disease. (P19)

In another study in mice, it was shown that substances in olive oil can help remove plaques from β-amyloid and Tau proteins. ()

Olive Oil Eases Osteoporosis

Adding olive oil to your diet can help reduce bone loss in rats that have been spayed and feigned menopause. (P20)

In addition, this oil increased the formation of osteoblasts - bone cells, which may be a treatment for. (P21)

RECOMMENDED FOOD PYRAMID FOR OSTEOPOROSIS ()

Another study demonstrated the positive effects of olive oil with additional vitamins - D3, K1 and B6. Scientists have recommended using this fortified oil in the diet of menopausal women to maintain bone health and reduce oxidative stress. ()

Olive oil reduces symptoms of depression

The depressed patients were fed a diet that included olive oil and their condition was assessed throughout the duration of the experiment. As a result, the majority of patients showed a reduction in depression levels. (P23)

Another study showed that olive oil is the one food that is inversely associated with the risk of depression and is directly associated with improvement in depression symptoms.(P24)

Olive Oil Helps Heal Wounds and Ulcers

The scientists treated mice (which had ulcers) with either water or olive oil. Oil helped to heal these ulcers and contributed to the improvement of the skin condition. ()

To determine the healing effect of olive oil on wounds in the buccal mucosa of rats, linear incisions and circular wound models were created. The use of the oil had a healing effect on both types of incisions and excisions, and also helped to reduce inflammation. ()

Olive oil shows synergy with sea ​​buckthorn oil in the healing of wounds and burns, helping to increase the healing rate and protect against bacterial infection. ()

Olive oil has antibacterial properties

Olive oil contains many beneficial substances that can inhibit or kill harmful bacteria. () One of them - Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that lives in the stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Test-tube studies have shown that olive oil fights 8 strains of this bacterium, three of which are antibiotic resistant. ()

Human studies have suggested that 30 ml of olive oil (2 tablespoons) taken daily can help clear the infection completely. Helicobacter pylori in 10-40% of people within only 2 weeks. ()

Olive oil may help treat rheumatoid arthritis

Olive oil is especially useful in combination with fish oil, a source of anti-inflammatory . In one study, olive oil and fish oil significantly improved hand strength, joint pain, and morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ()

Olive oil reduces the risk of stroke

A stroke is caused by an interruption in blood flow to the brain, either due to the formation of a blood clot in a vessel or due to bleeding. In developed countries, stroke is the second most common cause of death, following heart disease. ()

A large review of studies with a total participation of more than 841,000 people showed that olive oil is the only source of monounsaturated fats associated with a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. ()

In another study of more than 140,000 people in total, those who consumed olive oil had a much lower risk of stroke compared to people who did not add olive oil to their diet. ()

How to choose the healthiest olive oil

Independent researchers, including the University of California at Davis (USA), have found that 75 – 80% bottles of "olive oil" sold in the US are actually fake, rancid, has in its composition chemicals for insect control, as well as various solvents used in the production of filtered oil.

Why is extra virgin olive oil 75-80% fake?

Counterfeit, low-quality olive oils flooded supermarkets and restaurants in Europe, the US and other countries, including Russia.

Who is behind this scam? Believe it or not, this is a huge number of legal producers of olive oil. Fake olive oil sales skyrocketed when the European mafia, especially in Italy, realized that fake olive oil was more profitable than illegal drugs.

And such counterfeiting has become such a massive and ubiquitous phenomenon that now it is very difficult to stop it, because the counterfeiting of olive oil gives the mafia even higher profits than smuggling cocaine.

Fake Extra Virgin(EVOO), at worst (and illegal) diluted with cheap soybean or seed oil, or mixed with lower quality olive oil that is chemically refined.

Forbes magazine warns: “Here’s the hard truth: the olive oil you bought for your health…. it's most likely a fake." That is why, especially in the case of olive oil, if you care about your health, you need to know where your food comes from.

Tips to help you buy real olive oil

Look on the bottle label for the harvest date or bottling date of the oil.

Olive oil secret than fresh it will, the greater the beneficial effect. you will be able to get health benefits. Forget about the date “use by..” or “use by..”. Look specifically for the date of harvest on the label, or bottling. Be suspicious of bottles that do not include this information. Many manufacturers do not publish such information. Unlike wine, olive oil does not improve with age.

Harvest time for green olives that will make the healthiest olive oil Extra Virgin(EVOO) - autumn, from September to October. Therefore, if the date of harvest or bottling in the autumn months is indicated on the bottle of oil, then this oil is the freshest.

Buy only Extra Virgin

Always buy olive oil that is certified Extra Virgin. Terms like “ pure oil" or " light oil“ indicate that this oil does not meet international Extra Virgin standards and has been chemically refined to mask its defects.

Also, ignore terms like “ cold pressed oil a" or " virgin oil“. They are completely meaningless in today's lexicon of olive oil production.

Find the name of the olive variety and the name of the producer

The name of the olive tree variety on the label is a good sign. Small olive oil producers around the world take pride in products that bear their name or business name. Some producers will list the varieties of olives from which the oil was created - Arbequina, Picual, Frantoio, Hojiblanca and others.

Good manufacturers indicate the abbreviation on the label PDO(Protected designation of origin), which should guarantee the entire process from cultivation and production of oil was in one area. For the quality of the oil, soil, moisture, and the presence of minerals are very important. Today, however, the designation PDO is not decisive for the quality of the oil, as olive varieties harvested in other regions are often used during production. So don't pay too much attention to the POD sign on the label.

Be sure to find the website of the oil manufacturer and read about it, paying attention to the culture of production, participation in exhibitions, associations and the healing effects of this oil.

BOTTLES WITH OLIVE OIL, DIFFERENT IN THE DEGREE OF DARKNESS. THE DARKEST IS THE BEST CHOICE

The oil must be in a bottle with a very dark glass.

Buy olive oil only in very dark glass bottles. Clear glass bottles may be aesthetically pleasing, but they do not protect oils from natural or artificial light. The fact is that oxygen in the bottle, which got there during bottling, leads to a strong oxidation of the oil, and prolonged exposure to light accelerates this oxidation process and degrades the quality of the oil. At home, store olive oil only in a cool, dark place away from the stove.

Find the country of olive and oil production

Look for the country of origin on the label. Spain, Italy and Greece may be the world's largest producers, but high quality olive oils are also produced in Chile, Australia, USA, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and even Croatia.

You can increase the freshness of olive oil in your kitchen by alternating your purchases between countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres of the Earth.

In September, for example, oils from the Southern Hemisphere are the freshest in the world. In October-January, the freshest oils will be from the Northern Hemisphere (Europe).

Feel the bitterness of olive oil

Olive oil creates a sharp scratchy throat or can even cause a cough. This reaction is normal when the oil is fresh and polyphenol levels(natural antioxidants) high. If you do not experience some burning and bitterness, then it is likely that your oil is old, rancid, or just fake.

Look for quality awards on the label

Winners of international olive oil competitions will almost always feature these awards on their labels. The gold and silver medals are especially prestigious as they signify that the oil producers have been chosen by trained gourmets and professionals.

If you see Extra Virgin oil from Australia or Chile, buy it

Australia and Chile have the most stringent standards and highly developed testing systems in olive oil production, and neither country blends fresh oil with a previous harvest.

The information on this site has not been evaluated by any medical organization. We do not seek to diagnose and treat any disease. The information on the site is provided for educational purposes only. You should consult your physician before acting on information from this site, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have any medical condition.

Olive oil is a natural product of plant origin. Pomace is known for its many beneficial properties. But not everyone knows that oil can be used not only in cooking, but also for personal care at home. In addition, pomace is used to alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases. But despite the benefits of the product, we must not forget about the nuances of its use. The latter must be familiarized before you start using the tool for various purposes.

Olive oil is a pomace from the fruit of the olive tree. The latter is common in Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Israel and some other countries. The product is basic, which means it is most often used separately or serves as the basis for the preparation of cosmetics, as well as medicines.

The pomace from the fruits of the olive tree has a rich golden color, which, depending on the place and time of harvest, may be darker or lighter. The oil has a tart aroma and a pleasant, fluid texture.

Chemical composition

The following active components were found in the chemical composition of pomace from olive fruits:

• Fatty acid. They help to establish the digestive process, contribute to the qualitative assimilation of nutrients.
• Antioxidants. Fight free radicals. A high concentration in the body of the latter provokes the occurrence of some deadly pathologies.
• Vitamins:
  • A. Improves vision and skin condition.
  • E. Has a rejuvenating effect on the body. Especially useful for skin care, the owner of which is already 25 years old. The substance prevents early aging and strengthens the cells of the epidermis. It is an excellent prevention of intoxication of the body.
  • D. Helps strengthen bones, prevents the development of rickets.
  • K. Beneficial for intestinal microflora.
• Squalene. It is a unique substance that prevents the growth and development of cancer cells. Especially useful for the prevention of breast cancer.
• Tocopherols. Helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Sterols and β sitesterol. Substances that actively fight the formation and accumulation of "bad" cholesterol.
• Iron. Normalizes the work of the heart and blood vessels.
• Other macro- and microelements.

Product types

Depending on the number of stages passed, the finished product is divided into several varieties:

• Extra Virgin (unrefined first cold pressing). It is the most valuable and expensive species. Extra virgin oil contains the maximum amount of nutrients from the raw materials that can be. The product is very concentrated, therefore it has a bitter aftertaste. The more pronounced the latter, the more fresh the pomace is considered.
• Virgin (unrefined cold pressed). The difference with the first grade lies in the quality of the feedstock. In this case, less stringent requirements are put forward for the latter. The oil has the same beneficial properties, but is cheaper. This squeeze is recommended for the manufacture of home cosmetics.
• Refined cold pressed. The composition of such a product, as a rule, includes 15-20% of the first grade oil. Squeeze has beneficial properties, but in a lower concentration. In addition, the product does not have a characteristic taste and has a subtle smell. Such a tool is ideal for frying, because it does not provoke the formation of trans fats when heated.
• Refined second cold pressed. Produced from cake, which remains after the first stage of pressing. Organic solvents are added to the product and exposed to high temperatures. The oil has the beneficial properties of the feedstock, but to a lesser extent than other types. This tool is most often used for deep-frying.

Features of selection and storage

When choosing olive oil, regardless of its variety, pay attention to the following criteria:

If you decide to purchase unrefined pomace, pay attention to some more points (in addition to the above):

• Color. Natural pomace has a rich golden hue. The oil may be slightly cloudy as a natural sediment rises from the bottom of the bottle when shaken.
• Smell. The tart, rich and pleasant aroma of the product is a clear sign of good quality. If the product has almost no smell, then it is diluted or refined.
• Taste. In some stores you can try the oil. The latter should have a rich, bitter taste.
• Price. Real unrefined olive oil cannot cost less than 500 rubles per 750 ml, excluding discounts.

Never buy oil by the bottle. Such a product is likely to be diluted and of poor quality. Remember that pomace is not produced in Russia, so the best option would be to buy oil in its original packaging.

Checking if you bought a good product is simple: put a bottle of product in the refrigerator. After 2-3 days, the real pomace will thicken. When the oil returns to heat, it will regain its previous consistency. Such an experiment will not affect the beneficial properties of the product.

The oil should be stored in a room where the air temperature varies from 5 ° C to 25 ° C. The bottle or other container in which the product is located must be airtight. The shelf life of the sealed pomace is one and a half years, opened - 1 month, as previously agreed. The room temperature may deviate slightly from the recommended one (no more than 5 ° C in both directions).

Beneficial features

Olive oil has many health benefits. The latter can be divided into the following groups:

• at internal reception;
• for external use;
• for women;
• for men;
• for children.

When taken internally

When taken orally, olive pomace has the following effects on the body:

• It removes toxic substances from the liver, which significantly improves the functioning of the organ.
• Enhances the flow of bile.
• Prevents premature aging of tissues.
• Saturates the cells with oxygen.
• It removes “bad” cholesterol from the body, due to which it is often used as an additional treatment for atherosclerosis.
• Lubricates the walls of the digestive tract, so it is used in the treatment of ulcers.
• Accelerates metabolism, including at the cellular level. This property allows not only to improve the functioning of all tissues of the body, but also to accelerate the process of weight loss.
• Strengthens the immune system. Especially relevant during periods of exacerbation of infectious diseases: in spring and autumn.
• It provokes the natural synthesis of collagen and elastin, due to which it helps to maintain youthfulness and elasticity of the skin for longer.
• Helps strengthen bone tissue. Due to this property, regular use of pomace prevents fractures and the formation of chips on the teeth.
• Accelerates the process of building muscle tissue. This is especially true for people leading a healthy lifestyle.
• Helps lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin production. Thanks to these properties, the product is an indispensable component of the diet of diabetics.
• Relieves intestinal obstruction due to mild laxative action.
• Improves brain function. This is especially true in cases of cognitive impairment.
• Normalizes blood pressure.
• Prevents the growth and development of cancer cells. The use of oleic acid, which is part of the product, is an excellent prevention of oncology.

For external use

When applied externally, olive pomace has the following effects:

• For skin:
  • forms a protective film on the surface, which reduces the negative impact of the environment on the health of the epidermis;
  • makes the tan more even;
  • prevents the development of skin cancer, which is especially important for residents of warm countries;
  • relieves peeling and inflammation;
  • fights skin diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis and others;
  • smoothes fine wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones;
  • tightens and rejuvenates;
  • fights with the vascular network;
  • restores water balance on the surface of the epidermis;
  • saturates cells with useful substances;
  • improves microcirculation;
  • fights inflammation and damage to the skin (wounds, cuts, etc.).
• For hair:
  • normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, due to which dry scalp becomes more hydrated, and oily - less polluted;
  • moisturizes and nourishes curls;
  • protects the hair from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, covering it with the thinnest protective film;
  • helps to maintain the natural pigmentation of curls, which is especially important during the period of hair growth after numerous dyeings;
  • fights dandruff;
  • prevents the occurrence of split ends and seals existing ones;
  • fights prolapse;
  • tightens microcracks on the scalp, due to which it eliminates itching and flaking;
  • increases blood flow, which contributes to increased hair growth.
• For nails:
  • fights with fragility;
  • returns natural shine;
  • softens the cuticle;
  • makes stronger;
  • prevents delamination;
  • accelerates growth.

For children

In childhood, it is useful to use pomace from the fruits of the olive tree for several reasons:

Interestingly, olive oil can be given to a baby from the age of six months. The first few months should be limited to 1-2 drops. If the child's body does not show a negative reaction, gradually increase the amount of the product. When the baby is one year old, you can give him 1/2 tsp. pomace per day.

For women

In addition to the many beneficial properties of the olive product for skin, hair and nails, the remedy has the following effect on the woman's body:

• Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
• It helps to increase lactation during the period of feeding the baby.
• Accelerates metabolism, which is especially important for losing weight ladies.
• Contributes to the normal development of the fetus in the womb: it has a positive effect on the formation of the brain, bones and nervous system.
• Strengthens the immune system, which is especially important during the period of bearing a child. An organism that is less prone to disease will give the baby maximum protection against various viruses and bacteria.
• Serves as a prevention of diseases of the female reproductive system. To achieve this effect, it is enough to periodically insert a cotton swab dipped in olive oil into the vagina. It is recommended to do this several times a month. In addition, this method helps in the treatment of thrush.
• It increases the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, eliminates muscle spasms, relieves pain in the lumbar region and in the abdomen. All this is especially important during critical days.

For men

The pomace from the fruit of the olive tree is known for its beneficial properties for men's health. It is interesting that in the countries producing the product, the representatives of the stronger sex practically do not know problems in the intimate sphere.

Olive oil is beneficial for the male body for several reasons:

• The product helps to stabilize the hormonal background.
• Oil tones the walls of blood vessels. Thanks to this property, the pomace accelerates the flow of blood to the penis, due to which the quality of erection improves significantly.
• The tool has a positive effect on the synthesis of testosterone - the main male hormone. The latter is responsible for sexual desire and the ability to reproduce.
• The product helps cleanse the liver. Many men love alcoholic beverages and sometimes abuse them. That is why the inclusion of olive oil in the diet is very important for the stronger sex.
• Fights cholesterol. It is believed that men are most susceptible to cardiovascular disease.

Video: benefits, harms and features of choosing olive oil

Contraindications

Despite the many useful properties of the product, olive oil still has some contraindications. The latter are divided into two main groups:

• For internal use:
  • Exacerbation of cholecystitis. Squeeze helps to increase the outflow of bile, which can be harmful if the disease recurs.
  • Individual intolerance to the product.
  • Pancreatitis in the stage of relapse.
  • Infectious diseases of the intestine.
  • Acute food poisoning.
  • Various stomach disorders: vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
  • Fatty liver.
• For external use:
  • Allergy to the product.
  • Excessive activity of the sebaceous glands. In this case, the oil cannot be used in its pure form.

Side effects and precautions

Neglect of contraindications and non-compliance with precautions can lead to the following side effects when using olive oil:

• For internal use:
  • Increase in body weight. Remember that the product is very high in calories.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomit.
  • Diarrhea. The drug has a mild laxative effect, but if abused, it can lead to similar consequences.
  • Allergic reaction.
• For external use:
  • redness,
  • the appearance of acne and blackheads.

To avoid the negative consequences of using olive pomace, observe the following precautions:

The use of pomace from the fruit of the olive tree

Olive oil is widely used in home cosmetology and traditional medicine. In addition, the tool is used for the preparation of massage mixtures.

In home cosmetology

Pomace from the fruit of the olive tree has many useful properties, due to which it is a component of a large number of cosmetic products for skin, hair and nails care.

For skin

There are several ways to use an olive product for the skin:

• Pure face. Steam your skin by visiting a bath or sauna, taking a bath is also suitable. Treat your face with a scrub, it is better if it is homemade. Apply a few drops of olive pomace to your fingertips. With the help of the latter, lubricate the face with a squeeze, moving along the massage lines. Avoid the skin around the eyes. After a third of an hour, remove the remnants of the product with a paper towel. Olive oil, used in its pure form, fights fine wrinkles and age spots. You can use the product in this way every day and continuously.
• Face masks. This is the most common way to apply pomace to the skin. All masks suggested below should be done 1-2 times a week. The course consists of 15 procedures. At the end, it is recommended to rest for a month, after which, if desired, resume sessions. Try the following mask recipes:
  • 1 tbsp dry yeast, 1 tsp carrot juice (make your own or buy in a store), 1 tsp. pomace from the fruits of the olive tree, 0.5 tsp each sour cream and lemon juice (or other citrus). Mix the components and lubricate the face with the resulting product. After a quarter of an hour, wash with plenty of water. The mask saturates the cells with vitamins and other beneficial substances. The tool is ideal for the care of aging skin.
  • 3 tbsp clay of any color, 2 tbsp. olive product, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp parsley juice (if not, don't worry). Dilute the dry ingredient with water so that the resulting mass acquires the consistency of thick yogurt. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl. The exposure time of the remedy is a third of an hour. After the allotted time, wash your face. The mask promotes deep cleansing and whitening of the skin, as well as evens out the surface and fights minor inflammation.
  • 1 tsp avocado pulp, 1 tsp olive oil, 2-3 drops of rose ether. Mix the ingredients and lubricate the skin with the resulting composition. Wash your face after a quarter of an hour. The mask is ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes. The tool smoothes mimic wrinkles and prevents early aging.
  • 1 tbsp banana pulp (you can use a peach, apple or other fruit), 1 tsp. pomace from the fruit of the olive tree. Combine the components and apply the resulting mass on the skin of the face. Wash off with plain water after 25 minutes. The mask nourishes and tones the skin, and also fights puffiness and the first signs of aging. The composition is more suitable for dry type of epidermis.
  • 1 tbsp rice or oatmeal flour, 1 tsp oils from the fruit of the olive tree. The exposure time of the mask is 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with room temperature water. The mask cleanses and softens the skin of the face.
  • 1 small cucumber, 1 tsp. olive oil, 2 drops of sandalwood ether. Pass the vegetable through a fine grater. Squeeze out the resulting slurry and mix with the remaining ingredients. The exposure time of the mask is a third of an hour. The tool makes the skin velvety and radiant.
  • 1 tsp natural liquid honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, 0.5 tsp pomace from the fruit of the olive tree. The duration of the procedure is half an hour. The mask effectively fights pimples and blackheads.
  • 1 raw potato root, 1 tbsp. olive oils. Pass the tuber through a fine grater. Take 1 tbsp. the resulting slurry and add pomace to it. Instead of potatoes, you can use carrots or zucchini. The duration of the session is 10 minutes. The mask restores the water balance on the surface of the skin and intensively nourishes the cells.
  • 1 tsp starch, 1 tbsp. tomato juice, 1 tbsp. pomace from the fruit of the olive tree. Mix the ingredients. You should get a mass that has the consistency of thick yogurt. If the product is more liquid or dense, add starch or oil, respectively. The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour. The mask is ideal for oily skin care, as it normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands.
  • 1 raw yolk, 1 tsp. natural liquid honey, 1 tsp olive oils. The exposure time of the mask is 25–30 minutes. The tool helps to even out complexion, and also smoothes the surface of the epidermis. The mask is more suitable for normal skin types.
• Facial scrub. Mix 1 tsp. fine sea salt, 1 tbsp. pomace from the fruit of the olive tree. Mix the ingredients and apply the product to the skin of the face. Try to move along the massage lines. Five minutes should be enough. Use the scrub 1-2 times in 14 days, no breaks are needed. However, remember that if there is damage to the skin, you should take a break from using the product.
• Lip scrub. To 1 tbsp. pour olive oil 1 tsp. simple sugar. Use the product twice a day, applying it with massaging movements on the skin of the lips. The surface should not be treated with the composition for more than 5 minutes. The scrub removes dead skin cells from the lips and deeply moisturizes. Once a month, take a break from using the product for 7 days.
• Makeup remover. Soak a cotton pad in hot water. Then apply olive oil in its center. Fold the disk in half, thereby distributing the product over its surface. Wipe the face with the resulting device. If the makeup does not come off the first time, repeat the procedure. Remember that natural products are more gentle than store-bought products. Use the technique as needed.

Video: recipes for face masks based on olive pomace

For hair

Squeeze from the fruits of the olive tree strengthens the hair follicles, and also stimulates the growth of curls. Most often, oil is used as part of homemade masks for hair care. The latter are done in courses - 15–20 procedures, after which they are interrupted for several weeks. The frequency of the session - 1 time in 7 days. Try the following mask recipes:

• 1 tbsp olive product, 1 tbsp. liquid honey, 1 raw egg. Mix the ingredients and apply the resulting mass on wet curls. Put a plastic cap on your head. After half an hour, wash your hair in the usual way. The mask strengthens and tightens curls.
• 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp. vodka. Distribute the composition along the length of the hair and leave for a third of an hour. After the allotted time, rinse your hair with plenty of water. The mask is ideal for oily hair.
• 1 tbsp. oils from the fruit of the olive tree, almond and coconut. Apply the mask only to the ends of the hair, try to rub the product as thoroughly as possible. After a quarter of an hour, you should wash your hair with shampoo. The mask fights split ends.
• 2 tbsp mustard powder, 1.5 tbsp. olive pomace, 1 tbsp. mayonnaise. The duration of the procedure is one third of an hour. After applying the product, it is recommended to wear a shower cap and wrap your head with a towel. A slight burning sensation during the session is normal. However, you should not allow too much discomfort. The mask accelerates hair growth and awakens dormant bulbs.

Video: a simple way to use olive oil for hair

For nails and cuticles

Olive pomace is often used for nail and cuticle care. There are several ways to use oil for these purposes:

• Masks. Do the procedure once a week, no breaks are needed. Pre-steam the skin of the hands with a bath of warm water. Try the following mask recipes:
  
• Oil bath. Take 2 tbsp. olive oil, 7-8 drops of lemon juice. Preheat the pomace and add citrus juice to it. Dip your hands into the resulting substance. The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour. At the end of the session, rinse your hands with plenty of water. The bath helps to lighten the nail plate, and also makes it more durable. Conduct a session once every 10 days.
• Pure use. Rub a few drops of olive pomace into the skin of the hands and into the nail plates daily before going outside. This habit will help protect the treated areas from aggressive environmental influences. In addition, very soon you can notice that the nails have become stronger, and the skin - softer.

Video: olive pomace mask to strengthen nails

In folk medicine

Olive pomace is used in folk medicine as an additional remedy for the treatment of certain diseases:

• Varicose veins. Eat 1 tbsp every day. product. You should also add oil to any foot cream, 1 tsp. will be sufficient. Use the resulting product for external use 2 times a day. Squeeze accelerates blood flow, increases the elasticity of blood vessels and prevents the formation of blood clots.
• Gastric ulcer. Use 1 tbsp. pomace in the morning on an empty stomach for 90 days. After the procedure, it is not recommended to eat and drink for 1 hour.
• Duodenal ulcer. Combine aloe juice with oil in a ratio of 1: 1. Infuse the product for three days. Add a spoonful of honey to the mixture. Place the mass in a water bath, turn on a slow fire and leave for 2 hours. Use the resulting product 4 times a day for a tablespoon. Do this for a month.
• Constipation. Consume a teaspoon of marc in the morning and evening. The course lasts one and a half weeks, after which you should take a break from the procedure for a month. After a break, you can resume treatment if necessary.
• Inflammation of the gums. Heat a tablespoon of pomace with a water bath. Dip a toothbrush in the warm product and gently rub it on your gums. Follow the procedure until the condition of the oral cavity improves. If the session causes discomfort, do regular rinses. In this case, the oil should not be diluted.
• Gastritis. In the morning after waking up, drink 250 ml of plain water. After a third of an hour, take 1 tbsp. olive pomace. You can eat only 30-40 minutes after consuming the oil. Follow the procedure for 10 weeks.
• Cholecystitis. In the stage of remission of this disease, the oil will not only not harm, but also help the body. Drink 25 ml of olive pomace on an empty stomach. This should be done within one and a half weeks.
• Pancreatitis. In this case, you should simply include the product in the diet. Enough 1.5 tsp. per day. Add oil to salads and other cold or warm dishes. Do this for a month.
• Periodontitis. Mix olive pomace with 30% celandine tincture in a 1:1 ratio. Lubricate the gums with the resulting product several times a day. You can carry out the procedure until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.
• Sclerosis. Take one head of garlic and cut it into cloves. Grind the latter to the state of gruel. Pour the resulting puree with 300 ml of olive pomace. Remove the product in the refrigerator and leave for 12 hours. Combine a teaspoon of this mixture with the same amount of lemon juice. Use the finished product in the morning half an hour before breakfast. The course lasts 1 month. At the end, you should stop for a week, and then repeat the treatment again.
• Slagging of the liver. Combine lemon juice and olive pomace in equal proportions. Use 1 tbsp. the resulting product 3 times per hour, keeping the same intervals. You should lie down all day with a warm heating pad pressed against your liver. Do not forget to prepare for cleansing: exclude fatty and fried foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco products for a day. On the evening before X-Day, take a standard size enema. With proper preparation, cleansing will be more effective. The procedure can not be performed more than 1 time in 2 months.
• Runny nose. 1 tbsp pour rosemary flowers with olive pomace, taken in an amount of 100 ml. Infuse the remedy for three weeks. Bury the finished product in the nose. 2-3 drops should be enough. During the day, you can spend 3-4 such sessions. Do this throughout the week.

In addition to effectively fighting diseases, olive oil is used for:

Even 7 thousand years ago, ancient people began to grow olive trees for the production of oil. Since then, research on the unique product has continued. Every year, the piggy bank of traditional medicine is replenished with new information about the possibilities of olive oil. New amazing facts are revealed. Those who care about the health of the body and the beauty of the skin cannot do without the Mediterranean miracle.

What is olive oil

In recent years, in the CIS countries, this product has won the stomachs of gourmets, the faces of cosmetologists and the hearts of people leading a healthy lifestyle. Olive oil is pressed from the fruit of the olive. The ancient poet Homer reverently dubbed it "liquid gold".

The myth of the origin of the olive

The Greeks were the first to press oil. According to ancient legend, during the founding of Attica, a dispute arose between the gods for the right to territory. To resolve the conflict, the celestials were offered to create something useful for people. Poseidon, waving his trident, carved a spring of water and a stallion out of the rock. When Athena's turn came, she first turned a wild horse into a pet, and then grew an olive hung with fruits. The olive tree was recognized as a more practical gift to mortals, and the city was named Athens.

Types, varieties, characteristics of fruits and oils

It is possible that the cultural olive is indeed a gift of a resourceful goddess, because the tree does not occur in the wild. On the territory of the CIS, green fruits of an evergreen crop are commonly called olives, and ripe ones are called olives. The birthplace of the tree is the Mediterranean. Most olive groves are in Greece.

Of particular value are olive oil varieties, from which oil and canned food are made. The best are large fleshy fruits with a small bone. Olives are also distinguished by the place of cultivation and the degree of maturity. Olive oil is pressed from ripe olives, but sometimes, to obtain an intense spicy taste, from unripe olives.

Depending on the type and temperature of product purification, bottles with "liquid gold" are labeled differently.

1. Extra Virgin - natural oil, pressed mechanically.
2. First Cold Press - the first cold press, a sign of quality. Such a product did not heat up above 26-27 o C during pressing.
3. Unfiltered Oil - unfiltered oil.
4. Refined - purified (refined) oil.
5. Pure Olive Oil - pure olive oil. Despite the promising name, most often it is a mixture of refined and natural oils. Sometimes they honestly write - Mix, which means mixed.
6. Pomace Olive Oil is a product extracted from pomace, refined with chemical solvents. Used for frying and baking only.
7. Lampante Oil - for non-food use.

If the label says Extra Virgin Unfiltered Olive Oil, this is the best quality and taste product.

Do not judge the quality of oil by color, evaluate by taste, transparency, ability to freeze

Chemical composition - table

The table shows the content of nutrients in 100 g of olive oil.

Substance	Quantity	% of norm in 100 g
Vitamin E	12.1 mg	80.7%
Phosphorus	2 mg	0.3%
Iron	0.4 mg	2.2%
Beta Sitosterol	100 mg
Omega 6 fatty acids	12 g	100%
Saturated fatty acids	15.75 g
palmitic	12.9 g
Stearic	2.5 g
Arachinoic	0.85 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids	66.9 g	137.1%
Palmitoleic	1.55 g
Oleic (Omega-9)	64.9 g
Gadoleic (Omega-9)	0.5 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids	12.1 g	100%
Linoleic	12 g

What are the benefits of olive oil

Thanks to monounsaturated fatty acids and sitosterols, olive oil reduces blood cholesterol levels, increases vascular elasticity, modulates immunity, and improves bile flow. Oleuropein reduces blood pressure, suppresses inflammation and fights free radicals. Block the absorption of harmful fats in the small intestine - phytosterols. Polyphenols remove cholesterol from the arteries and remove it from the body through the liver, with the help of bile. Oleocanthal is an antioxidant, similar in properties to ibuprofen: it reduces joint inflammation and relieves pain. Vitamin E heals the entire body, thins and enriches the blood with oxygen.

Olives differ from olives in the degree of maturity, dark fruits are olives

As an aid, Mediterranean oil is used for the treatment and prevention of:

• violations of the digestive tract;
• atherosclerosis;
• osteoporosis;
• pathologies of the gallbladder, liver, kidneys;
• skin inflammations;
• malignant tumors;
• age differences.

The harm and benefits of olive oil - video

How to choose and store oil

For medicinal and cosmetic purposes, only high-quality unrefined oil is used. Other types containing chemical additives will be harmful to health, spoil the skin. When choosing a product, follow the advice of experienced buyers.

1. Quality oils are labeled Extra Virgin.
2. Don't judge oil by color. A quality product can be either yellow or green, depending on the variety and degree of ripeness of the fruit.
3. Check the manufacturer on the label, the leading ones are: Greece, Spain, Italy. It is better if the product is produced and bottled in the same place.
4. When buying, pay attention to the date of bottling and transparency. Normally, oil can be cloudy only if it is very fresh, bottled from August to October. At other times, this is a sign of oil deterioration, the oxidation process has already begun.

Freshly pressed unfiltered oil - slightly cloudy, this is normal - the pulp has not had time to settle

To prevent spoilage, store tightly closed at room temperature in a dark, cool place. Pour into a glass bottle if the purchased oil is bottled in a plastic container. The shelf life of natural unfiltered oil is 6 months.

Accidentally cooled oil forms a precipitate, but this is not a problem, at temperatures above 15 ° C, it will dissolve.

Precautions and contraindications

Olive oil is a gift from heaven for health and beauty. The product is completely absorbed by the human body. However, moderation is important, because 100 g of "liquid gold" contains 898 kK. Therefore, limit yourself to 2 tbsp. spoons a day. You will have to completely abandon the oil when:

• obesity
• inflammation and stones in the gallbladder with a diameter of more than 7 mm;
• indigestion;
• allergies.

With caution use the product for cholecystitis, cholelithiasis. Due to the strong choleretic effect of the oil, the movement of stones may begin.

Application in traditional medicine

Traditionally, olive oil is considered the best for cooking. However, its scope is much wider. For the treatment of ailments, only Extra Virgin oil is used.

Buy extra virgin oils for healing

Cardiovascular disease: lowering cholesterol

When using 2 tbsp. l. natural oil daily on an empty stomach for 14 days, blood cholesterol levels are reduced by an average of 15%. Such measures are a reasonable prevention of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and the formation of blood clots. Vascular tone, blood properties improve when taking the product for 3 months.

Hypertension increases the risk of ischemia, heart failure, and strokes. Olive polyphenols cause arteries to dilate, resulting in lower blood pressure. By including a fresh olive product in your daily diet, you can gradually lower your blood pressure and stop taking antihypertensive drugs.

If you do not eat fats at all, including vegetable oils, brain function worsens, memory functions suffer.

Adjustment of the stomach and intestines

Olive oil has a beneficial effect on digestion. Taking it on an empty stomach, they achieve a truly magical effect:

• the mucous walls of the stomach and intestines are enveloped, the food will not irritate them;
• acidity of gastric juice decreases;
• mucosal damage gradually heals;
• the number of potentially dangerous bacteria decreases, for example, Helicobacter pylori;
• fecal masses are evacuated in time;
• the pain subsides.

For gastritis and stomach ulcers, take 1 tbsp three times a day. l. olive oil for 30 min. before meals for 2-3 months. After 2 weeks, the condition improves, heartburn disappears.

For constipation and hemorrhoids, drink 2 tbsp. l. oils immediately after waking up. The procedure stimulates the production of bile, which moisturizes and softens the stool. As a result, waste products, moving through the intestines, do not irritate the mucous membranes and do not lead to stool retention.

For constipation, adjust your diet: give up chocolate, fast food, cottage cheese, eat vegetables and drink olive oil on an empty stomach

To relieve pain to the hemorrhoids twice a day for 15 minutes. apply a compress of oil and honey, mixed in a ratio of 2: 1. To heal cracks in the anus, apply a microclyster with 50 ml of oil. It is administered for 3 minutes, then the intestines are emptied. With severe constipation, accompanied by internal hemorrhoids, large enemas are prescribed: 3 tsp. oil in 150 ml of warm water. Such a solution will relieve inflammation in the anus and facilitate defecation.

If waiting for a chair has become unbearable, use the quick method. Take 1 tbsp. l. oil and drink a glass of warm water with 5 drops of lemon juice dissolved in it. Lie down for 15 min.

burns

Folk remedies are permissible only for mild thermal injuries: redness of the skin without the formation of blisters and violation of the integrity of the tissues. For burns with blisters, in order not to cause an infection, it is better to use special pharmacy products: Panthenol, Levomekol. In case of severe injuries, immediately consult a doctor.

The oil applied to the burned area forms a protective film. It allows the skin to breathe, but protects against moisture evaporation and infection. Without urgent need, do not bandage the damage, the cells need air access.

Reddening of the skin from exposure to the sun is eliminated by applying a thin layer of olive fat, without rubbing, in the morning and evening.

There is a recipe for a stronger burn remedy.

Cooking

1. Place half a glass of fresh St. John's wort in a jar and pour 200 g of oil.
2. Close the lid and put in a dark place. Strain after 21 days.

Apply the medicine to redness 3 times a day. An oil infusion for burns is also prepared on calendula flowers in the same proportions.

Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory substances in the composition, St. John's wort quickly heals burns.

Liver cleansing

Due to its choleretic action, olive fats are useful for the body's main filter. But cleansing the liver is strictly not recommended without consulting a doctor. If the doctor welcomes the cleansing of toxins, get ready for the procedure:

• two days before cleansing, do not eat fatty foods;
• exclude alcohol;
• Give a cleansing enema the night before.

While the course lasts, reduce to a minimum the use of the listed products. Treat yourself to fruits, vegetables, green tea.

Cleansing Ingredients:

• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.;
• lemon juice - 1 tbsp. l.

2 hours before meals, take the oil twice a day, and then the juice. The mixture increases the production of bile. As a result, the liver is cleansed of toxins. The course of cleaning is 4-5 days with a break of 30 days.

During liver cleansing, give preference to plant foods

Increase immunity, treat colds, strengthen teeth

The body's defenses depend on the intake of nutrients. To resist the attacks of viruses and bacteria, you need to eat well. The use of olive fats raises immunity, as it normalizes the activity of the digestive tract.

For the prevention of colds, it is enough to eat 1 tbsp with food. l. oils per day. But if a runny nose still attacked, use the recipe for nasal drops.

Ingredients:

• camphor oil - 1 tsp;
• propolis tincture - 1 tsp;
• olive oil - 1 tsp

Mix the ingredients. Bury 3 drops in each nostril until recovery.

For pain in the ears, drip 2 drops of warm oil into the ear canal and insert cotton turundas soaked in it.

To relieve inflammation and sore throat, it is enough to swallow 1 tsp. oils. For sore throats, mix an olive product with honey.

Cough is treated with a special medicine.

Ingredients:

• honey - 3 tbsp. l.;
• egg yolks - 2 pcs.;
• olive oil - 100 g.

Rub the yolks with honey and add the oil. Take 2 tsp. morning and evening until symptoms disappear.

Honey is often added to home remedies for colds as it soothes coughs.

Rinsing will help solve two problems at once: strengthening tooth enamel and disinfecting the oral cavity.

1. Take the oil in your mouth and swish it from one cheek to the other. For sore throat, rinse your throat.
2. After 2-3 minutes, spit into the sink. Repeat 1-2 times daily for 10 days.

Oil pulling came to us from Ayurveda. Indians have been rinsing their mouths for centuries to disinfect their gums and teeth.

Restoration of hearing with hearing loss

To restore hearing, a folk method is used. Fresh garlic juice is mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:3. Every day for 2-3 weeks, 2 drops are instilled into each ear. At the end of the course, they are interrupted for a week, then repeated.

Before treatment, find out the causes of hearing loss with your doctor. If the integrity of the eardrum is broken or polyposis growths are present, the recipe with garlic is contraindicated.

Garlic is an irritant and bactericidal agent, used in the treatment of many diseases.

Treatment of joints and osteochondrosis

Olives prevent calcium leaching, strengthen bones and reduce the risk of skeletal diseases. If the joints are already affected, the fruit oil will reduce inflammation. It is used internally and externally, lubricating problem areas. Try this powerful cartilage revitalizer.

Ingredients:

• garlic - 10 cloves;
• olive oil - 60 g.

Cooking

1. Sauté garlic over low heat until browned.
2. Strain and chill.

Massage the affected joints three times a day for 2 weeks.

With osteochondrosis, a salt composition is used.

Cooking

1. In 20 st. spoons of olive oil stir 10 tbsp. tablespoons finely ground sea salt
2. Close the container and leave in the dark until the salt dissolves.

Rub into sore vertebrae with massaging movements up to 8 times a day. Each time increase the duration of the procedure by 2 minutes until you reach 20 minutes. per day. After the massage, dry off with a hot wet towel. After 8-10 sessions, relief is felt: blood circulation and nutrition of nerve fibers are normalized, vision improves and the headache with cervical osteochondrosis disappears. Rubbing will have to be abandoned if there are purulent inflammations or scratches on the skin.

With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs are first affected, and then the vertebrae themselves

pancreatitis

Oleic acid improves the processing of fats and reduces damage to pancreatic cells during inflammation. Therefore, olive oil is welcomed in the diet of patients with pancreatitis. The product is also useful for those who are concerned about the prevention of this disease.

Reception begins with 1/2 tsp. and adjusted to 1 des. l. 2 times a day. The oil is taken on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before. before a meal and drink 200 ml of water. In chronic pancreatitis, the daily norm is no more than 1 tbsp. l. a day to prevent inflammation. You can not use olive fats during an exacerbation of pancreatitis. Let at least a month pass after stopping the last attack.

Snore

Nighttime roulades of loved ones sometimes disturb the family's sleep. Do not despair, the fat from the olives will help out. 3-4 drops of oil in each nostril into the snorer's nose 3 hours before going to bed. Course duration - 4 weeks. If the silence breaker resists, don't give up, suggest another method: rinse your mouth with olive oil for 40 seconds.

Olive oil envelops mucous membranes, reduces friction, relieves inflammation of the nasopharynx, which often leads to snoring

Psoriasis

Olive oils relieve itching, inflammation and flaking in skin diseases. The oil is especially effective in the palmar and plantar forms of psoriasis. Apply it in a thin layer on plaques 2-3 times a day. Already after 3 days of use, inflammation decreases, the risk of secondary infection decreases. Internal use is also useful: adding to dishes or taking on an empty stomach.

Kidney stones, gallbladder

Before trying to get rid of kidney and gallbladder stones, get an ultrasound and consult a doctor. At home, stones are removed that do not exceed 7 mm in diameter. Larger stones require medical attention. If the disease is accompanied by an inflammatory process, it is impossible to expel stones on your own. First you need to suppress the foci of infection.

Before cleansing the kidneys, do not eat anything during the day, drink only water.

Ingredients:

• lemon juice - 5 tbsp. l.;
• olive oil - 5 tbsp. l.

Mix the ingredients and drink before going to bed. Drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the next day. Repeat the process until the kidney stones are gone.

To expel stones from the gallbladder, the oil is taken half an hour before meals for 2-3 weeks. Start with 1/2 tsp. Gradually bring the daily volume to 1/2 cup. In some recipes, it is recommended to drink 1 tbsp oil each time. l. lemon juice. When cleansing the body of stones, alcohol, flour, fatty and sweet foods are avoided.

Depending on the substances from which the stones are formed, they come in different colors and shapes.

Tuberculosis

Olive oil is chosen in the treatment of tuberculosis as an adjunct therapy. It is used as a means of increasing immunity and restoring healthy breathing.

Ingredients:

• honey - 1 kg;
• aloe juice - 180 ml;
• olive oil - 1/2 cup;
• birch buds - 1 tbsp. l.;
• linden flowers - 1 tbsp. l.

Cooking

1. Melt honey over low heat, add aloe and simmer for 8 minutes.
2. Separately, brew herbs with 400 ml of boiling water, boil for 2 minutes. and leave covered for 20 minutes.
3. Pour the herbal decoction into the cooled honey and mix.
4. Pour the medicine into the containers, filling them 3/4 full. Fill the rest with oil.

Take 3 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals. Shake before use.

Youth elixir

I want to prolong life, but in such a way as to live fully, and not suffer. The elixir of longevity will help to avoid senile decrepitude, osteoporosis.

Ingredients:

• flower honey - 200 g;
• juice of fresh lemons - 100 ml;
• olive oil - 50 ml.

Mix the ingredients and put the mixture in the refrigerator. Take 1 tsp. a day after waking up. The course is held 2 times a year, in autumn and spring, when the body is weakened.

Thanks to the elixir of youth, you can laugh, joke, and dress up, regardless of age

Women Health

Olive oil takes care of the health of the beautiful half of humanity and makes her life happier.

Conception, hormonal problems, menopause

Scientific studies have proven that regular consumption of olive oil increases the fertility of women. This is due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the product. Plant substances are similar in structure to female sex hormones. Oil is added to food or drunk on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. l. to increase the likelihood of conception.

From the age of 40, ovarian function gradually fades away. From a lack of hormones, “hot flashes” appear, characterized by poor health, headache, mood swings. Olive oil will help relieve negative symptoms - 2 tbsp. l. in a day.

Pregnancy and lactation

Carrying a child is a crucial time when you need to improve the quality of foods in the diet. Olive oil will strengthen the immune system, improve the digestion of the expectant mother. And the fetus will help form healthy nerves, bones and brain.

In an interesting position, it is useful to drink oil on an empty stomach (1 tablespoon each), add it to food and gently rub it on the stomach, chest, and hips. Internal use normalizes stools, relieves constipation, and external use prevents the appearance of stretch marks that accompany pregnancy. In the last trimester, olive oil eliminates toxicosis.

Olive fats are well prepared for the main event in a woman's life: they prevent difficult long-term childbirth, making the uterus more elastic.

When breastfeeding, mothers often experience breast damage. To avoid the appearance of cracks, it is enough to lubricate the nipples with olive oil every time after feeding.

So that you don’t have to creatively play with stretch marks later, massage problem areas with olive oil during pregnancy

Man's health

Olives increased potency in ancient Greece. Modern men also take medicine from olives to improve the functioning of the sex glands. The ancient drug is considered an aphrodisiac.

Ingredients:

• flower honey - 1 cup;
• olive oil - 1/2 cup;
• walnuts - 1 cup.

The nuts are crushed and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. Take 1 tbsp. l. morning and evening until the potency is restored. With regular use of the drug, the male genital organ is better supplied with blood, the erection is enhanced.

Children's health

Olive oil is introduced into the diet from 7 months, starting with 1 ml. By 8 months, the daily norm is 3 ml, by 9 months - 5 ml. It is best to add oil to vegetable puree. Watch how the baby tolerates the new product: is there any itching, diarrhea. In rare cases, an allergy to the olive is possible.

For constipation from 6 months to two years old, put 1 drop of olive oil on the baby's tongue. If the child is 2 years old, offer 1/4 teaspoon of the oil on an empty stomach. If the baby refuses, add the medicine to your favorite dish. Newborn children with stool retention are rubbed with 3 drops of olive oil. Gently massage the abdomen in circular motions in a clockwise direction for 3 minutes. Enemas with any oil are prohibited for children.

Signs of constipation in infants: the baby cries and presses the legs to the stomach, arches and groans

The skin of babies is very delicate and often irritated by the use of ready-made creams. Caring parents with diaper rash apply olive oil, previously boiled for 20 minutes, three times a day. in a water bath. Before use, it is cooled to body temperature. Boiled butter is stored for 3 days.

If you need to cure diathesis, prepare a medicine: mix olive and fir oil in a 3:1 ratio. Gently rub into irritated areas 3 times a day. With diathesis in children, an oil infusion of St. John's wort is also suitable (recipe in the Burns section).

For a severe cough, offer your child olive oil with honey in a 1:1 ratio. Taken warm, 1 tsp. 3 times a day. Oil is contraindicated in children with indigestion, cholecystitis, obesity.

Olive oil in cosmetology

Olive oil is ideal for human skin. Constantly applying it, get rid of small wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones. Cosmetologists recognize olive oil as a universal remedy for face, hair and body care. Unrefined olive oil is the best helper of beauties, because:

• does not form a film on the skin;
• does not clog pores;
• does not dry, but moisturizes.

For facial skin

Olive oil nourishes, protects, tones dry and normal skin. If you have oily skin, don't use it often. Before applying the masks, the face is thoroughly cleansed. To moisturize the skin after washing, apply slightly warm oil on the face, including the area under the eyes. After 15 min. wipe the skin with a tissue. Wash with warm water if necessary. But everything is good in moderation. Do not use oil at night for more than 3 weeks in a row. Take breaks for 6 weeks.

It will be more pleasant to apply the oil if you heat it in a water bath

Despite the greasy texture, the oil is absorbed into the skin without a trace after 3 minutes.

If the skin is dry, inflamed, please it with a moisturizing mask.

Ingredients:

• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.;
• banana and cucumber gruel - 1 tbsp. l.

Mix puree with oil and apply on face. In 20 minutes. wash away.

Ingredients:

• cottage cheese - 1 tsp;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.;
• honey - 1 tsp

Combine the components, apply on the skin of the face and neck for 30 minutes. Then rinse. To make the effect noticeable, masks are used in a course of 7 sessions with an interval of 3 days.

If you want to eliminate black spots and pimples, apply a cleansing treatment mask.

Ingredients:

After the clay mask, be sure to apply a moisturizer

If you need to remove makeup, you can remove it with a cotton pad with oil. But this is not enough for cleansing. The remaining oil will have to be quickly washed off with warm water. To remove makeup from the face, it is better to use special hydrophilic oils for washing. After all, olive oil is absorbed too quickly, carrying the remnants of cosmetics into the deeper layers of the skin.

Olive oils are great for healing chapped lips. In windy weather, the oil will protect them from drying out.

If you don't have sunscreen on hand, apply some olive oil to your skin to avoid sunburn.

Olive oil masks - video

For eyelashes, eyebrows, beard

Olive substances accelerate the growth and restoration of hair, strengthen the bulbs. 2 hours before bedtime, wash your face and apply oil on eyelashes and eyebrows with a clean brush. Eyebrows are covered entirely, and eyelashes - from the middle to the tips, so as not to irritate the mucous membranes. If there is no allergy, next time apply the oil overnight. In the morning, blot the excess with a tissue. Thinned eyelashes are restored within 4 weeks. To prevent eyelash loss, it is enough to use the product 2 times a week.

Olive oil brings silkiness and shine to the beard, prevents dryness and brittle hair. Apply to washed beard and wrap chin with a towel for 30 minutes. Leave the oil overnight, in the morning the beard will become soft and glossy.

The beard will get a nice shimmery sheen thanks to olive oil.

For hands

The skin of the hands always needs additional nutrition and hydration. Olive oil and masks with it are well suited for these purposes. Wash your hands with soap before applying the composition. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes, then wash off.

1. Whitening: Mix the chopped peel of 1/2 lemon, 2 tbsp. l. cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. l. infusion of green tea and olive oil.
2. Moisturizing: combine chopped oatmeal with butter and sour cream in equal parts.
3. To increase firmness: beat the yolk and add 2 tbsp. l. oils.
4. From cracks: to 2 tbsp. l. grated fresh carrots, add 1 tbsp. l. butter and cream.

The main thing is to verify the authenticity of the purchase before use. The taste of fresh cold-pressed oil is bright, rich, with bitterness. If you suspect a fake, cool the product to 0 ° C - it will harden. Then leave at room temperature. When heated to 10 ° C, the product will become cloudy. When the oil warms up to room temperature, it becomes transparent, fluidity returns.

Olive oil can be infused with herbs or spices, but this oil does not keep for a long time.

Enrichment of cosmetics

Olive oil belongs to the base oils, so its addition to ready-made cosmetic creams, lotions, shampoos is allowed. It is best to combine the oil with ready-made products immediately before use. Measure a single dose of cream, add 2-3 drops of oil and mix. Apply where you intended. If you have prepared a cream with butter for the future, store it in the refrigerator for no longer than a week.

Essential Oil Compatibility

When composing mixtures, it is important to take into account that the components do not contradict each other in terms of the created effect. Olive oil is healing, soothing, ingredients with the same effect are suitable for it. Among the esters, oils are suitable for partners:

• lavender;
• chamomile;
• roses;
• sage.

Application in cooking

Mediterranean cuisine, in which olive oil plays a leading role, is recognized as the healthiest in the world. However, any heat treatment destroys the beneficial substances in the product. Therefore, it is added to ready-made dishes. Most of all, olive oil is “loved” by vegetable salads. If you intend to dress your salad with vinegar or lemon, drizzle with olive oil first.

The most delicious seasoning is garlic: add a few cloves of garlic to a serving of oil and leave for 15 minutes. Do not store such a product for more than 12 days, it will start to taste bitter. Shrimps and fish dishes are combined with garlic infusion.

As we add sour cream to borscht, the Italians add olive oil to vegetable soup before serving. It is believed that in a hot liquid, the bouquet of the oil is best revealed.

It is a common misconception that foods fried in olive oil are safe. This is not so, carcinogens are formed in the same way as when any other vegetable oil is heated. Do not fry anything in elite Extra Virgin oil - both the taste and the benefits will be lost. It is better to use ordinary refined oil.

Dishes with olive oil - photo gallery

The main and still unattainable dream of mankind at all times has been and remains a cure for all diseases. However, neither technological progress nor incredible computing power has yet been able to help us achieve this goal. Therefore, the most effective way to improve the body is still traditional medicine and healthy products donated to us by nature itself. Especially effective of these is olive oil - a real panacea that can even defeat cancer cells! But what is the superiority of the foreign olive over the domestic sunflower? And is it possible to harm your own health with this miraculous medicine? Read the article about the benefits and harms of olive oil on an empty stomach, reviews of people taking it.

Olive - a gift from Athena

As with everything valuable and inexplicably useful, the ancient peoples loved to compose legends and myths, so it is said about the Greek olive that it was a gift from the goddess of wisdom and peace, Athena. Allegedly, this divine lady once argued with her husband Poseidon about how the new city of Attica would be named. Zeus helped them resolve the dispute by declaring a competition for the most useful gift for the people. As a result, Poseidon decided to defeat everyone with a source of pure water, but the wise Athena created a source of vitamins and other useful compounds in the fruits of the olive tree. Subsequently, they became an indispensable ingredient in cosmetics, medicines, as well as masterpieces of culinary art. And for good reason, because olive oil contains:

• all known vitamins: A, B, C, D, K, E, F;
• macro- and microelements: potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium;
• unsaturated and saturated fatty acids;
• antioxidants, etc.

Well, the dispute was resolved in favor of Athena, from which the ancient Greeks only benefited. For many years, olives served as the monetary unit of this people and were equated to gold coins. Until now, the well-being of a resident of Greece, Italy or Spain can be estimated by the number of olive trees in the property. This fact really makes you think about the value of olive fruits and what specific effect they have on the human body.

Among the most weighty arguments in favor of olive oil is the fact that the inhabitants of the olive homeland are less likely than other nations to have problems with the cardiovascular system. Not only that, they learned to prevent the formation of cancer cells with the help of olives.

Thus, omega-9 (oleic acid) prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques and blood clots on the walls of blood vessels, thereby preventing atherosclerosis, heart disease and vascular ailments.

While studying the properties of olive oil, scientists were interested in its molecular composition, where fatty acids consist of fairly large molecules. This implies a large number of atoms in their composition, providing a large energy return to the human body. In simple terms, if you use olive oil in the winter, you can never get cold.

An interesting fact is that relatively recently a natural hydrocarbon of youth was discovered in olive oil. We are talking about squalene, the existence of which became a real sensation when it was discovered in long-lived sharks. Based on this useful component, the beauty industry has learned how to make cosmetics. However, it is easy to replace specialized preparations with unrefined olive oil, applying it to the skin of the face and body.

The amazing properties of olives help smokers, neutralizing the harm from. Not only that, by promoting accelerated cell renewal and wound healing, olive oil will save the lungs from damaging effects.

Health benefits of olive oil

By improving blood circulation with the help of linoleic acid, olive products can affect brain function and nerve cell production. Thus, a person who regularly consumes olive oil will have excellent memory, reaction speed and coordination of movements.

It has been proven that the fats contained in olive oil can replace mother's milk for an infant. Therefore, this olive product is recommended to be added to babies in the first complementary foods - cereals and mashed potatoes.

What are the benefits of olive oil for the human body? The greatest advantage of olives is the ability to cure stomach ulcers. Improvement promises to come within three months after the start of the olive diet. Olives also have a positive effect on the work of the pancreas, liver and gastrointestinal tract as a whole. Moreover, olive oil prevents the formation of gallstones and reduces pain in the presence of a particular disease of the body.

With the help of the olive, they even learned to cope with diseases in the oral cavity, including periodontal disease. To do this, you just need to brush your teeth with olive oil and rub it into the surface of the gums.

The main thing is not to harm

As the main principle of medicine says, the main thing is to do no harm. And you can harm your health in the case of olive oil only in two cases:

• purchasing a low-quality product;
• using it in unlimited quantities.

How to take olive oil? The product will bring benefits with a reasonable approach to its use. Experts have determined the rate of no more than 2-3 tablespoons of this product per day. If you use more, then this can lead to weight gain, at least.

Before taking olive oil, the benefits and harms should be studied and discussed with a specialist. A contraindication to the use of this product may also be its individual intolerance or the presence of cholelithiasis.

Plus, the inhabitants of our vast country is better not to completely abandon their native sunflower oil.

And, of course, no one is immune from acquiring a low-quality product, so its selection and storage should be approached responsibly. Especially if you are going to improve your health with the help of olive oil.

What manufacturers are silent about

Before taking olive oil, the benefits and harms to the body, of course, are worth studying. And besides, you need to purchase a quality product. It is worth noting that the largest suppliers of olive oil are the following countries: Greece, Italy and Spain. They supply us with different varieties and types of olive oil, which are not always so natural and healthy. In order to use olive oil with confidence in food, you need to understand a little about the processes of its production. Its technological capabilities allow the production of three types of olive oil:

• Extra virgin olive oil.

It is this product that is the most useful, since olive oil is not subject to heat treatment or the addition of chemicals during production. This product is not cheap, but it cannot be stored for a long time. It is possible to determine the belonging of olive oil to this category by the composition of fatty acids - their amount should not exceed 1%.

• Extra virgin olive oil.

This oil is obtained by the second cold pressing, respectively. It also does not contain chemicals, but is inferior to its "first" counterpart in terms of quality: taste, smell, color.

• Chemical extraction.

• Cake oil is made from a substrate, subjected to heat treatment and a whole list of chemical solvents is added to it. For example, gasoline and hexane. This product is not capable of providing any benefit. Its use is common in the production of mayonnaises and sauces, where the details of the production of second-rate butter are silent.
• If the oil bottle is labeled Pure olive oil, then be prepared that this type of product is made using a similar technology with pomace oil, with the exception of some technological features.
• Finally, the marking of Pomace oil indicates that this oil is intended for the manufacture of creams, soaps, balms or cosmetics. However, this is analogous to a chemical extraction that has little to do with a useful product.

Rules for choosing olive oil

Those who have long turned their attention to such a useful product as olive oil probably know that refined, that is, purified, bleached and deodorized oil cannot have the beneficial effect declared by experts. Therefore, when purchasing this product, you should be guided by the following rules:

• To use an oil product as a salad dressing, cosmetic product or food supplement, you need to purchase only unrefined oil.
• The cost of natural olive oil is quite high, since a producer can harvest only 8 kilograms of fruits from one olive tree, from which only 1.5 liters of the final product is obtained.
• Real unrefined olive oil has a greenish tint, a sharp smell of olives and a slightly bitter aftertaste. At the bottom of the bottle you can see a small sediment.
• Look carefully at the product label. The above markings indicate a low-quality product, but Bio or Organic, on the contrary, promise naturalness and the absence of chemicals, as well as genetically modified raw materials.

Finally, if you are going to use it, then in this case it is better to give preference to a refined product that does not have a pronounced smell and taste.

As numerous consumers note in the reviews, when storing olive oil, it should be protected from sunlight and bright light. That is why the product is most often bottled in dark glass bottles. You should not store the olive product in the refrigerator, as in this case it will lose its beneficial properties. The optimum temperature for its storage is not higher than 12 degrees.

Olive oil on an empty stomach: benefits and harms

In many open sources, you can read that the most effective way for the beneficial effects of olive oil on the body is to take it on an empty stomach, that is, 15 minutes before the main meal. Why did the experts think so?

Due to the fact that the olive product is a choleretic agent, when it enters our body first, it, as it were, prepares the gastrointestinal tract for the digestion of food, while starting the choleretic process. After all, it is bile that helps to break down the consumed products with the greatest efficiency. Especially if you drink olive oil with lemon juice. What can go wrong in this case, you ask?

In the presence of cholelithiasis, olive oil can provoke the movement of stones towards the channels, which will lead the consumer to a hospital bed with a diagnosis of biliary colic.

Plus, in combination with lemon, an olive product can provoke severe indigestion, in other words, diarrhea.

However, according to reviews about the benefits and harms of olive oil, cases of such consequences are quite rare, especially if your use of olive oil is reduced to a healthy minimum. Plus, the treatment of each individual disease requires an individual approach.

Olive Health Recipes

In order to benefit from fasting olive oil, people in the reviews recommend using the tips below. After all, each individual case of a disease or prevention has its own secrets of using an olive product.

1. Due to the fact that olive oil cleanses the liver and removes cholesterol, consumers often resort to detoxing the body with an olive diet. To do this, oil and lemon juice are mixed in equal amounts (150 ml each) and consumed every 15 minutes during the 1st day. But the day before, you should give up fatty and protein foods, and 6 hours before the start of the procedure, it is better to do an enema. There is another - more gentle way to cleanse the liver - drinking 1 glass of tomato juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily before breakfast.
2. In order to cure gastritis, experts recommend drinking a glass of purified water every morning, then, after 20 minutes, a tablespoon of olive oil, and after another 30 minutes, start breakfast. The course of such therapy can not be continued for more than 3 months. But a peptic ulcer will help cure olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach (we have already discussed the benefits of using this product), mixed with aloe juice and honey.
3. Prescriptions for pancreatitis should be followed very carefully, since olive oil with such a diagnosis can only be used 30 days after remission and in an amount not exceeding 1 tablespoon per day.
4. Many in their reviews of the benefits of olive oil note that a tablespoon of the product, consumed on an empty stomach 20-30 minutes before a meal, will help cleanse the intestines and forget about constipation.
5. Without fail, many recommend the use of olive oil for thrombosis and varicose veins. The olive product is able to thin the blood and rid the blood vessels of blood clots and plaques. The use of oil on an empty stomach can be supplemented by rubbing into the affected area of ​​the vessel.

Olives on guard of beauty

However, the magic olive remedy can improve the condition of the human body not only from the inside. With the help of oil, you can significantly improve the appearance of your hair, face, and nails. If you are going to deal with this particular issue of your health and beauty, use olive oil in a complex way, that is, both inside and as a means for external use.

• Thanks to its cell renewal property, olive oil heals wounds and burns well. It can be rubbed directly into the affected area of ​​the skin or taken in a warm bath with 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil.
• In addition to healing, an olive product can have a beneficial effect on the skin of the face and body, it will get rid of cellulite, nourish and moisturize dry skin of the face, protect against ultraviolet rays, heal cracked lips, and get rid of wrinkles and age spots. It is enough to cleanse the skin of the face and body, and then apply olive oil as a mask for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Those who suffer from hair loss, split ends or unruly strands should carry out daily complex treatments with olive oil. It is rubbed into the hair roots or applied as a mask along the entire length for no more than 15 minutes. The oil can be mixed with other healthy products. For example, with banana, egg yolk or lavender oil, as well as burdock oil.
• To strengthen the nail plate and get rid of its delamination, olive oil is rubbed into the surface of the nail or special baths are made with sea salt, cosmetic additives and olive oil.

After such a complex therapy, your hair will be soft and shiny, your nails will be strong, and your facial skin will begin to shine with youth.

Drawing conclusions

We analyzed the benefits and harms of olive oil for the body. In conclusion, I would like to cite one entertaining story about how a 90-year-old French woman J. Kalman sold her apartment to a 47-year-old lawyer. The terms of the contract were simple - the buyer undertook to pay the elderly owner of the property a monthly amount of money, as if he had purchased an apartment on a mortgage for 10 years. How could this far from old man have thought that he would pay the agreed amount for another 30 years and would not live to see the ownership of the apartment. After the lawyer's death, the grieving widow paid the debt for another 2 years. As a result, the Frenchwoman passed away at the age of 122, which set a world record for longevity. But the most interesting are not even all these events, but the fact that the elderly lady did not adhere to a healthy lifestyle at all and quit smoking, for example, just a few years before her death. When Jeanne Calment was asked how she managed to live so long, she referred to the large consumption of port wine, chocolate and olive oil.

What can you say? Perhaps a panacea for all diseases has existed for a long time, and scientists are puzzled over the technological process in vain? At the very least, it's worth trying the olive oil miracle cure.