For centuries, olive oil has been used to maintain the suppleness of skin and muscle, to heal abrasions, to give body and sheen to hair and soothe the drying effects of sun and wind. Additionally, olive oil has been used in folk remedies for an array of uses; strengthening weak nails, aiding in digestion, curing the effects of alcohol consumption, relieving aching muscles, lowering blood pressure and many other uses.
Recently, research has provided proof that a Mediterranean style diet, including olive oil, is a healthy diet and that olive oil might reduce cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association found that in researching the modern day diet that Greece and especially the island of Crete had the lowest mortality rate due to cardio-vascular illness. Finland and the United States had the highest mortality rate. The only notable difference between the two countries was the type of fat ingested. In countries with high incidents of cardio-vascular disease, saturated fats were most often consumed. Saturated fats are high in cholesterol. Monosaturates, on the other hand, contain no cholesterol. Lets see some more benefits of olive oil-
- Reduce bad cholesterol levels. – Polyphenols contained in olive oil helps to keep LDL of cholesterol to keep it in healthy range.
- Make you less hungry – Olive have fewer sugar cravings. Olive oil makes tends to make you eat less and feel sated
- Reduce the risk of stroke - According to a study in 2011, olive oil contains plasma oleic acid, that reduces chances of stroke in older people, thus diet rich in olive oil have a great benefits.
- Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in women – An Italian study found that diet rich in olive oil along with enough green vegetables and fruits have a great help in reducing rate of coronary hear disease in woman enrolled in study. Ladies, perhaps this may be a good reason to add it in your diet.
- Help fight breast cancer – Phytochemicals contained in olive oil are very effective in killing cancer cells. These phytochemicals are also helpful in suppressing cancer genes.
- Keep your lips soft and supple – Applying olive oil with equal part of beeswax works good agent in keeping lips soft. Prepare a little amount of it at hone, store in a small glass jar and apply it on your lips whenever you feel to have it. Use regularly to see its effective impact
- Help you to stay healthier into old age –The Mediterranean Diet has been proven to be one of the healthiest in the world. Some consider it the healthiest. Olive oil has always been an integral part of the Mediterranean Diet. Although red wine and lots of fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables also play a huge part in the diet’s success, scientists agree that it wouldn’t be nearly as beneficial without olive oil.
