Olive oil: benefits and harms: how to take it. Olive oil - composition

Olive oil is a fatty vegetable product obtained from olives and their pulp. The secret of its uniqueness and value is considered to be its composition, which includes many useful substances. Moreover, they are absorbed one hundred percent, which makes it a most valuable product.

It can be used both internally and externally, but olive oil will benefit most when taken on an empty stomach. This method allows you to rejuvenate the entire body, improve the quality of hair and skin with nails. According to doctors, better absorption of substances occurs at this time. effective cleansing internal organs.

The benefits and harms of olive oil on an empty stomach directly depend on the components of this product:

1. Unsaturated fatty acids, especially Omega-3, help remove bad cholesterol and cleanse the body of harmful substances.
2. Phenols help relieve inflammation.
3. Monounsaturated fats help prevent the development of atherosclerosis and cancer.
4. A large amount of fat-soluble vitamins improves the normal functioning of internal organs and external systems.
5. Linoleic acid helps heal various internal and external damage.

The production process and the possibility of long-term storage give olive oil benefits and harms in some cases, which will be discussed a little later.

Miracle action

Its use helps prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques, normalize metabolic processes in the body, reduce appetite, slow conversion of lipids into fat, quickly heal existing gastrointestinal ulcers, reduce acidity and eliminate inflammation, cleanse the intestines, activate liver activity, improve skin, hair, nail plates, cartilage, bones and muscles.

Traditional and official medicine is absolutely confident in the benefits of olive oil on an empty stomach. Doctors explain this by saying that an empty stomach better assimilates the foods that enter it. And it’s better that they are useful, which is what this product contains.

At this moment, cleansing processes that occur throughout the day are activated. But such an intake can also provoke an exacerbation of diseases existing in the body. Even those that the person himself did not know about.

Therefore, before drinking olive oil on an empty stomach, you should familiarize yourself with the conditions under which it cannot be consumed in this form with consultation from a physician. Any treatment must be carried out according to the developed scheme and under the supervision of a doctor. Start taking it, as a rule, with half a tablespoon. The same amount should be taken in the evening before dinner, half an hour before dinner. After two weeks, the dose is increased.

By drinking this product immediately after getting up, you can permanently remove toxins from the body and return it to normal. internal organs, in particular the liver. This can be done by adding lemon juice– first drink 1 tsp. oil and then a few drops of juice.

This method is the most optimal, allowing you to soften the effect of the oil. For complete cleaning the liver needs to increase the amount of products - 1 tbsp. l. for the same amount of lemon juice. The same effect will happen if you drink tomato juice instead of lemon juice - 1 glass of juice and 1 tbsp. l. olive oil.

Rejuvenation, cosmetology and figure improvement

The most unique combination is honey, lemon and olive oil taken on an empty stomach. All of them are unique individually, but together they give an amazing effect.

Most of all, this method is used to improve physical fitness. After all, thanks to honey, fats entering the body are digested faster, lemon removes unnecessary water and lowers cholesterol levels, and oil fills the body with necessary healing substances.

It should be borne in mind that while on a diet, this combination saturates with all useful microelements.

Honey, lemon and olive oil

Honey, lemon and olive oil on an empty stomach have a positive effect on the skin and hair. To do this, you need to take 0.5 cups of lemon juice, 1 cup of honey and 50 ml of oil, mix everything thoroughly and put it in the cold. Eat 1 tsp of the resulting mixture every day. and the result will not take long to arrive.

This combination is also popular in cosmetology. To strengthen your hair you need to take half a lemon and squeeze out the juice, honey - 4 tbsp. l., olive oil - 1 tbsp. l. Mix everything and leave in a warm place for 30 minutes. Hair should be washed, dried and combed - apply a mask and wrap your head with a bag and a towel. After 40 minutes, wash your hair with shampoo.

These ingredients can also whiten your skin. To do this, take a little bit of everything in equal quantities, mix and add chicken yolk. This composition also eliminates peeling and adds elasticity.

Like any product, this one also has contraindications due to its strong effect on liver activity in terms of cleansing. A teaspoon is enough to start the movement of stones in the gall bladder.

In this case, the result may be the need surgical intervention. To prevent this from happening, before you start drinking olive oil on an empty stomach, mandatory Find out about your health condition and consult with a specialist.

To effectively combat excess fat deposits, it is worth adjusting your diet, excluding from it foods and dishes that are unnecessary for the body.

No less important point lies in the choice of oil:

1. The first thing you need to pay attention to is freshness and whether the place where it was produced coincides with the place of bottling.
2. You should look for the presence of this mark - Extra virgin, indicating high-quality raw materials and cold pressing. If only the word Virgin is present, then the quality of the raw materials is slightly lower.
3. If there is a Pomace inscription, the usefulness is reduced significantly, since cake, heat and chemistry were used in production.
4. If there is an inscription on any other oil stating that the product contains olive oil, you should not believe it.
5. The oil should be sold in a dark glass bottle.

Considering all these points when purchasing oil, you can safely use it without fear of negative consequences. It is better to store olive oil in the dark and cool, but not in the refrigerator.

With the right approach, reasonable storage and use, you can get a lot of useful and pleasant things out of this product.

Olive oil- one of the most ancient types of oil on Earth. The cultivation of olive trees and the production of olive oil began almost 5 thousand years BC. According to ancient legends, the olive tree was given to people by the goddess Athena . These trees were worth their weight in gold in ancient times, and there were even laws according to which a person who cut down an olive was sentenced to death...

Why modern man asks such strange questions - “Is olive oil harmful? How to take this type of oil to get only benefits for the body?” There's a lot to talk about!

Olive oil is almost 100% fat. But fats are very healthy, vegetable and rich in nutrients.

The benefits of olive oil

This is explained by the fact that:

1. The composition of olive oil includes the following unsaturated acids: linoleic, oleic, linolenic. These fatty acids cleanse blood vessels, removing cholesterol directly from atherosclerotic plaques, thereby reducing the risks of strokes, heart attacks, heart and vascular diseases

2. Olive oil contains beneficial fat soluble vitamins— 4 vitamins — A, D, E, K.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It prevents cell aging, increases skin elasticity, and removes acidification products from the body. Vitamin E promotes wound healing, increases blood clotting and ensures normal libido.
Moreover, it is interesting that compared to sunflower oil, olive oil does not win at all in terms of the quantitative content of this vitamin. But the unique complex composition still allows olive oil to be considered one of the most healthy oils for health.

3. Phenols, contained in olive oil, are also important and have their own benefits. Phenols are substances that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It is phenols that give the oil its specific bitterness. But you need to remember that they are contained only in unrefined olive oil.

7 beneficial properties of olive oil in preventing diseases:

1. By regularly consuming unrefined olive oil, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing coronary diseases. But it is known that these diseases are the most common cause mortality worldwide.
2. It can be considered proven that the so-called “bad” cholesterol in atherosclerotic plaques is significantly reduced when consuming olive oil. Atherosclerosis can be prevented!
3. If you take a lot of medications for hypertension, then using natural olive oil in your food will help you, if not give up medications altogether, then significantly reduce their dosage.
4. Olive oil helps reduce insulin resistance. It increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Olive oil can be effectively used for prevention diabetes mellitus 2 types. Other vegetable oils, such as rapeseed or flaxseed, have the same property.
5. Olive oil can be used effectively for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, a very serious disease that occurs mainly in the elderly.
6. Olive oil can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 45% in women. According to the Athens School of Science, olive oil should be consumed at least 2 times a day. This happens due to polyphenols - effective antioxidants that prevent heart disease and cancer.
7. Squalene was found in olive oil. As you know, a person consists of 80% water, and it is with it that squalene reacts, releasing oxygen and saturating the cells with it. Therefore, squalene is often called the “oxygen vitamin.” Squalene prevents the development of colon, lung and skin cancer.

How to use olive oil in cooking, frying and salads

It’s interesting that when it comes to frying something in olive oil, expert opinions vary!

According to some data, olive oil is considered the most suitable of all vegetable oils for frying. Since, unlike the sunflower we are used to, it can not oxidize for a long time under the influence of high temperatures. They even indicate a temperature of + 245 degrees, up to which olive oil does not change its properties. That is, they say that olive oil is ideal for frying.

On the website of the “Live Healthy” program with Elena Malysheva, on the contrary, it is indicated that you cannot heat olive oil and frying it is harmful.

Frying, of course, is generally harmful. And fried food has nothing to do with healthy eating.

Therefore, I made a conclusion for myself - if you fry, then rarely, but in olive oil, and not in expensive unrefined oil, but in refined oil like refined olive oil . There are fewer valuable substances there, but there’s not much to burn there, which means less harmful impurities are formed during frying. It turns out to be even more harmful if it is plant-based...

But in raw salads one of the most different vegetables, and in any other dishes - you need to add raw, high-quality olive oil immediately before use. And don't heat it up. This way we will preserve all the values ​​and “benefits” of olive oil in full. And we will receive inside all the benefits that so much is said and written about.

But one more point needs to be highlighted, namely, what kind of olive oil should you take and how to choose it in order to get undoubted health benefits?

Olive oil - how to choose the right one

I didn’t invent anything - I found a ready-made text on one blog. in my opinion, everything is very well and clearly presented.

"1. Olive oil, like others, can be refined or unrefined. All beneficial substances are preserved only with minimal heat exposure. Thus, preference should be given to unrefined oil. For example, for the production of Ideal oil, one of the most fertile provinces of Spain was chosen - Seville, where a special variety of olives ripens. Like thousands of years ago, Ideal is obtained by direct pressing, without adding preservatives or foreign impurities.

2. In addition, on the packaging you can often find one of three inscriptions - virgin (natural), refined (purified) or pomace (cake). Buy the first option.

3. If the word mix is ​​written on the oil label, it means that it was produced by mixing different types of oils, which negatively affects its properties.

4. The beneficial properties of olive oil last for five months, so you need to pay special attention to the date of manufacture of the product.

5. The lower the acidity of the oil, the milder the taste it has. For the highest quality varieties of olive oil, this figure is only 0.8%.

6. The best olive oil is produced and bottled in the same region. You can find out the origin of the product by the IGP or DOP designations. IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) means that the olives were pressed in one country, for example Greece or Spain, and the oil was packaged outside these regions. The abbreviation DOP (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) indicates that the oil is produced and packaged within the same country.

7. You should not try to determine the quality of the oil by its color; this property is influenced by factors such as the variety of olives, their degree of ripeness and harvest time.

8. Glass containers preserve the properties of olive oil best.”

Is olive oil harmful? Are you serious?

Olive oil, in small dosages, 1-2 tablespoons per day, is absolutely safe and will bring nothing but benefits.

But large quantities, or oil taken on an empty stomach, can have a negative impact on those suffering cholecystitis, cholelithiasis. Simply because any oil has a choleretic effect. Pebbles may move towards the exit, and the matter will end with colic...

Also, any oil, olive oil is no exception, very high in calories. What can simply affect the figure if consumed excessively. This is if you eat it with bread and potatoes. And if you season salads made from fresh raw vegetables with it, you don’t have to worry about gaining extra pounds.

Allergy? It could probably be something like individual intolerance. Everything is about harm, nothing more.

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How is olive oil used in cosmetology?

Olive oil for face

This oil is extremely popular in cosmetology. This is explained, of course, by its rich composition, which has a beneficial effect on our skin.

Everyone probably knows that fat-soluble vitamins A and E often added to masks and skin products. If you use olive oil, you don’t have to add anything; you get a whole complex of wonderful natural “living” vitamins for the skin!

Vitamin E prolongs skin youth, and vitamin A is responsible for its hydration and elasticity. Olive oil contains them in exactly the form that is easily perceived by the cells of our epidermis. They respond well to such care, they absorb everything useful, and eliminate everything harmful.

Dry, aging skin She is also often susceptible to allergies; it is very difficult to choose care and nutrition products for her. If you use real extra virgin olive oil, you will solve all these issues easily and simply. Olive oil will not only prevent the appearance of wrinkles, but also smooth out fine wrinkles on the face when used regularly as a cosmetic product.

Olive oil perfectly nourishes, softens, and moisturizes the skin, retains moisture in it and at the same time does not clog pores.

Olive oil for the face is very easy to use, and it brings a lot of benefits.

You can watch recipes for skin masks using olive oil in this VIDEO (Olive oil: Benefits and harms: How to take and apply this product to preserve the beauty of the skin).

In this video you will learn about the benefits and uses of olive oil for the face.

Olive oil for hair

Olive oil has been used for hair care for as long as it has been in human history.

• For the care of weakened, dry hair.
• To increase hair growth in case of baldness.
• For colored hair that is “tired” of constant hairdressing experiments.
• For unruly and coarse hair that requires softening and moisturizing.

Perhaps it is not suitable only for fatty people. excessively shiny hair...

But “doesn’t fit” is only conditional! It is also possible and even necessary to use it in this case, you just need to dilute it with the necessary ingredients. In particular, it is recommended to add vodka to it in a 1:1 ratio (this also applies to masks), and be sure to add grape vinegar or lemon juice to the last water for rinsing your hair. This will allow you to dry oily hair and, at the same time, give them the nutrition they need.

In all other cases, you can safely use olive oil(natural, correct) even without any additives to it. It is completely self-sufficient!

The principle is simple - before washing your hair, slightly warm a small amount of oil and apply to the scalp. Comb so that the oil is distributed evenly throughout your hair. You can wrap your head in a towel. Keep it like this for 30 minutes. Then wash your hair with your regular shampoo.

Here are a couple of excellent and universal masks for ALL hair types.

The principle is simple - mix all the ingredients of the mask, apply to the hair and scalp, wrap, hold for at least 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water, and then with your shampoo.

Hair mask with olive oil and honey

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg

Hair mask with olive oil and egg m

• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 eggs

After such masks, the hair becomes soft, manageable, and easy to comb. And with regular care, they acquire a beautiful natural shine and strength. density.

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I hope you found our article “Olive oil: Benefits and harms: How to accept the Gift of the Goddess Athena” useful.

Since we're talking about about healthy vegetable oils, see the article . It is also unique and priceless, just like everything that Nature has created for you and me.

A drop of olive oil works wonders. Nutritionists, cosmetologists and doctors are sure of this. Residents of Spain, Italy and Greece confirm this axiom. Beautiful skin, well-groomed and thick hair, absence of crow's feet under the eyes. Every second woman in countries where olive grows looks like this. The fruits of the tree are tasty, healthy and oily. Olive extract is nutritious and filled with beneficial substances. The composition cannot be compared with other oils. Olive oil is the only fatty product allowed for children from infancy. Many factors indicate the benefits of elastic fruits. What beneficial properties does olive oil have and where is it used?

Composition of olive oil

The beneficial properties of the product are due to the content of fatty acids and substances necessary for the body. Extract from the fruit is a source of strength, beauty, youth and good mood.

Olive oil contains the following components:

Vitamin E. Responsible for the anti-aging effect. The task of the vitamin is to give the skin firmness and elasticity. Olive oil is included in cosmetics for women over 25 years of age. From this age the first wrinkles appear. The goal of the product is to stop the aging process and prolong the life of cells.
Fatty acids. Normalizes digestion and helps assimilate foods. Greek fruit extract is a favorite product of nutritionists. Many diets start with taking olive oil on an empty stomach. Before starting this procedure, consult your doctor. For cholecystitis and other diseases, the use of olive oil is prohibited. medicinal purposes.
Antioxidants. The main task is to remove free radicals, which are the source of dangerous diseases. The oil comes into effect regardless of the form of application. Olive extract is used as a salad dressing, consumed on an empty stomach for medicinal purposes, and rubbed into the skin or hair.

In addition to the main components, olive oil is rich in vitamins. Among them are vitamins A and D that are beneficial for the skin and human health. The product is a source of iron, necessary for the cardiovascular system, and is rich in micro- and macroelements.

Beneficial properties of olive oil

The peculiarity of the product is its easy absorption. When using olive extract, a person receives all the substances and vitamins that make up the fruit. Improvement occurs after 30 days of use.

High results are achieved due to the beneficial properties of olive oil:

Responsible for the balance of substances and elements in the human body. Natural product does not contain cholesterol. The product is recommended for people with diabetes and patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Has a beneficial effect on the digestive organs. The stool returns to normal. Olive oil heals stomach ulcers.
Calms appetite. The fatty acids included in the extract are well absorbed and saturate the body. A person does not feel hungry and eats less food.
Rejuvenating and strengthening effect. The walls of blood vessels become elastic. Regular use of olive oil can slow down the aging process. There is a general positive effect on the body. Immunity develops and strengthens.

The regenerating properties of the product and anti-inflammatory effect make it possible to use the product for wound healing. The oil has a pleasant effect and does not sting the skin, as it has an analgesic effect. Recent studies have shown that olive oil can protect against skin and breast cancer. The beneficial properties are used in cooking and are actively used in medicine and cosmetology.

Uses of olive oil for skin

For medicinal purposes, take a spoonful of olive oil daily. Regular application is also important to achieve silky and smooth skin. Olive extract is used to combat cellulite and helps eliminate dryness and flaking. The product is used separately or is part of masks, balms, creams.

With prolonged exposure, users notice the following effect:

the skin becomes soft, dry areas disappear;
stretch marks formed due to loss are reduced extra pounds or during pregnancy;
masks and face creams based on olive oil rejuvenate the skin, smooth out the contour, and remove swelling;
Small wrinkles located on the face and around the eyes are eliminated, and the appearance of new ones is prevented.

The effect of application is noticeable not only to users, but also to others. The face changes color, breathes health, and the skin becomes pleasant to the touch.

Using olive oil for hair

Natural products in the form of herbal decoctions or homemade masks always have a positive effect on strands. But you have to be careful when using oil. An incorrect recipe or an incorrectly selected ingredient will lead to loss of color, heavier curls and excess fat. Olive oil is an exception here too. It is used for all hair types. The main thing is to rinse off the product correctly and combine it with suitable ingredients. The result will not take long to arrive. The curls become thick, shiny and silky.

If you are concerned about the result, then start using it by adding a few drops to the shampoo. The effect will not be noticeable after a week of use. If there are no rashes, discomfort or negative effects on your hair, then proceed to making homemade cosmetics.

Olive oil solves the main problems faced by owners of voluminous hair. Environmental influences, styling products, and incorrectly selected shampoo or conditioner lead to strands losing their natural beauty and strength. The hair begins to “hurt”, split ends appear, curls fall out, and dandruff forms. Restoration requires natural and safe remedy. Olive oil, penetrating the hair structure, shares moisture and vitamins with each strand and fixes the result. Covers the curl with a protective film. Hair loss stops, the scalp is moisturized,. It’s easy to achieve magical results; learn how to prepare healing balms.

Olive oil face masks

The first step is to choose the right main ingredient. Olive oil produced using cold-pressing technology is considered the best. The tool saves beneficial properties, no third-party impurities are added to it. High-quality olive oil is marked extra. There is no need to heat the green fruit extract before use. The oil will lose its healing properties.

The following face masks with olive oil are made at home:

With vitamin E. Based on the additional ingredient, it becomes clear that the vitamin complex is used against skin aging. The mask is made by mixing vitamin E and olive oil. One part of the vitamin is added to five tablespoons of the main component. The resulting product is liquid, so it is applied using a cotton swab. Remaining oil is removed with a dry cloth after 15 minutes.
With lemon juice. The mask fights skin rashes. Recommended for people with oily or combination skin types. The product is prepared before application. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl with olive oil. The liquid is applied with light movements. Avoid areas around the eyes. Wash off the mask with water or remove it with a paper towel.

Fruity. With the arrival of cold weather, the fight against vitamin deficiency begins. By the end of winter, the body wastes its supply of vitamins, and their absence affects the overall health and skin. Gray complexion and circles under the eyes are eliminated with the help of a fruit mask. Any fruit can be used as a puree. The ratio of olive and fruit extract is equal. The mixture moisturizes the epidermis, eliminates dry areas, and saturates the skin with vitamins.

Olive oil hair masks

The good thing about these products is that they include ingredients that can be found in any refrigerator. The oils included in the composition are sold in pharmacies or specialty stores. The simplest recipe involves applying oil to the skin and strands. Then follow the situation. If you make a mask in the evening, then warm your hair and go to bed. Wash off the oil in the morning by thoroughly rinsing your strands with water and shampoo. If urgent hair resuscitation is necessary, then leave the product on for 40 minutes. Repeat the procedure after 2 days. This recipe is used as a prophylactic.

For medicinal purposes, the following masks are made with olive oil for hair:

Based on egg yolk. There are several recipes. The first is used for curls prone to oiliness. Any fermented milk product (sour cream, kefir) and a spoonful of butter are added to the composition. The components are thoroughly mixed. The mixture is applied from roots to ends of hair. Half an hour of exposure is enough to rid your hair of shiny shine and give it a healthy look. The second recipe is used for damaged strands that require urgent restoration. The main ingredients remain, and the sour cream is replaced with vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar). Make sure the composition is at room temperature before applying.

Olive oil and honey. A classic tandem used in cosmetology. Honey is melted and cooled before administration. If you add olive extract to a hot ingredient, the healing effect will be lost. The result is a viscous mass that is difficult to apply. Treat damaged strands first. For ease of application, wet your hands periodically with water. After 40 min. the mask is washed off with warm water. The result is thick, fragrant and manageable curls.
With colorless henna. One package is needed for the recipe. First, pour the contents of the bag into a bowl. The powder is diluted with water to form a thick mass. Then olive oil is added. The composition is mixed and applied to the hair. The resulting mass is soft and pleasant to the touch. Helps saturate dry curls with moisture and strengthens strands. For best results, comb your hair after applying the mask. The product is washed off with water and shampoo.

Olive extract goes well with other oils. will enhance the strengthening effect, coconut oil will saturate it with nutrients, castor oil will eliminate seborrhea. All recipes are made quickly and easily. The result of homemade masks exceeds all expectations - firm, elastic skin and healthy, silky hair.

Olive oil has long gained fame as one of the most... healthy products. It is actively used in medicine, dietetics and cosmetology.

Already the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, who did not even think about how rich the olive fruit is in useful microelements, appreciated its unique properties and attributed divine origin to the olive tree.

So, let’s try to figure out what the benefits of olive oil are, called “liquid gold” by the legendary ancient poet Homer.

The benefits and harms of olive oil: the history of olive

The history of the origin of the olive, like other products widely known for their beneficial properties, is shrouded in mystery. Scientists suggest that the birthplace of the olive tree is Egypt. And only thanks to the Phoenician merchants it came to Greece, Spain and Italy, where it became most widespread.

Mythology has its own special opinion about how this magical tree arose: Greek legend says that the goddess Athena, during a dispute with Poseidon, stuck her spear into the ground, and an olive tree grew in this place. The Egyptians claim that the olive shoot was first planted in the ground by the goddess of fertility Isis.

Be that as it may, the fruits of the olive tree have been successfully used for more than six thousand years as an effective medicinal and cosmetic product.

The benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is credited with so many healing properties that it’s hard to believe that one product can do it all. So, let’s figure out what the benefits of “liquid gold” are.

As one of the basic components of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil has a positive effect on the digestive system. The secret is the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the product, in particular oleic acid, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. Olive oil is easily absorbed by the body, reduces appetite, speeds up metabolism and has a beneficial effect on the stomach.

Regular consumption of olive oil is an excellent prevention of cardiovascular diseases: it strengthens blood vessels and makes them more elastic.

Most medications that help lower blood pressure are based on olive leaves. In addition, olive oil has a beneficial effect on bone tissue, preventing calcium loss, which makes the product especially valuable for children.

The benefit of olive oil also lies in the fact that linoleic acid, which is part of it, promotes the rapid healing of wounds and burns; it is also useful for maintaining muscle tone and the normal functioning of body tissues. In addition, linoleic acid has a beneficial effect on vision and coordination of movements. Hundreds of years ago, our ancestors discovered that olive oil can help treat psychological disorders.

But one of the most amazing benefits of olive oil, proven by numerous studies, is that it reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors, in particular breast cancer. Oleic acid, vitamins and antioxidants contained in the oil suppress the development of cancer cells, or rather, they remove toxins, which, among other factors, affect cell mutation.

The benefits and harms of olive oil: olive oil in the service of beauty

The benefits of olive oil have been appreciated not only by doctors, but also by cosmetologists who actively include this product in creams, masks and balms for the face, hair and body.

Even in ancient times, beauties used olive oil as a cleanser, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer for facial skin. An oil mask is an anti-aging product that helps reduce fine wrinkles thanks to unique substances - squalene and squalane.

Phenols slow down the aging process, making the skin smooth and silky; in addition, olive oil protects the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight.

Olive oil is also a miracle cure for hair. Everyone knows the simplest recipe nourishing mask for hair: you need to mix olive and sunflower oil in equal proportions and add an egg yolk or a teaspoon of honey. As a result, the hair will acquire the luxurious shine and strength for which the curls of Spanish and Italian women are famous, who regularly practice such masks and consume olive oil. Healthy looking Olive oil is rich in vitamins A and E and provides shine to hair.

One cannot fail to mention another pleasant property of olive oil - it is often used for massage and rubbing. The oil softens and moisturizes the skin, accelerates the removal of harmful substances and improves the secretion of glands.

The harm of olive oil

Although olive oil is one of the healthiest foods, we still cannot ignore some of the negative consequences that can result from its excessive consumption.

People suffering from inflammation of the gallbladder - cholecystitis - should be most careful with olive oil: due to its strong choleretic effect, the oil can aggravate the disease.

Despite the fact that olive oil is widely used in dietetics, it is necessary to strictly observe the measure - no more than two tablespoons of oil per day, because this product is quite high in calories: 100 grams of olive oil contains almost 900 calories, and one tablespoon accounts for about 150 calories.

Also, do not be mistaken that foods fried in olive oil do not cause any harm to the body. In fact, any oil, including olive oil, not only loses its beneficial properties as a result of heating, but also becomes harmful. Therefore, you need to eat olive oil that has not undergone heat treatment.

However, it is worth repeating that all these negative qualities of the product appear only if a person eats too much olive oil.

The benefits and harms of olive oil: how to choose

To ensure the benefits of olive oil, you need to choose the right product. How to do this? So, let's get acquainted with a number of rules that will help you make the right choice.

1. Olive oil, like others, can be refined or unrefined. All beneficial substances are preserved only with minimal heat exposure. Thus, preference should be given unrefined oil. For example, for oil production Ideal one of the most fertile provinces of Spain was chosen - Seville, where a special variety of olives ripens. Just like thousands of years ago, Ideal obtained by direct extraction without adding preservatives or foreign impurities.

2. In addition, on the packaging you can often find one of three inscriptions - virgin (natural), refined (purified) or pomace (cake). Buy the first option.

3. If the word mix is ​​written on the oil label, it means that it was produced by mixing different types of oils, which negatively affects its properties.

4. The beneficial properties of olive oil last for five months, so you need to pay special attention to the date of manufacture of the product.

5. The lower the acidity of the oil, the milder the taste it has. For the highest quality varieties of olive oil, this figure is only 0.8%.

6. The best olive oil is produced and bottled in the same region. You can find out the origin of the product by the IGP or DOP designations. IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) means that the olives were pressed in one country, for example Greece or Spain, and the oil was packaged outside these regions. The abbreviation DOP (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) indicates that the oil is produced and packaged within the same country.

7. You should not try to determine the quality of the oil by its color; this property is influenced by factors such as the variety of olives, their degree of ripeness and harvest time.

8. Glass containers preserve the properties of olive oil best.

What is olive oil

Olive oil is the fat obtained from the fruit of the olive tree, a traditional Mediterranean crop. The oil is obtained by pressing the fruit.

Olive oil is used in cosmetics, medicine, cooking and soap production, and was previously used as a fuel for lighting. Olive oil was used mainly in Europe, and now the rest of the world is actively adopting this experience.

The Greeks consume the most olive oil. According to research conducted by the North American Olive Oil Association, on average in Greece per capita there are 24 liters of oil per year. Spaniards and Italians consume about 15 and 13 liters per year, respectively.

Benefits for the cardiovascular system

There are two conditions that underlie many cardiovascular diseases, including the gradual blockage of arteries and blood vessels (atherosclerosis). The first of these is called oxidative stress. This stress is triggered by molecules containing excess oxygen, resulting in damage to the body at various levels. One of the best means against the same processes are nutrients– antioxidants. The second circumstance is persistent (chronic) inflammation. Such chronic inflammation is the result of many factors, including poor metabolism, lifestyle, environment and others. One of the best ways to treat such inflammation is to eat foods that contain anti-inflammatory substances. One of the most compelling candidates is olive oil.

Antioxidant protection

The benefits of olive oil as an antioxidant protectant are evident in the protection of blood vessels, as it can reduce the risk of lipid peroxidation in the blood. Many fat-containing molecules in the blood, including such as LDL (low-density lipoprotein), need protection from oxidation. Damage to LDL molecules significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Protecting LDL molecules from oxidation is one of the main benefits of olive oil and its polyphenols. Equally, the cells that form the walls of blood vessels need protection from the oxidative effects of oxygen molecules.

Polyphenols

One of the negative consequences for the health of our blood vessels is a group of cells in the blood plasma called platelets. Grouped together under normal conditions, they prevent excessive blood loss when tissue is damaged (for example, from cuts), creating a blood clot in its place. Sometimes, due to poor nutrition or illness, they become excessively active, creating clots inside the blood vessels. If platelet activity is excessive, the benefits of olive oil include the following polyphenols:

• hydroxytyrosol;
• oleuropein;
• luteolin.

These polyphenols prevent excessive viscosity of platelets, which prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels. This is due to the fact that polyphenols prevent the overproduction of messenger molecules (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and factor VII).

Platelets. Olive oil prevents excessive viscosity of platelets, preventing the formation of blood clots.

Oleic acid

Olive oil is one of the most used in cooking, containing about 75% fat in the form of oleic acid. Thanks to many studies, the benefits of olive oil and oleic acid for the body are no longer a secret to scientists. Research confirms that oleic acid consistently maintains the balance in the body between LDL cholesterol and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). In one such study, participants changed their daily diet to a diet based on monounsaturated fats and experienced significant reductions in cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and the LDL-to-HDL ratio. Obviously, thanks to such conditions, a positive effect is achieved on the heart and cardiovascular system as a whole. In another study, results suggest that olive oil and oleic acid may be determinants for lowering blood pressure. Scientists are confident that when oleic acid is absorbed in the body, it penetrates cell membranes, thereby changing cell signals at the membrane level (in the G-protein chains) and thereby reducing blood pressure.

Interestingly, one laboratory study on animals found a note for those who want to reap the full benefits of olive oil, its wonderful properties for heart and vascular health. The result is that the effect of the polyphenols in the oil is nullified when the participants consume a lot of calories and generally overeat.

Composition of olive oil

The table contains information about the nutritional value of olive oil and chemical composition(content of flavones, vitamins, minerals and fats):

The benefits of olive oil in research results

Phytonutrients

The benefits of olive oil, as well as its properties, depend on the stages of extraction. Recently, studies have been conducted on the anti-inflammatory properties of extra virgin olive oil compared to extra virgin olive oil (extracted through chemical processes). The researchers found that during the first spin, it was able to significantly reduce inflammatory markers in the blood, while during the second spin it did not (the study measured blood levels of thromboxane A2 and leukotrein B2). The anti-inflammatory properties of virgin oil are not surprising, since it is famous for containing high levels of phytonutrients (especially polyphenols), which are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Hydroxytyrizole

Countless studies have been conducted on a diet rich in olive oil and has long been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a number of recent studies provide a surprising explanation for the therapeutic effect. One of the key polyphenols in olive oil, hydroxytyrizol (HA), helps protect blood vessel cells from damage by oxygen molecules. HA helps protect blood vessels by making changes at a fundamental level. These changes allow the blood vessels to expand the functions of their antioxidant system. In other words, olive oil supports the health of our blood vessels not only thanks to vitamin E and beta-carotene. Olive oil provides our blood vessels with unique HA molecules that work on a fundamental level to help vessel walls remain strong.

Monosaturated fatty acids

Olive oil has long been known for its unique fat composition. This oil, like many others, is widely used in cooking and contains 75% oleic acid (a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid). If we talk about monounsaturated fatty acids, the closest in composition to olive oil is rapeseed oil, which contains 60% monounsaturated acids. For contrast, soybean contains 50-55%, corn contains 60%, sunflower contains 20%, and safflower contains only 15% monounsaturated fatty acids.

Lipoproteins

In the ongoing studies, the participants in one of the experiments had low monounsaturated fats in their diet; later this basis was replaced with a diet with a high content of monounsaturated fats (by replacing all oils with olive oil), as a result, the subjects experienced a significant decrease in cholesterol levels, LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and the ratio of LDL to HDL (high-density lipoprotein). Recent research has taken the cardiovascular benefits of olive oil even further. It turns out that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil (especially high level oleic acid) have a positive effect on blood pressure. Researchers believe that oleic acid lowers blood pressure when it is absorbed in the body and finds its way to cell membranes by changing the signaling pattern (especially in the G-protein chains). This is the first evidence that the benefits of olive oil are associated not only with lowering cholesterol levels, but also with lowering blood pressure.

Cancers

One of the most active areas of research on olive oil has been its effect on cancer, but so far there have been no significant results. Recently, a study was conducted in Italy at the Mirio Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research in Milan, based on an examination of the results of 25 previous research papers related to olive oil intake and cancer risk. During the study, it was found that taking olive oil helps reduce the risk of cancer in the following organs:

• Breast;
• Respiratory tract;
• Upper digestive tract;
• Lower part of the digestive tract.

Upon closer analysis, it was found that women and men who ate butter occasionally and included other oils (especially butter) in their diet had a greater risk of cancer than those who consumed it regularly without other oils.

Anti-inflammatory properties

It's very unusual to think of a food product as an anti-inflammatory agent. Meanwhile, indeed, olive oil contains polyphenols, which contain the power of the anti-inflammatory effect. These substances contain at least ten categories of polyphenols and more than 20 well-studied components that fight various inflammatory processes in the body. These components use a variety of mechanisms to influence inflammatory processes, reducing the risk of their occurrence. Such mechanisms include decreased production of communication molecules such as:

• TNF-alpha;
• Interleukin 1-beta;
• Thromboxane B2;
• Leukotrein B4.

And also the mechanism of inhibition of enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2, which reduce the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide.

When monitoring patients with heart disease, it was found that olive oil, and more specifically, polyphenols, lower the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, an indicator widely used to detect unwanted inflammation.

The benefits of olive oil in the fight against inflammation are optimal when taking 14-27 g of oil per day; exceeding this amount does not have a significant positive effect on the body.

Benefits of olive oil for osteoporosis

One promising branch of olive oil research is the support of bone health. Much of the research in this area has been done on animals, but the results are impressive. Research has found that at least two polyphenols contained in olive oil are responsible for strengthening bone tissue: tyrosol and hydroxytyrazole. Tests were carried out on rats with health conditions comparable to menopausal women; one of the experimental groups was treated with olive oil. As a result of the tests, it was determined that the group that did not take the oil significantly decreased the level of calcium in the blood plasma, as well as malondialdehyde and alkaline phosphatase. Thus, olive oil has a positive effect on bone thickness, strengthens them and prevents the development of osteoporosis.

On the left is healthy bone tissue, on the right is thinned bone tissue affected by osteoporosis.

Benefits for cognitive abilities

Improving cognitive abilities is one of the well-known properties of Mediterranean cuisine, led by olive oil. Scientists and doctors in the field of research into human cognitive abilities have been looking at it for a long time. Recently, a large-scale study was conducted in France with the participation of older people, it showed clear improvements in visual memory, verbal speech with the help of the so-called “intensive use” of olive oil. By “intensive use” we mean constant use, not only for cooking, but also as an ingredient in sauces, dressings and other dishes.

The benefits of olive oil also include improved brain function. In one experiment, oil consumption in animals whose brains were not receiving enough oxygen showed a significant delay in brain dysfunction, such as:

• fluid imbalance;
• imbalance in activity nervous system;
• normal passage of molecules through the blood-brain barrier.

This study has given scientists more questions than answers because it provides large field to study the ways in which olive oil may improve cognitive performance.

The ability to protect the brain at certain times when it needs it is probably one of the specific benefits that this amazing product gives us.

Olive oil and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and a cause of dementia. One of the most significant sources of the disease is the synthesis of protein clots in brain neurons called beta-amyloid plaques.

A recent study found that a substance found in olive oil called oleocanthal helps resolve beta-amyloid plaques. However, the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood.

Another study (entitled “Olive oil as a dietary supplement in long-term studies: Premided-Navarra randomized trial”), conducted at the University of Navarra, shows an improvement in cognitive performance and memory after a diet dominated by olive oil.

Olive oil prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease. On the left is a healthy brain, on the right is one affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Benefits for cancer

Polyphenols found in olive oil are a natural remedy for reducing the risk of cancer of various etiologies. Many types of cancer occur as a result of harmful oxidative stress (damage to cellular structure and molecules containing reactive oxygen) and also at sites of long-term inflammation. Because polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they are great for reducing the risk of oxidative stress and preventing inflammation. Research shows that to protect against certain types of cancer, such as breast, respiratory, upper gastrointestinal, and, to a lesser extent, lower gastrointestinal cancers, taking 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil per day is sufficient. Some studies show no protective effect in participants when olive oil is consumed infrequently or replaced with other types of fat, such as butter.

While most olive oil research has focused on polyphenols and their properties, several other research projects have gone the other way and discovered even more amazing cancer-preventive properties of olive oil. This path involves improving the membrane functions of the cell by changing the expression of its genes, thereby expanding the abilities of the antioxidant defense system.

DNA protection

The benefit of olive oil is to protect DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). It appears that the antioxidants in olive oil have special properties that may protect DNA (a key chemical component of our genetic material) from oxygen damage. Preventing DNA oxidative stress improves cell function in a number of ways and reduces the risk of cancer.

Benefits for breast cancer

There is another encouraging study about the protective properties of olive oil against certain types of advanced cancer. For example, the effect of oil on breast cancer. These studies focused on the secoiridoids found in olive oil (especially oleocanthal) and their properties that prevent the further growth of cancer cells, and therefore the development of the disease. Another example explores the potential of hydroxytyrosol, which is found in olive oil, to trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis) in tumors. The anti-cancer effect of hydroxytyrosol is to block the enzymatic activity of saturated acid - synthetase.

Conclusions

Olive oil is very healthy. For people with heart disease, it is the number one product. It can protect against many ailments and the influence of harmful processes occurring as a result of metabolism, such as:

• Cardiovascular diseases;
• Oxidative stress;
• Deterioration of cognitive abilities;
• Osteoporosis;
• Inflammatory processes of various etymologies (including chronic).

It is also worth remembering some conditions under which its benefits are manifested:

• Olive oil should not be mixed with other oils;
• Eating very heavily (overeating);
• Consume a lot of calories per meal.

Literature and sources

• DB of the laboratory of food additives, ARS, USDA, National Institute analysis food products and additives 2a, 1999;
• DB of the Laboratory of Food Additives, ARS, USDA, NDL Report on Vitamin E, 1997; Beltsville, Maryland;
• Bones, M. Garcia, A. Garcia and Garrido A. Rapid and complete extraction of polyphenols from olive oil and determination by coulometric electrode array, 2000, J. Agric, Nutrition Circuit 48;

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