Olive oil is renowned for its high nutrition value and superior taste and aroma. Being rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it has many health benefits. Olive oil is a key ingredient in a variety of salads and mayonnaise where it is consumed raw. It is also a healthy cooking medium. It is also used as massage oil and is an ingredient in many skin care products.
- Olive Oil Has Monosaturated Fatty Acids
The main reason of olive oil’s health benefits is the presence of monosaturated fatty acid especially oleic acid. These fatty acids are good for the heart and prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol. This fatty acid eliminates the bad cholesterol and instead helps to maintain the right balance of good cholesterol which keeps the heart in good health. Even if oil is consumed in generous amounts it does not harm the heart as other oils or fats do.
In fact, olive oil is a medicine for the heart and its daily consumption in place of other oils keeps heart and related problems away. Especially virgin olive oil has the greatest benefits for the heart because it is unrefined and contains the natural nutrients.
Virgin olive oil can be consumed raw in salads, mayonnaise and other oil based packaged foods. Moreover, the strong flavor and aroma of the oil gives a wonderful taste. Especially in spreads like mayonnaise which use a lot of oil, it is a better option to use virgin olive oil based mayonnaise to make it a health food.
Olive oil can also be used as a cooking medium but ideally the oil should not be heated to high temperatures as then it loses a lot of its nutrients. Instead it should be used for sautéing that is lightly frying foods.
Olive oil especially virgin olive oil is naturally rich in vitamin E. This makes it a very effective massage oil for the skin and hair. Being a light oil it gets well absorbed into the skin. It also has a very pleasing natural smell. Regular use of olive oil makes the skin soft, smooth and moisturized. As a result, olive oil is popularly used in many skin creams, lotions and soaps.
- Olive Oil Has Antioxidants
Due to the presence of antioxidants, olive oil is a good skin cream and also a wonderful health tonic. Antioxidants are good for the skin mainly because they help to fight free radicals which cause ageing. Regular use of virgin olive oil on the skin can help to keep wrinkles at bay. Antioxidants are also essential for increasing the immunity or resistance of the body against diseases.
Regular intake of olive oil instead of other oils and fats can help the body remain young and free of illness.
