In ancient times, olive trees were believed to be of divine origin. The ancient Greeks called the oil from the fruits of these trees "liquid gold", which was due not only to its deep golden color, but also to the unique beneficial qualities that were valued on a par with gold. Today olive oil is still popular and appreciated all over the world. It is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology and dietetics. In addition, it is an excellent way to treat and prevent various diseases.

Beneficial features.
Nowadays, you can often hear about the beneficial properties of olive oil. It is recommended to be used in the form of salad dressings, vegetable additives, etc. The benefits of this product are due to its composition, which contains all the vitamins and minerals vital for our body, which are perfectly absorbed by it. Natural oil, made from the fruit of the olive tree by cold pressing, is an excellent prophylactic agent against diseases of the cardiovascular system, including heart attacks and strokes, as well as diabetes and obesity. It does not contain cholesterol, which is harmful to our body, and thanks to its constituent fatty acids, this product, with regular use, significantly reduces its level in the blood. At the same time, it does not have any harmful effect on the so-called good cholesterol, thereby maintaining an optimal balance of the most important elements in the body.

Olive oil is a great helper for our digestive system. It helps to improve the functioning of the stomach, intestines, has a healing effect in case of duodenal ulcer. In addition, this product is effective for people suffering from hemorrhoids and frequent constipation, as it has a mild laxative effect.

Unlike animal fats, olive oil brings continuous benefits to our body - it prevents the development of atherosclerosis, strengthens bone tissue, is an excellent choleretic agent, and useful acids, which are very abundant in its composition, are the building blocks of cell membranes. This product is considered dietary due to the oleic acid it contains, which favorably affects the absorption and processing of fats. That is why this product is an integral part of almost any diet. In addition, this acid helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and increase their elasticity.

Olive oil has regenerative properties, which helps to accelerate the healing process of various wounds. The substance oleocanthal, included in its composition, also provides this product with anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effect. The oil is similar in its effects to ibuprofen and other similar drugs that have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, due to the content of linoleic acid in it, vision and coordination of movements are significantly increased.

Olive oil also has immunostimulating properties. Regular inclusion of this product in your diet helps to strengthen the immune system. In addition, this oil heals and rejuvenates our body, which is due to the presence of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. In addition, olive oil prevents early aging of the body. By the way, it is scientifically proven that the fatty acids of this product dull the feeling of hunger in humans, which significantly reduces the amount of food consumed.

According to the latest research, olive oil prevents skin cancer and is therefore recommended for use after sunburn. The oleic acid contained in it normalizes lipid metabolism in the skin, making this product effective in the prevention of cellulite.

Olive oil is effective in treating dry and sensitive skin by retaining moisture in the skin cells and softening it. It is useful to add it to various face masks. In addition, the oil is useful in the care of hair and scalp, it cleans away dead cells, prevents hair loss and the appearance and fights dandruff. As a result, the breathing of the skin is significantly improved and the secretion of the sebaceous glands is normalized. Applying the oil can moisturize dry hair and reduce breakage.

More recently, scientists have found that oleic acid, which is present in large quantities in olive oil, effectively fights the most aggressive form of breast cancer. To do this, you must follow a special diet, including vegetable salads, herbs, fish, nuts, low-fat cheese, fruits, and olive oil as a sauce and dressings.

The benefits of olive oil.
As already noted, the benefits of olive oil lie in the content in its composition of a huge number of fatty acids and vitamins. The constant use of this oil in food, at least in the amount of a teaspoon per day, not only strengthens the body as a whole, including the immune system, but is also a means of preventing various diseases, in particular, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes. Olive oil is especially useful for people suffering from diseases of the digestive system, liver and gall bladder. In addition, it is effective in the treatment of chronic diseases caused by inflammatory processes.

Olive oil is very beneficial for the skin. It perfectly protects the skin from the adverse effects of negative environmental factors. In addition, this product serves as an excellent emollient and moisturizer, eliminating irritation and flaking of the skin, while it does not clog pores. The antioxidant properties of this product prevent premature skin aging.

It is very useful to include olive oil in the diet of children. Firstly, it stimulates the growth of bone tissue, and secondly, the fatty acids present in abundance in this product are very close to the fats in mother's breast milk. Also, this product regulates the fixation of the skeletal system, preventing the loss of calcium, and also forms and strengthens bone tissue in adults and children.

However, you should not get carried away with this product, especially if you are on a diet, since oil is still a high-calorie product. Everything needs a measure. Therefore, two teaspoons a day is quite normal for the health of the body and beauty of the skin.

This product has a beneficial effect on the hair, making it thick and shiny. That is why Spanish and Italian girls are famous for their luxurious thick and shiny hair.

Olive oil can help relieve back pain. Its external use in combination with molten wax greatly relieves these pains. In addition, this product has a positive effect on male strength and cures mental illness. It also increases the likelihood of conception, helps to lower blood pressure, treats the musculoskeletal system (in particular, it helps with arthritis, arthrosis, gout, osteochondrosis), and also has a positive effect on the state of our internal organs.

Consuming olive oil prevents the development of diseases such as ulcers and gastritis. This is because this product has the ability to lower stomach acid levels. In addition, it activates the process of bile secretion, normalizes the process of emptying the gallbladder and reduces the risk of stones forming there. Useful trace elements contained in this valuable natural product improve kidney function, facilitating the process of cleansing the body of toxins. By the way, recently it became known that olive oil has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels of the brain. It is also beneficial for muscle tone, normalizes the functioning of connective tissue and participates in the process of repairing articular cartilage cells. Due to the content of vitamins C and E in olive oil, free radicals do not accumulate in the diseased joint, as a result of which the development of joint tissue disease is prevented.

The use of olive oil.
Olive oil has found its application in cosmetology, cooking, canning industry, etc. This product is a frequent component of cosmetic products (creams, masks, shower gels, hair balms, emulsions, soaps, shampoos, etc.), used in medicine for the manufacture of solutions of vitamins and preparations for injections. It has the highest nutritional value among other plant foods. It is completely digestible and well tolerated even by those with digestive problems, liver and gallbladder diseases. By the way, the ancient Greeks took a small amount of olive oil on an empty stomach, eating a spoonful of honey, in order to fill the genitals with male power.

Olive oil was used for lighting in the Middle Ages. In the traditions of Christianity, it (oil) was used in the rituals of worship. It is considered the most valuable dietary product due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Used in pickling, preserves the original taste of the pickle. Olive oil is also used in hot and cold sauces.

With its rejuvenating effect with daily use, it smoothes wrinkles and prevents the appearance of new ones. Cosmetics based on olive oil contain a large amount of antioxidants and vitamins. In particular, vitamin E helps the skin to better assimilate vitamins A, D, K prevents cell fading, increasing the tone and protective properties of the skin.

As already noted, this oil is especially useful for dry and sensitive skin, and is also an excellent massage agent. For this purpose, you can use the oil in its pure form or enrich it with a few drops of the essential oil most suitable for your skin. According to experts, this massage has a complex effect on the entire body. It nourishes, softens and moisturizes the skin, as well as relieves osteochondrosis and salt deposits. In addition, this massage has a calming effect on the nervous system and improves blood circulation.

However, it is a fate that only extra virgin olive oil has all the above qualities.

Contraindications.
Due to its choleretic effect, it is not recommended for patients with cholecystitis. In addition, this oil should not be heated, but used exclusively fresh, since when heated it loses its beneficial qualities and becomes harmful to our body.

Purchase. Which oil is best.
When buying olive oil, you should stop at the premium brand Ехtra Virgin olive oil. This category is considered the best and most expensive. The content of fatty acids in it should not exceed 1% (the lower this indicator, the higher the quality of the oil). This product is unrefined and obtained by cold pressing. There is no heat treatment, therefore all vitamins and beneficial qualities, in particular polyphenols and squalene, are preserved in such oil, which determine its unique properties. There are no impurities in such oil, it has a delicate yellow-green color and a pleasant aroma. The taste can be compared to that of fresh olives. When buying, it is very important to pay attention to the expiration date, because over time the oil loses its properties. Therefore, it is advisable to consume it throughout the year. Olive oil should be stored in a dry, cool (but not in the refrigerator, otherwise it will thicken), dark place, well sealed, since it can absorb all odors.

In addition to the extra-class, there are other varieties of olive oil:

• Virgin olive oil - oil that is obtained by the second cold pressing without the use of chemicals or from the pulp - the substrate used to obtain Extra virgin olive oil. This oil is significantly inferior to the oil obtained during the first cold pressing.
• Olive oil - is obtained by chemical extraction of oil distilled from the pulp. In order to increase the value, some manufacturers add Extra virgin olive oil or Virgin olive oil to it. However, it does not contain either the taste or nutritional value that are inherent in the first two varieties of oil.
• Pure olive oil is the second name for a common Olive oil. Very often, manufacturers indicate this name on bottles with ordinary oil, which was obtained through a second cold pressing or using chemicals, or distilled from the pulp. This name can only mean that there are no impurities of other oils (rapeseed, sunflower, etc.) in such oil. It does not differ in special properties and taste.
• Pomace oil is identical to Olive oil. Quality olive oil is never added to this category of oil. Its main uses are lamp lighting, soap making and use in technical industries.

The best and quality oil is considered to be Greek, in particular Cretan olive oil. The Italian varieties also have good characteristics. The leading producers of Italian olive oil are the regions of Puglia, Calabria, Campania and the island of Sicily. There are other areas of olive oil production: for example, oil from Tuscany - used for dressing pasta and rice without tomato sauce, for making beans and grain soups, grilled meat; from Umbria - for making sauces and as an addition to meat dishes; Apulia, Calabria and about. Sicily - butter sauce is used for vegetable dishes and meat cooked on a spit; from Liguria - for making Pesto sauce, dressing vegetable salads and preparing meat products from poultry; Gardesano - for fish dishes.

Olive oil is not only a tasty and healthy product, but also helps in the treatment of various diseases, serves as an excellent means of skin care and prevention of aging. Include this product in your diet, and be healthy and beautiful!

Text: Alena Poroshina

The medicinal properties of olive oil can hardly be overestimated. No wonder the ancient Greeks called the olive the tree of life, health and fertility. What exactly is olive oil useful for a modern person and his health?

Olive oil at a glance

Medicinal properties of olive oil so high that olive oil is often cited as one of the healthiest foods. Although, according to statistics, olive oil accounts for only 3% of all vegetable oil consumed in the world. This is despite the fact that pure olive oil obtained by pressing is one of the rare products that our body assimilates to 100%.

Before talking about the medicinal properties of olive oil, it is worth mentioning that this product also has a beneficial effect on our appearance, which is an important fact for any woman. Olive oil improves the structure of the skin and hair (and for this it is not only eaten, but also used as an ingredient in nourishing masks). Even in the process of losing weight and normalizing metabolism, olive oil plays an important role. Despite the fact that in essence this product is nothing more than fat. Why, then, do nutritionists insist on including it in all diets? The secret is that oleic acid, which is present in olive oil, stimulates the production of a special substance in our body that signals the brain to fullness. Thus, olive oil successfully and permanently suppresses the feeling of hunger. Isn't that a good reason to have a bottle of fragrant, healing olive oil in your kitchen?

Medicinal properties of olive oil

Now directly about the benefits of olive oil for human health. Firstly, this product is the record holder for lowering cholesterol levels. This means that it is indispensable for the prevention of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and other ailments. Another healing property of olive oil is that it has an anti-inflammatory effect, which means it is extremely useful for any inflammation in the body: from sore throat and gum disease, and ending with thrombophlebitis, stomach ulcers or, say, genital infections. By the way, this is why in the therapeutic diet table 1, which doctors prescribe for stomach ulcers, olive oil plays a key role.

Olive oil contains especially valuable oleic and linolenic acids, as well as vitamins A, D, E, K. Basically, it is this set that provides the healing properties of olive oil. Among which:

• normalization of the digestive process, prevention and treatment of most gastrointestinal diseases;


• increasing immune functions;


• slowing down the aging process of tissues and organs (due to the large amount of antioxidants contained in olive oil);


• improvement of mental activity, strengthening of memory, effective prevention of nervous disorders;


• active participation in the early healing of wounds and injuries;


• protection of the gastric mucosa from ulcers;


• strengthening of bone tissue;


• effective prevention of cancer;

It is worth mentioning that the medicinal properties of olive oil will serve well for pregnant women. The benefits are provided due to the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are involved in the formation of the brain of the unborn child, as well as its nervous system.

Which olive oil has the best medicinal properties?

To experience the fullness of the medicinal properties of olive oil, you need to know which product is most useful. You should choose oil prepared by cold pressing (sometimes they also say - pressing). The inscription on the label should read: "Extra virgin olive oil". This means that only mechanical means were used to obtain the oil, and it was not subjected to any heat or chemical treatment. It is this type of olive oil - unrefined, cold pressed - that has the highest useful qualities.

Proto-amphora - this is how the tanks for olive oil were called in Crete. The oldest of those vessels that archaeologists managed to get hold of date back to the fourth millennium BC. Even then, "liquid gold" was used by mankind for culinary and medical purposes, in cosmetology, for performing sacred rituals. A unique product held in high esteem to this day. What is its use?

The average Greek consumes about 20 liters of olive oil throughout the year. Some scientists believe that this is one of the main factors that determine the high life expectancy of the population of the country washed by seven seas.

Production technology

"Liquid gold" is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree. The olives used to make the oil can be of any ripeness, from green (unripe) to purple-black (ripe). First, the fruits are freed from the seeds, then they are crushed, and then they are squeezed out by means of special devices (most often centrifuges) to obtain oil. Oil can also be squeezed out of the remaining mass, but of a much lower quality, which is called cake. When the temperature of oil production rises above 25-27 ° C, its healing and taste properties decrease.

Composition

The medicinal properties are determined by the composition of the product. Oleuropein gives a bitter taste to "liquid gold". According to research carried out by scientists in Saudi Arabia, this substance can prevent the development of breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Other useful components are described below.

• Saturated fatty acids. Stearic, palmitic, lauric. In limited quantities, they are needed to maintain the function of the liver, nervous, bone, and immune systems.
• Omega-9. Reduce cholesterol, strengthen blood vessels, prevent blood clots. Show antioxidant properties, slowing down the aging process and preventing cardiovascular and oncological pathologies. Accelerate the production of protein, activate lipid metabolism.
• Omega-3, Omega-6. They normalize muscle tone and coordination of movements. They improve the condition of body tissues, participate in the process of blood circulation, and have a beneficial effect on visual function. Accelerate regeneration, promote better absorption of most vitamins, suppress inflammatory processes.
• Squalene. Slows down the development of tumors. They prevent the formation of cancerous pathologies of the colon, lungs, skin.
• Tocopherols (). They have an antioxidant effect. Improves the condition of the reproductive system.
• Vitamin K. Optimizes blood clotting, improves the function of the gallbladder, liver, kidneys. Promotes the absorption of calcium, participates in the metabolic processes of bone and connective tissues, provides the synthesis of some proteins.
• Chromium. Maintains blood glucose levels, participates in the synthesis of nucleic acids. In case of iodine deficiency in the body, it can replace this element. Included in fat metabolism.
• Iron. Provides tissue respiration, improves the function of the nervous system. It is part of hemoglobin and other proteins. Supports immunity.
• Phytosterols. They optimize the concentration of cholesterol, participate in the formation of cell membranes, and reduce the concentration of harmful substances in the body. Strengthens the immune system and stabilizes hormones.

The product also contains trace amounts of potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus.

Indications

As you can see from the table, "liquid gold" can be used to improve health, appearance and strengthen immunity.

Table - The main indications for the use of olive oil

purpose	Ingestion	Outdoor use
Wellness	- Slagging of the intestines; - intoxication; - gastrointestinal diseases; - pathology of the cardiovascular system; - liver disease; - high cholesterol; - high pressure; - cough; - constipation; - excess weight	- Diseases of the joints; - hemorrhoids; - wounds, cuts, burns; - diaper rash; - runny nose
Elimination of cosmetic defects	- Brittle nails; - dry skin; - hair loss and poor condition	- Brittle nails; - dry cuticle; - dry skin; - hair loss and poor condition; - cellulite; - stretch marks

Purchase and storage

The healing properties of the oil are manifested only if a quality product is used. And since its cost is quite high (it takes about 5 kg of olives to produce 1 liter of "liquid gold"), counterfeits are not uncommon.

Views

If only mechanical methods are involved in the production of "liquid gold", the product is called virgin. There can also be two more types.

1. Refined. A refined product, freed by physical and chemical methods from a specific taste and most of the fatty acids.
2. Oilcake. In obtaining the product, chemical solvents, high temperatures, hexane (saturated hydrocarbon) are involved, oil is made from cake.

International Olive Council (IOC) - The International Olive Council, which appeared in Madrid in the second half of the 20th century. According to the IOC, olive oil is divided into six grades, which can be found in the table below.

Table - Olive oil varieties

Variety	Characteristic
Extra virgin olive oil	- Acidity not higher than 0.8%; - first spin, cold; - tasters call the taste excellent
Virgin olive oil	- Acidity not higher than 2%; - spinning may not be the first; - made without chemicals; - taste - good
Pure olive oil	- A mixture of natural and refined oils; - chemicals may be involved in the manufacture
Olive oil	- acidity not higher than 1.5%; - without smell; - manufactured using chemical processes
Olive-pomace oil	- Refined pomace oil, sometimes mixed with natural; - made with the participation of chemistry and high temperatures; - used in baking restaurants
Lampante oil	- Not used for food; - used for the needs of industry

In the Mediterranean, only a product with an acidity of less than 0.5% is considered medicinal.

Choice

Experts point out that the color of the product is not the indicator that should be guided by. It can vary from dark brown to greenish depending on where the olives are grown. This is why venerable liquid gold tasters wear tinted glasses so as not to be distracted by minor criteria. Here are four factors to really consider when making a purchase.

1. Variety. Only unrefined oil, extracted without chemicals and high temperatures, has healing properties.
2. Supplier country.The undisputed leaders include Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisia.
3. Manufacturing firm... Reputable firms have pages on the Internet, some even install webcams in olive groves so that a potential buyer can take a virtual walk in the "holy of holies". Therefore, it is worth looking for information about the company whose product is planned to be purchased. Brands have proven themselves well: Terra di Bari, Monini, Hellada, Maestro de Oliva, Borges, Guillen, Altero, Terra Delicca.
4. Packaging. Give preference to the product packaged in dark glass containers.

Conditions

The beneficial properties of olive oil are fully preserved throughout the year. Then the product gradually loses its exquisite taste and medicinal power. The oil is "afraid" of sunlight and open air, so you need to keep it in a tightly closed dark glass bottle.

It is recommended to store it in a kitchen cabinet, away from the stove. They do not put it in the refrigerator, since when the temperature decreases, a white precipitate forms, which, however, does not affect the taste and medicinal properties. When heated, "liquid gold" returns to its original appearance.

The owner of olive groves Massy Giovanni advises that after each use of olive oil, do not forget to close the lid tightly so that the product does not oxidize.

Wellness

In the treatment of most diseases, an integrated approach is required, therefore, the product can be used only as an adjuvant after consulting a doctor.

Fortification of the diet

For prevention purposes, it is enough to simply enrich the diet with oil, seasoning the usual dishes with the product: salads, cereals, soups, side dishes. It is advisable not to exceed the recommended daily allowance - two tablespoons.

You can even fry in olive oil: Extra virgin starts burning at temperatures above 240 ° C and hardly oxidizes.

A tablespoon holds 14.4 g of olive oil. The calorie content of 100 g of the product is 884 kcal.

Universal way

As a universal way of using the product, traditional medicine recommends drinking "liquid gold" in its pure form on an empty stomach. Every morning you need to consume a tablespoon of undiluted product half an hour before the first meal. Treatment should be started with a teaspoon per day, increasing the dose gradually.

Usually, supporters of folk medicine are advised to drink oil for a month, then resume the course if necessary after a month's break. However, the duration of therapy may vary depending on the purpose for which it was used. For example, to achieve a laxative effect, a short course of two to three days is sufficient.

For the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, it is recommended to take two tablespoons of oil during the day with meals, distributing this volume into several parts.

8 oral medications

An easy way to avoid severe intoxication is to drink a tablespoon of "liquid gold" 30-60 minutes before the meal. How to use the product to treat existing ailments? Here are eight recipes.

1. Cough. Mix butter (100 ml) with honey (three tablespoons) and three raw yolks of fresh homemade eggs. Drink two teaspoons in the morning and evening.
2. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract.Mix 50 ml of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with an equal volume of oil. Drink before bed.
3. Slags and toxins. It is used in combination with honey: mix a tablespoon of each component, heat in a steam bath until the honey dissolves. Take daily on an empty stomach. The duration of treatment is three to four weeks.
4. Slagging of the intestines. To cleanse the intestines, you need to prepare the mixture described above and add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The duration of therapy is a week.
5. High cholesterol. Free the head of garlic from the husk and chop, pour the raw material with 100 ml of olive oil, insist for three to four days, stirring occasionally. Two to three times a day before meals, drink a teaspoon of the mixture with a teaspoon of lemon juice (or just mix them). The duration of therapy is 30 days.
6. High pressure.Every day, eat a teaspoon of minced garlic with two tablespoons of oil. The duration of therapy is a month.
7. Dyspnea. Combine vodka, honey and oil in equal volumes. Drink three times a day for a quarter of a glass. If the cause of shortness of breath is extra pounds, the remedy will not help.
8. Ulcer. Mix the juice squeezed from two lemons with 0.5 l of oil and 0.5 kg of honey. Take a tablespoon each time before meals. This mixture is good for the stomach due to its "enveloping" properties. The duration of therapy is no more than two weeks.

6 external remedies

Regular rinsing with such a composition will help get rid of bad breath: half a teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in two tablespoons of oil. Here are six more ways to use the product outdoors.

1. Joint pain. Prepare the tincture: boil 200 ml of the product over low heat and combine with 20-30 g of dry inflorescences, let stand for 10-15 minutes, filter. Use warm for rubbing a sore joint.
2. Lumbar sciatica and sciatica. Use pure oil for rubbing painful areas.
3. Runny nose. Grind the wild rosemary herb and pour a tablespoon of raw materials with 100 ml of oil. Insist 21 days in a dark place, shaking from time to time, filter. Instill two or three drops into each nostril, then reduce the dosage to one drop. The duration of therapy is no more than a week.
4. Wounds. Mix oil and pure beeswax in a ratio of 2 to 1, bring the mixture to a boil, cool. Put the mass on a gauze folded in several layers and apply a bandage to the previously washed wound.
5. Diaper rash. Rub pure olive oil into areas prone to diaper rash, wait until it dries, and only then dress. Use three to four times a day.
6. Hemorrhoids. Mix oil and honey (teaspoon each). Soak a cotton swab with the composition and apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, repeat two to three times a day. Use until relief occurs.

Slimming

By activating metabolic processes, the use of oil can speed up the process of getting rid of excess weight. For this purpose, the product can be used to enrich the diet, or be consumed on an empty stomach.

However, this is not a panacea - proper nutrition and rational physical activity are necessary for losing weight. In addition, the oil contains a lot of calories - 884 kcal per 100 g, so you cannot exceed the daily allowance, otherwise the opposite effect is provided in the form of unnecessary fatty deposits.

the beauty

To improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, it is recommended to eat a teaspoon of a special mixture daily. The composition is prepared as follows: mix a glass of honey with half a glass of lemon juice and 50 ml of oil, send it to the refrigerator for storage. However, for cosmetic purposes, "liquid gold" is often used externally.

Hair

The product is used to improve the structure and appearance of curls, prevent and treat excessive hair loss and accelerate hair growth.

• Mask. Heat two tablespoons of oil on a steam bath, mix with egg yolk, apply to curls. Wrap your head with cling film, insulate with a towel, leave for 30-40 minutes (you can leave the mask overnight), wash your hair in the usual way. Repeat every one to two weeks.
• Scrub. Pour a tablespoon of finely ground sea salt with oil until the consistency characteristic of a scrub is obtained. Lightly moisturize the scalp. Apply the composition to the skin with massaging movements, leave for five to ten minutes, rinse with warm water, wash your hair in the usual way. Repeat every three to four weeks.
• Split ends remedy. In a steam bath, heat a tablespoon of coconut oil, add an equal volume of olive oil, apply the mixture only to the ends of the hair for 30-40 minutes. Can be used before every shampoo.

Liquid Gold is suitable for all hair types. However, owners of oily curls can use the product no more than once every 10-14 days and only in combination with other components.

Face and neck

It is not recommended to use the face product in its pure form due to its dense consistency. You should mix "liquid gold" with lighter texture oils (apricot, almond, peach), observing a ratio of 1 to 10. Such mixtures can be used in two ways.

1. Nutritious cream.Apply along the massage lines, after 20 minutes, blot the unabsorbed product with a clean napkin. The procedure is carried out in the evening, two hours before going to bed. Use daily for no more than a week. If necessary, the course can be repeated after a break of two to four weeks.
2. Mask. Heat the composition in a steam bath and moisten the gauze folded in several layers in the composition. Apply the cloth on the face for 15-20 minutes, wash with warm running water. Repeat no more than once every 10-14 days.

Owners of oily and problem skin should be careful: using the product can aggravate the situation.

Hands and nails

Pure olive oil can be used to care for the cuticles by rubbing in the product. Here are three more ways for those looking to pamper their hands and nails.

1. Bath. In a steam bath, heat 200 ml of olive oil (in order to save money, you can mix it with sunflower oil), add a teaspoon of sea salt and lemon juice. Immerse in the hand for 15-20 minutes, rinse with running water, wipe dry and lubricate the skin and cuticles with a nourishing cream. Repeat every 10-14 days.
2. Mask. Boil potatoes in milk, crush the hot vegetable into mashed potatoes and mix with two tablespoons of butter. Apply the mass cooled to a comfortable temperature (the mixture should be warm) on hands, put on cotton gloves. After 20-30 minutes, wash your hands, apply cream.
3. Cream. Melt a tablespoon of shea butter, mix with an equal volume of olive oil. Lubricate your hands with massaging movements. Use in the evening, a couple of hours before bedtime.

Body

When losing weight, "liquid gold" can also be used for body skin care. Its use increases the firmness and elasticity of the epidermis, which contributes to a more effective fight against cellulite and prevents the appearance of stretch marks. The three methods described below are also suitable for those who just want to make their skin soft and beautiful.

1. Massage. Heat the oil in a steam bath and add any citrus essential oil (two to three drops for every two tablespoons of "liquid gold"). Use to massage problem areas (abdomen, buttocks, chest, thighs, arms, legs). To enhance the effectiveness of stretch marks, you can add juice to the composition by mixing the component with olive oil in a 1: 1 ratio.
2. Scrub. Dilute two tablespoons of cane sugar to a pasty consistency with oil, add two to three drops of citrus essential oil. Moisturize the skin of the body and apply the composition to problem areas in a circular motion, after two to three minutes, rinse with running water. Lubricate the body with a moisturizer or anti-cellulite product. Repeat no more than once a week.
3. Wrapping. Scrub the body. Heat the oil in a steam bath, add citrus essential oil (two to three drops per two tablespoons). Apply to problem areas, wrap with cling film, put on loose clothing and lie down for 15-20 minutes, rinse off the composition with running water, apply a moisturizer or anti-cellulite cream to the body. If a strong burning sensation occurs, immediately wash off the composition.

Liquid gold can be used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. For this, the undiluted product should be applied to areas prone to stretch marks (abdomen, chest, shoulders, thighs and buttocks) once or twice a day from the first months.

Olive oil is a tanning agent. It can be applied neat one hour before sunbathing. Or use immediately before swimming in the sun, diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio.

Contraindications

Direct contraindications to the use of oil are diseases of the gallbladder and individual intolerance. Caution and mandatory consultation with a doctor requires the use of the product for diseases of the stomach and intestines, diabetes mellitus, therapy with drugs prescribed for diabetes and hypertension. It is recommended to stop taking "liquid gold" two weeks before the forthcoming surgical intervention.

Excessive use is fraught with side effects:

• excess weight;
• lowering blood pressure;
• mild diarrhea.

Wraps are contraindicated for fungal infections and dermatological lesions, gynecological diseases, oncology, pathologies of the cardiovascular and endocrine system, pregnancy and individual intolerance to the components of the composition.

Comparison with sunflower oil

It is believed that oil made from the fruit of the olive is much preferable to the product made from sunflower seeds. To dispel this myth, let's analyze their compositions using the table below.

Table - Comparison of olive and sunflower oils

Indicator	Olive	Sunflower
Saturated fatty acids	12%	13%
Polyunsaturated fatty acids	10%	72%
Monounsaturated fatty acids	77%	16%
Vitamin E	12 mg	40-60 mg
Vitamin K	21 mcg	5-6 mcg
Phytosterols	100 g 433.6% of the daily value	Practically absent

It turns out that these are two complementary products. That is, there is no need to completely replace the more affordable sunflower oil with olive oil. Especially considering that the latter has a high cost and there is a risk of buying a fake.

Olive oil has long been in price, since it was widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology, and was directly involved even in trade and market relations. Even Hippocrates noted its unique properties, and since then there has been no doubt about its relevance and irreplaceability.

Everyone knows that black fruits are better known as olives, and green ones like olives. The names are different, but their habitat is the same - just the color of the berries completely depends on the degree of ripening. Note that black olives are fully ripe fruits. So, the collection of olives falls in late autumn, but the fresh berry plucked from the tree has an unpleasant taste and is unusable, and the exotic delicacy that falls on the festive table is treated with a special alkaline solution and only then pleases the lover with its sophisticated taste.

Black olive contains up to 75% fat, so the oil is obtained mainly from ripe fruits. The best is the oil after the initial natural (cold) extraction, since it retains all the beneficial properties and healing microelements. What is the use of olive oil?

The beneficial substances in olive oil

One small olive contains a complex of useful elements and vitamins. These are sugar, fats, vitamins B and C, as well as carotene and pectins. The fats prevailing in olives are similar to those in breast milk, and therefore are easily absorbed by the body. Useful properties of olive oil in the body are invaluable, since they normalize cholesterol levels and prevent the development of cancer cells and atherosclerosis. But that's not all: olives strengthen the immune system, bones and nervous system, as well as promote rapid scarring of wounds and resist the natural aging process.

You can see that olive oil is on the free market, but the prices for this product are very controversial. What is the reason for this? The answer is simple: the less its usefulness for the body, the cheaper it costs, and this is not surprising. Extra virgin olive oil (the most expensive), pasteurized (at 80 ° C), refined and ordinary are distinguished. The direct extraction method in Spain produces, for example, Ideal olive oil, without the addition of preservatives and impurities

Each of these types has its own purpose. Pasteurized oil is used for dressing cold dishes and salads, refined oil is fried because it has a rich aroma, and the “mix” mark characterizes only the addition of olive oil.

Real olive oil can be stored freely at room temperature, and the formed white sediment on the bottom of the container is the best proof beneficial properties of olive oil.

Which olive oil is best

Olive oil has long been called "liquid gold" because its benefits for the human body are invaluable. This product, rich in vitamins and unsaturated fats, is used in medicine, beauticians and dietetics. Thanks to olive oil, you can maintain health and youth for many years, as do the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, who consume olives and their oil every day.

The benefits and harms of olive oil for the body

Thanks to its rich composition, high-quality olive oil can provide tremendous benefits to human health. It is not only about enriching cells with useful substances, but also about preventing many diseases. Regular consumption and subsequent benefits of olive oil for the body have a beneficial effect on all organs and systems. Let's consider in more detail:
Digestive system. The oil envelops the gastrointestinal mucosa, promoting the healing of microcracks. Daily consumption of olive oil on an empty stomach can heal gastritis and stomach ulcers within 3-4 months. It also reduces appetite and speeds up metabolism, which prevents constipation. Olives and oil from them normalize acidity, have an anti-inflammatory effect, thereby improving the state of the gastrointestinal tract;
Liver. It accumulates toxins and free radicals, which contribute to premature aging, death and decomposition of cells inside the body. The benefits of olive oil for the liver is that it speeds up the process of its cleansing;
The cardiovascular system. Monounsaturated fatty acids destroy existing atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels and prevent the appearance of new ones. In addition, olive oil acts on the vessels themselves, making them stronger and more elastic. Its use is the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, as the level of cholesterol deposited on the walls of blood vessels is reduced;
A sufficient amount of olive oil in the diet leads to the normalization of blood pressure;
The reproductive system. Enriching the body with vitamins and other beneficial components of olive oil helps to improve the menstrual cycle. There are often cases when the addition of olive oil to the diet led to the long-awaited conception, eliminating the question of the possible infertility of the couple;
The bone health benefits are the prevention of calcium loss. Many dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with olive oil to help prevent tooth decay and tartar. It also has a beneficial effect on muscle, cartilaginous tissue, strengthening them and maintaining tone;
The use of olive oil inside is beneficial for restoring vision, improving coordination;
The main positive property of olive oil is its ability to significantly reduce the risk of cancer. The components contained in it, in particular oleic acid and antioxidants, contribute to the removal of toxins from the body, provoking cell mutation and the formation of malignant neoplasms;
The benefits of olive oil for pregnant women are undeniable, since its rich composition helps in the formation of the bone and nervous systems of the fetus, its brain. Also, olives and oil from them should be in the diet of a breastfeeding woman so that the child receives the maximum amount of nutrients from her milk. It is worth noting that when transferring a baby to regular food, it is also worth using olive oil - it is easily absorbed and saturates the small body with vitamins;
Olive oil is beneficial for the body by preventing skin conditions, many of which cause inadequate intake of linoleic acid. In addition, it is able to restore youthfulness to the epidermis, saturating cells with minerals and vitamins, moisturizing them. Olive oil is able to relieve dryness and laxity of the skin when consumed regularly and as an ingredient in home cosmetics. It is used for burns and wounds for their speedy healing;
Olive oil boosts immunity thanks to its rich vitamin complex.
With such an extensive list of health benefits, olive oil can be undesirable in the diet. There are contraindications for its use: diseases of the gallbladder and individual intolerance. Olive oil promotes the excretion of bile, and with cholecystitis, this can cause complications of the health condition. Also, it should not be used as a basis for fried dishes, since during heat treatment it loses most of its properties and no longer provides the expected benefit to the body, in particular, it loads the digestive tract instead of facilitating its work.

It is not recommended to overuse olive oil and those who want to lose weight. 100 g of this product contains 890 kcal, respectively, the daily norm of an adult, which is 30-40 g, will supplement your diet with another 267-356 kcal. If your daily menu consists of at least 60% fresh vegetables and fruits, then this amount of oil is acceptable for a healthy person. For maximum benefits, olive oil should be consumed fresh in the morning (do not use it in cooked foods).

The benefits of olive oil on an empty stomach

Drinking olive oil on an empty stomach is a benefit for the whole body, because in the morning it absorbs all the substances that enter itself as quickly and fully as possible. Thanks to this, metabolism is immediately accelerated, the process of cleansing the liver and nutrition of cells with vitamins and minerals begins. But most importantly, olive oil quickly saturates the body and reduces appetite, which contributes to weight loss. It also slows down the conversion of lipids into fatty deposits.

It is better to start consuming olive oil on an empty stomach with a teaspoon, increasing this portion to a tablespoon. Regarding the question of whether it is worth drinking it down, you need to consult with an experienced nutritionist. Some people wash it down with water, adding lemon juice to it, others do not eat or drink anything for about an hour. In any case, the benefits of olive oil for weight loss are expressed not only in decreasing weight, but also in the normalization of metabolism.

Benefits of olive oil for the face

Cold-pressed olive oil, the benefits of which are described above, are often used in home beauty recipes and in professional skin care products. To explain its relevance in cosmetology, you need to know how it affects the cells of the epidermis:
Olive oil cleanses the skin - vitamin D exfoliates dead cells, leaving it smooth;
Vitamin A moisturizes the epidermis and makes it elastic;
Vitamin E nourishes the skin, acts as an antioxidant and promotes cell regeneration and smoothing of wrinkles;
Iron normalizes blood circulation, due to which each cell is saturated with oxygen;
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing properties;
It does not cause allergies;
Soothes the skin after prolonged exposure to sunlight;
Well absorbed, retains moisture in cells and protects pores from dust and other impurities.
Unrefined olive oil is beneficial if used before swimming in the sea, relaxing on the beach, working at high or low temperatures. Fatty acids coat the skin and protect it from the harmful effects of the environment. Several options for using olive oil for different types of facial skin are worth considering:
They can be used as a substitute for makeup remover. The oil needs to be slightly heated in a water bath, moisten a cotton pad in it and cleanse the skin;
Olive oil is also a great substitute for cream. At night, you can not wash it off, and if you apply it in the morning, then it is enough to remove the residues with a napkin or wash yourself with cool water;
Applying olive oil to the skin around the eyes will help get rid of wrinkles in this area;
If your skin is dry or sometimes peeling, then it is enough to lubricate problem areas with olive oil to make it smooth and silky. You can also use the following mask: 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp. spoon of oil. An alternative to the yolk can be half tbsp. spoons of fat cottage cheese. If the skin begins to age, then a teaspoon of honey should be added to the mask;
Normal skin can be pleased with a mask of white clay (0.5 tablespoons) and olive oil (1 tablespoon). This mixture will not only cleanse the pores, but also nourish the cells well;
For oily skin, olive oil is also suitable, only you need to mix it with non-fat sour milk products;
Masks made from equal amounts of vegetable, fruit or berry pulp and olive oil are good for the face. For dry skin, it is best to use banana, melon, persimmon, apricot, black currant, or lingonberry. From vegetables, zucchini, bell peppers, cucumber, potatoes, carrots are suitable. Oily skin will be pleased with citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, raspberries, mountain ash, red currants and grapes.
Extra virgin olive oil brings maximum benefits to the skin, as it is a quality product enriched with all valuable components. Using it for cosmetic purposes will give you a youthful and radiant face.

Benefits of olive oil for skin

When used on the skin of the body, olive oil has the same effect as on the face: it nourishes, softens, tightens, improves the secretion of glands and the elimination of harmful substances. If you use refined olive oil, the benefits will be less, since the concentration of valuable substances in it is not the same as in the product after the first pressing. Consider the options for using body oil:
It can be added to the bathroom or oiled after a shower - this will make it soft and supple;
Body wraps will help eliminate cellulite. The following recipe is simple and effective: mix 1 cup of hot water and 1 cup of sea salt, add the same amount of olive oil. When the mixture reaches an acceptable temperature, apply it to problem areas, wrap them with cling film and wrap in a blanket for half an hour. This mixture is washed off with warm water without soap. Salt will remove excess fluid, and oil will nourish cells with useful substances. Do not forget that before any wrap you need to warm up well and cleanse the skin;
Olive oil will help to make stretch marks as invisible as possible. To do this, the skin must be warmed up under a hot shower, and then intensively rubbed with oil. The use of a massage glove at the end of the procedure will increase the effect. Regular repetition of this process will make striae so subtle that you yourself will start looking for them;
Lubricating the body with oil after prolonged sun exposure reduces the risk of skin cancer;
For firm breasts, apply a mask of eggs, cottage cheese and olive oil, combined into a mixture of thick consistency. It needs to be kept for 20 minutes, then take a 10-minute contrast shower, ending with cold water;
Olive oil hand baths will leave the skin soft and the nails strong. If you add sea salt to the oil, you get a foot scrub that will remove dead particles and relax your legs.

All of these recipes will make your skin soft, silky and firm. With regular use of olive oil for the body, you will always look much younger than your age.

The benefits of olive oil for hair

Due to the rich content of vitamins, olive oil is good for hair as well. It can be used in its natural form - without mixing with anything, as it itself will accelerate hair growth, moisturize the scalp and make the hair soft and shiny. Over time, the hair will be easier to comb and will stop splitting.

Comb your hair well before using olive oil. Start applying the oil to the scalp and massage it for 15 minutes, then distribute it through the hair, paying special attention to the ends. The mask should be kept under a cellophane cap and a warm towel for at least 40 minutes. To wash off the olive oil, it is enough to rinse your hair well with shampoo twice. Using this mask every week, you will very soon appreciate its results. After 8 procedures, you should take a break or change the oil so that the hair does not get used to it.

Olive mask result:
Dandruff disappears, as the oil has an antibacterial and antifungal effect;
Hair becomes smooth, manageable, grows quickly and falls out less;
The tips stop splitting;
Hair stops electrifying.

How to choose olive oil

Olive oil is beneficial for the stomach, heart and the whole body only if it is chosen correctly. In order not to spend money on a low-quality product, remember what you should pay attention to when studying the label:
Virgin - natural, refined - refined, pomace - cake. Naturally, natural oil is healthier than any other. The Extra Virgin inscription means that this is the first cold pressed product - the best in quality;
The word "mix" means that two types of oil are mixed in a container, for example, 80% natural and 20% refined. Conscientious manufacturers indicate the percentage in the composition of the product;
The taste of the oil is influenced by its acidity - a good indicator if it is not higher than 0.8%;
It is better to buy olive oil sold in glass containers;
The highest quality oil is produced in Greece, Italy, Spain and Tunisia;
Pay attention to the expiration date - the optimal period is several months.
How you store it is important to preserve the nutrients in the oil. Hide it from light in a cool, dry place. Do not put it in a refrigerator or cabinet with aromatic spices - if you close the bottle badly, then it will absorb all the smells.
The benefits of olive oil for men in strengthening health, blood vessels, heart, muscles. For women, this is an extension of reproductive age, youth and beauty in addition to general health improvement. The use of olive oil by children strengthens their immunity, creates correct eating habits and develops a healthy body.

Olive oil has long been recognized as one of the healthiest foods in the world. It is actively used in medicine, dietetics and cosmetology.

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

So, let's try to figure out what is the benefit of olive oil, called by the legendary antique poet Homer "liquid gold".

The benefits and harms of olive oil: the history of the 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 olive tree is native to Egypt. And only thanks to the Phoenician merchants, it got to Greece, Spain and Italy, where it became most widespread.

In mythology, there is a special opinion about how this magic tree arose: Greek legend says that the goddess Athena, during a dispute with Poseidon, thrust 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 earth by the goddess of fertility Isis.

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

The benefits of olive oil

So many medicinal properties are attributed to olive oil that it is hard to believe that one product can do all of this. So, let's see 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 lies in the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the product, in particular - oleic acid, which lowers blood cholesterol levels. 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 of the medicines that help lower blood pressure are based on the leaves of the olive tree. In addition, olive oil has a beneficial effect on bone tissue, preventing calcium loss, which makes the product especially valuable for children.

The benefits of olive oil also lie in the fact that the linoleic acid in its composition promotes rapid healing of wounds and burns, it is also useful for maintaining muscle tone and normal functioning of body tissues. In addition, linoleic acid has a beneficial effect on vision and coordination of movements. More than one hundred years ago, our ancestors discovered that olive oil can help in the treatment of psychological disorders.

But one of the most amazing health benefits of olive oil, proven in numerous studies, is that it reduces the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Oleic acid, vitamins and antioxidants that make up the oil suppress the development of cancer cells, or rather, they remove toxins that, among other factors, affect cell mutation.

Benefits and harms of olive oil: olive oil in the service of beauty

The benefits of olive oil were 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 cleansing, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer for the skin of the face. The oil mask is a rejuvenating agent that helps to reduce fine wrinkles thanks to the unique substances - squalene and squalane.

Phenols slow down the aging process, leaving the skin silky smooth, in addition, olive oil protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

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

It is impossible not 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 elimination of harmful substances and improves the secretion of the glands.

The harm of olive oil

Although olive oil is one of the healthiest foods in the world, there are some of the negative effects that excessive consumption of olive oil can cause.

People suffering from gallbladder inflammation - cholecystitis - should be most careful with olive oil: due to its strong choleretic effect, oil can exacerbate 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, make no mistake about the fact that foods fried in olive oil do not harm the body. In fact, any oil, including olive oil, as a result of heating, not only loses its beneficial properties, 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 be sure of the benefits of olive oil, you need to choose the right product. How to do it? 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 and unrefined. All nutrients are retained only with minimal heat exposure. Thus, it is worth giving preference to unrefined oil. For example, for the production of oil Ideal selected one of the most fertile provinces of Spain - Seville, where a special variety of olives ripens. Like thousands of years ago Ideal obtained by direct pressing, without adding preservatives and impurities.

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

3. If the word mix is \u200b\u200bwritten 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 softer its taste. The highest quality olive oil varieties have this figure of 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 designation IGP or DOP. IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) means that olives were pressed in one country, for example, Greece or Spain, and the oil was packed outside these regions. The abbreviation DOP (Denominazione d "Origine Protetta) indicates that the oil is produced and packaged within the same country.

7. Do 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 the time of harvest.

8. The best properties of olive oil are preserved in glass containers.