Olive oil is touted as having many benefits, and this may sound like just another one of those health freak claims. But it’s actually true. It has a variety of health benefits and uses as well.
Olive oil is pressed from fresh olives and is made mainly in the Mediterranean, mostly in Italy, Spain and Greece. There are various grades of this oil depending on flavour, acidity, odour, and absence of defects.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This is the highest-quality. It’s unrefined and contains more nutrients compared to other processed varieties.
- Pure olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil and refined olive oil are combined, resulting in a lower-quality product. It’s also known as “refined olive oil.”
- Light olive oil: This is refined olive oil that has a neutral taste and a higher smoke point.
- Olive-pomace oil: This is made from leftover olive pulps, and the remaining liquid is extracted using chemical solvents. Not recommended for human consumption.
Health Benefits
Heart health– studies show that consuming olive oil regularly contributes to lowering the risk of thrombosis, lowering LDL cholesterol levels, decreasing blood pressure, boosting endothelial function, and reducing platelet aggregation.
Antioxidant– this oil contains high levels of antioxidants (such as hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleuropein) that neutralise free radicals in the human body.
Inflammation– the oleic acid in olive oil helps to reduce risks and incidences of inflammation.
Skin– olive oil is gentle and lightweight enough to be used as a skin moisturiser. The scent is light so it’s a plus if you’re averse to strong smells.
Uses
- This is a very popular oil for salad dressings. Drizzle it while cold over your salad before serving for that amazing taste.
- Olive oil is effective for removing makeup.
- Use it to soothe the skin after shaving.
- Accidentally got paint on your hair? Olive oil comes to the rescue.
Note: this oil isn’t suitable for cooking, use coconut oil instead.
