Five Key Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

One – Virgin Olive Oil contains “oleuropein”

According to a study in 2014, published by the “International Journal of Molecular Sciences.” Discussing the health benefits of “oleuropein”, which is a phenolic compound found in olive leaves and the oil of it’s fruit. The study concludes by saying “Olive oil and olive leaf extract are renowned natural traditional remedies used for the treatment of different conditions, including dermatitis, wound healing and treatment of burns, stomach and intestinal pain, malaria-induced fever, different infections, alopecia, rheumatic pain, otitis, rickets, distortions, sciatica, hypertension, as a diuretic, as a laxative and as an aphrodisiac”. For further reading, you can visit the published study by visiting the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

 

Two – Helps your skin stay beautiful.

Ancient Egyptians and Romans knew about the properties of Olive oil and its benefits. Cleopatra’s choice for good skin.

Here, in a nutshell, these are the benefits of Olive oil for your skin:

Antioxidant = Anti-aging.
The mighty olive oil contains antioxidants and Vit A and E. These antioxidants protect the skin from damage by fighting off free radicals that attack cells. Antioxidants present in olive oil are essential anti-ageing ingredients.

Anti-inflammatory = Clearing and Calming
Polyphenols in olive oil are anti-inflammatory. Using polyphenol-rich olive oil inhibits inflammation of the skin and is calming in nature

Antibacterial = Cleansing
Olive oil contains naturally occurring antimicrobials- which keeps pathogens at bay and fights infection.

Oleic Acid = Moisturizing
Olive oils unique chemical composition makes it a good moisturizing agent. Skin absorbs the rich nutrients and is radiant and glowing

Disclaimer: Acne-prone skins would need medical advice and olive oil may not be recommended – as good it may be for many skin types it may not be best for acne-prone skins.

Note: Only use pure and best quality Olive oils for your skin.

 

Three – Extra Benefits when consumed on an empty stomach

Olive oil is when consumed on an empty stomach reveals hidden benefits. Referencing a 2021 published article by Olive Oil Times which states “According to a report in El Confidential, new evidence suggests that taking olive oil on an empty stomach provides additional benefits to taking it with food.”

Based on the article, these benefits include lowering gastric acidity and helping nutrient absorption. Therefore this means that not only would you benefit from the other health benefits of olive oil, mentioned in this article, but also you consuming olive oil on an empty stomach you give protection to your stomach, in addition to improving your nutrient intake when you consume other foods. For further reading, you can visit the published article by visiting Olive Oil Times.

 

Four – Extra Virgin Olive Oil helps protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

Although the basis of this statement is derived from a study involving rats, it show’s early promising signs when it comes to preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Published in 2016 by Springer Link, it states “This study sought to verify whether extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), lipophilic fraction (OOLF) and hydrophilic fraction (OOHF) exerted a brain-protective effect against the oxidative stress”. Oxidative stress is a key factor when it comes to developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. For further reading, you can visit the published study by visiting the Springer Link.

 

Five – Chocolate Enriched with Extra Virgin Olive Oil helps those with type 2 Diabetes.

A very recent study published by Science Direct in October 2021 highlights the following:

• Chocolate enriched by extra virgin olive oil had positive effects on endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Chocolate enriched by extra virgin olive oil had positive effects on oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This goes to show new benefits of Extra Virgin Olive oil continues to be discovered through scientific studies. Who would have thought that chocolate, if enriched with olive oil would help benefit those suffering from type 2 diabetes. For further reading, you can visit the published study by visiting Science Direct.