Olives were first cultivated in the eastern part of the Mediterranean around 5000 B.C. Cultivation spread to Turkey, Greece, and Egypt before it reached southern Italy, Africa, and southern France. Italy was producing olive oil by the first century A.D.
Olive oil was used in medicines and different ointments. It was also used for nourishment and as an overall healing agent.
Today, Italy, Spain, and Greece produce olive oil, and California, with its Mediterranean climate, is fast becoming a leading producer. Like wine, many different varieties of olive oil have their own unique characteristics taken from the land and weather conditions.
12 Remarkable Facts Why Olive Oil Known As Liquid Gold
Diabetes
It has been demonstrated that a diet that is rich in olive oil, low in saturated fats, moderately rich in carbohydrates and soluble fiber from fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains is the most effective approach for diabetics. It helps lower “bad” low-density lipoproteins while improving blood sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity.
Moisturize your body
Packed with good fats and nutrients, a little bit of olive oil soothes crusty cuticles, relieves dry skin, fights frizzy hair, and can even fill in for shaving cream in a pinch.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatiod arthritis.
Cancer
The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Squalene and lignans are among the other olive oil components being studied for their possible effects on cancer.
Massage Oil
Colwell says that flavored olive oils can also be used for massage and bodywork, where people may enjoy the pleasant aroma of added ingredients like lemons, Mandarin oranges and lavender.
Osteoporosis
A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.
Cholesterol and Heart Health
Despite the drama surrounding the use of fats and oils, these things are an essential part of a balanced eating plan. The key is to choose your fats wisely. Olive oil is one of the healthiest types of fat around. The monounsaturated fat in olive oil has been shown to control LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. This can potentially lower your risk of heart disease.
Averts Alzheimer’s Disease
The natural phenolic compound, ‘oleocanthal’, present in olive oil is highly effective in averting Alzheimer’s disease. According to scientists, this phytonutreint detects the abnormal proteins named ‘beta-amyloid’, which are responsible for the ailment and shuttle them out of the brain efficiently. As a result, we can stay away from the diseases like neurodegenerative dementia.
Treat sunburns
Olive oil not only helps in treating sunburns, it also works really well as a sunscreen. Mix equal quantities of olive oil and tea decoction (tea boiled in water and strained) and apply all over the body and face. Leave this on for an hour. Rinse, don’t wash, so that it leaves a residue on the skin. This will act as a natural sunscreen for you.
Preventing cell degeneration
The antioxidants present in olive oil- hydroxytyrosol along with the vitamin E help in preventing cell degeneration in your skin, thus preventing premature ageing. The squalene present in this oil helps in increasing the elasticity of the skin thus preventing sagging of skin and leaving it firmly toned with youthful glow.
Blood pressure
Adding small amount of extra virgin olive oil in the daily diet and continuing with the usual treatments for high blood pressure can actually improve blood pressure. Taking olive leaf extract also helps to lower blood pressure.
Sources:
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-olive-oil-that-you-never-knew/
http://www.robbinsfamilyfarm.com/101-olive-oil-benefits/
http://www.theoliveorchard.com/blog/about-olive-oil/health-benefits-of-extra-virgin-olive-oil/
More by author
Too Much or Too Little? 17 Tips To Balanced Stomach Acid pH Naturally
Tested And You can do it! Juices That Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally
