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Since ancient times olive oil has been imbued with almost mystical powers of healing and in many parts of the world where olives have been grown for centuries the old folk remedies are still being used today by people who swear by them but now modern scientific research has come to support the claims.
The general composition of Olive Oil...
Vitamin E (3-30mg)
Provitamin A (carotene)
Monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic) 56-83%
Polyunsaturated unfatty acids (linoleic) 3.5-20%
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic) 0-1.5%
Saturated fatty acids 8-23.5%
99% of lipids (990 cals per 100g)
How Olive Oil can reduce cholesterol...
Some of this scientific research has provided evidence to show that olive oil can reduce cholesterol levels within the body and also reduce the incidences of heart related diseases. The important factor in anyone’s diet is the type of fats consumed, in particular the amount of saturated fats which have been shown to be the cause of increased cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol comes in two forms, low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoproteins. LDL leaves cholesterol in the tissues and arteries and it increases with high intake of fatty acids. HDL on the other hand takes the cholesterol from the cells and carries it to the liver where it is passed as waste naturally. While polyunsturates reduce both LDL and HDL, monounsaturates reduce LDL and increase HDL providing protection against cholesterol deposits and reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
The reason olive oil is so good for us is that it is high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid where as sunflower and corn oils are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids are found in animal fats.
Other health benefits...
Olive oil has also been shown to help reduce the levels of acid in the gut, protect against ulcers and improve the passage of food through the intestines. It can help reduce the risk of gallstones by stimulating bile secretion. The Vitamin E and oleic acid on the oil aids normal bone growth and is suitable for nursing mothers as it encourages development of the infant’s brain and nervous system before and after birth.
Folk Remedies...
For shining hair. After shampooing rub in a mixture of olive oil and egg yolk the juice of a lemon and a little beer, leave for 5 minutes and then wash it out.
To help prevent dandruff. Rub into the hair a mixture of olive oil and eau de Cologne and then rinse it out.
For dry skin. Make a face mask with an avocado and olive oil, leave for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
To help prevent wrinkles. Rub into the skin a mixture of olive oil and juice of a lemon before going to bed.
To soften the skin. Mix together equal parts of olive oil and salt. Massage the body and wash off.
For weak nails. Soak the nails for 5 minutes in warm olive oil and then paint the nails with white iodine.
For tired feet. Massage with olive oil.
For aching muscles. Massage with a mixture of olive oil and rosemary.
To clear acne. Rub with a mixture of 250ml olive oil and 10 drops of lavender oil.
To reduce the effects of alcohol. Take a couple of spoonfuls of olive oil before drinking.
For high blood pressure. Boil 24 olive leaves in 250ml of water for 15 minutes. Drink the liquid morning and night for two weeks.
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