Main health benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is made from olives and has advantages and benefits that go beyond health and cooking, as a weight loss aid and moisturizing action for skin and hair.

However, to take advantage of the properties of olive oil, its consumption or use need not be exaggerated, especially if the goal is to lose weight. The recommended consumption is 1 dessert spoon per day.

5 health benefits

The consumption of olive oil should be regular and preferably at the end of the dishes, avoiding its excessive use and in fried preparations, for example. The main benefits are:

1. It reduces bad cholesterol, as it is rich in monounsaturated fats. See how to use olive oil for this case; Prevents atherosclerosis and protects the heart, as it is rich in phenolic compounds and vitamin E, which are strong antioxidants; Prevents diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, because it contains antioxidants and acts on the hypothalamus, stimulating satiety; It acts as an anti-inflammatory and strengthens the immune system, as it contains an anti-inflammatory substance, the oleocanthal; Reduces blood pressure by facilitating blood circulation, as it stimulates the dilation of vessels.

The best olive oil is extra-virgin olive oil, as its production preserves all the nutrients in the product and guarantees all the benefits of this oil. To check whether an olive oil is extra-virgin, you should look for acidity information on the label, which should not be greater than 0.8%.

Other types of oil, such as compost and refined, go through processes that cause the oil to lose nutrients and fat quality. Therefore, whenever possible, one should prefer to consume extra virgin olive oil in salads and to finish preparations, as it has more quality than other types of olive oil.

How to use olive oil to lose weight

Olive oil controls satiety and prevents trapped intestines, relieving swelling. For these reasons it helps in the weight loss process.

Including olive oil in the dishes increases the amount of healthy fat in the food and makes it take longer to digest, which prolongs satiety and prevents hunger out of time. In addition, adequate consumption of olive oil lubricates the stool and acts on the functioning of the intestine making it regular, which reduces belly swelling, improves the absorption of nutrients and favors weight loss.

Despite this, it is an oil and, although it is healthy, it can put on weight when consumed in large quantities. Therefore, its use in salads and in the finalization of dishes should be prioritized and not in the preparation of food, where the amount used is less controlled. The use of a dosing nozzle or a spoon can help to measure the ideal amount of oil.

How to use olive oil on hair

The main benefit of using olive oil on the hair is hydration. Its excellent composition of oils and vitamin E is capable of hydrating and recovering damaged hair, reducing frizz and split ends.

Olive oil can be used directly on hair when they are very dry. Check step by step:

1. For long hair, separate 1/4 cup of olive oil. Shorter hair will need less amount; After washing your hair with shampoo, divide it into strands and, still wet, soak your fingertips in oil and pass the strands to the ends. It is not recommended to pass directly on the scalp, as this can increase the oiliness; Hold the hair and let it hydrate for 15 minutes. If you prefer, cover with a cap; Wash your hair well with shampoo to remove all the oil and do not leave the hair heavy.

The use of olive oil on hair is especially suitable for wavy, curly and curly hair, which is usually drier than straight hair. Another way to use olive oil on your hair is to combine it with ingredients to create moisturizing masks. Check out some recipes here.

It is important to remember not to heat your hair with a hairdryer or flat iron when it is still covered in oil, as this can damage your hair. It is also recommended that there is an average interval of 15 days between applications of the oil so as not to damage the wires.

How to use olive oil on your skin

Olive oil acts as a moisturizer for dry skin, improving the elasticity and vitality of the skin. Vitamin E, being an antioxidant, prevents wrinkles and premature aging.

The oil can be used directly on the skin, mixed with specific creams for the face or as an ingredient to make an exfoliating massage.