Olive Oil Health and Beauty Benefits

The health and beauty benefits of olive oil are countless.

This gold liquid is the vital nutritional backbone of the world’s healthiest foods.

Considerably consumed throughout the Mediterranean diet, this oil is a traditional fat, representing the world’s healthiest population.

Therefore, those who follow the Mediterranean dietary programme, have a longer life expectancy, and a lower frequency of health-related problems.

Discover some of the health and beauty benefits of olive oil with DESIblitz and switch over  to a healthier lifestyle.

But, let’s first find out about pairing the oil with Asian recipes.

Indian Cuisine and Olive Oil

When it comes to cooking Indian food, there is a lot of confusion about using olive oil.

There is often the question; can it be used in South Asian cooking?

Well, the answer is yes!

Certainly, olive pomace oil is the most suitable oil for Indian cuisine.

Significantly because: “It does not change the flavour or taste of any preparation,” as reported by the Times of India.

Moreover, celebrity chef, Sanjeev Kapoor, further illustrates this point by saying: “You wouldn’t guess if I made your samosa in olive oil.”

Additionally, cookery expert Nita Mehta states: “When used daily, olive oil can bring instant and easy wellness to a family’s diet.”

Interestingly, Nita has written a notable book, titled as, Indian Cooking with Olive Oil.

Still unsure about the usage of olive oil in your Indian recipes? Why not grab your own copy of this fantastic book from Amazon, and switchover to olive oil Indian cooking techniques.

So, while cooking, make a quick switch from coconut or sunflower oil to the sophisticated healthy olive liquid. And, reduce your chances of developing diet-related illnesses.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

With its regular consumption, the health benefits of olive oil become visibly refreshing.

Known as one of the healthier dietary fats, olive oil has been associated with lower reports of health problems.

DESIblitz explores some of the health issues olive oil has been found to be effective against.

Heart Health

At the World Congress of Cardiology, organised by the World Heart Federation, India’s most acknowledged figure in the field of heart diseases, Prof. Prakash Deedwania, stated:

“India has the dubious distinction of being known as the coronary and diabetes capital of the world.”

Therefore, in comparison to any other ethnic group, if you belong to a South Asian background, you already have a higher chance of developing a heart disease.

Fortunately, some simple lifestyle changes can reduce this risk.

According to the American Heart Association:

“Replacing foods that are high in saturated fat with healthier options can lower blood cholesterol levels and improve lipid profiles.”

Such as, canola and olive oils.

To point out, olive oil lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and possibly raises HDL (good cholesterol), which has protective effects on heart health.

This is to say, consuming olive oil regularly reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As well as, high blood pressure and strokes.

As little as two teaspoons can help protect the heart, says Olive Oil Times.

A good reason to rethink your diet.

Prevention of Cancer

According to Dr Michael Greger, an American physician, the younger generation of South Asians, particularly those living in Western countries, are experiencing a rise in the number of cancer cases.

This is mainly due to, a saturated fat diet. This includes ghee, butter, meat, whole milk dairy foods and other fatty acids.

Since cancer has become a health issue for South Asians, it is important that they have access to information. Together with, the knowledge for preventing it through lifestyle and diet.

Olive oil has shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Such as, breast cancer, upper digestive tract cancer, bowel cancer, and several others.

Additionally, a small study conducted at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, suggests that it may even prevent breast cancer cells from reproducing.

This is because olive oil contains unsaturated fat. A type of fat that helps prevent breast cancer.

Therefore, simply changing from ghee or butter to olive oil, can reduce your risk of cancer or control your current condition.

Reduced Risk of Dementia

Due to genetic reasons, or, for eating a high-fat diet, are both risk factors for developing the Alzheimers disease. The most common type of dementia.

However, Kris Gunnars, a nutrition researcher, refers in his article to a human controlled trial, which shows that:

“A Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil had favourable effects on brain function and reduced the risk of cognitive impairment.”

Interestingly, olive oil has the ability to speed up the removal of beta-amyloid. A key toxin found in the brains of Alzheimer patients.

Vascular Dementia is the second most common type of dementia.

People of South Asian origin are at greater risk of developing this disease.

However, with the benefits of olive oil, the risk of developing vascular dementia is highly reduced.

Beauty Benefits of Olive Oil

As well as being good for your health, olive oil is also great for your skin.

Loaded with vitamins A and E, it helps to keep the skin moisturised.

The oil also contains antioxidants, which helps neutralise free radical damage and slows down the skin ageing process.

It can be found as an ingredient in many skincare products.

DESIblitz looks at some of the ways you can add this oil to your daily skincare routine. As a natural alternative to expensive, chemical-based products.

Makeup Remover

Did you know that olive oil can work as an effective makeup remover?

Olive oil is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog up your pores. Therefore, massaging a small amount onto your face will feed your skin with effective nutrients. Also, it will naturally cleanse and moisturise your skin, for a  clear, radiant complexion.

So, try soaking cotton balls in the oil to get rid of your waterproof mascara! And, remove every trace of makeup dirt.

Hot Hair Oil Treatment

Benefits of olive oil are also noticeable through hair treatments.

In view of that, warm approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Accordingly, apply it to your scalp and the ends of your hair.

Leaving it on for 20-30 minutes before washing it, will leave your hair looking silky and shiny.

In addition, for extra conditioning, try adding an egg yolk to the oil.

Click here for an olive oil hair treatment formula, and make your own conditioning mask for healthier looking hair.

Lip Scrub

Do you have dry lips?

Well, the benefits of olive oil are also delivered through lip therapies.

To gain those benefits, make an exfoliating lip scrub. By mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil, with 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Blend them together in a small bowl and rub it on your lips in a circular motion.

Try using a toothbrush for extra exfoliation.

Wipe if off using a towel and then moisturise using a lip balm.

Check out the homemade lip scrub by Kimiya Joon here, and enjoy the amazing skin benefits of this oil.

Overall, the research studies and nutritional advice expressed, confirms how the oil is a trustworthy source for both health and beauty routines.

Yet, evidence for the benefits associated with consumption of olive oil is still increasingly developing.