What olive oil is good for health. Olive oil on an empty stomach - the benefits and harms. How to use? Olive oil contraindications

Olive oil Since ancient times, it has been called "liquid gold" for its special value. According to legend, the ancient Greek goddess Athena gave the Greeks an olive tree as a symbol of wealth and wisdom.

The production of this plant product has not changed for thousands of years.

Mechanical extraction without the use of additives allows you to keep all the useful substances in the oil, thanks to which the product is assigned the status of the highest quality.

But olive oil is valuable not only for its useful qualities. The taste of the product is also unique: it is very rich and intense. Depending on their preferences, each person will be able to choose the right option for themselves. Depending on the type of plant, olive oil can be sweet or salty, bitter or sour. This variety can greatly expand your cookbook.

The homeland of the product is considered to be the territory of the Mediterranean. Basically, its production was carried out by the inhabitants of Ancient Greece, Egypt and Phoenicia. In those days, the great Aristotle was so confident in the benefits of olive oil that he even proposed to separate its study into a separate science. Hippocrates, the founder of medical science, actively used it to treat certain diseases.

Today, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, etc. are considered the main suppliers of olive oil. By the way, its taste and aromatic qualities will depend on the geography of origin of the plant. In addition, these indicators can be affected by weather conditions and even the time of harvest. For example, an early harvest in December is distinguished by a slightly greenish color of olives, but the February harvest will already be more saturated both in color and in taste.

There are several varieties of olive oil. First of all, the division exists according to the method of processing the harvested fruits:

• Natural oil (Extra virgin and Virgin olive oil) is obtained in the same classical way, which was invented more than 6000 years ago. Pressing is cold mechanical, without various treatments and cleanings. Thus, an extremely useful product is obtained. In addition, it has a unique taste, which allows you to add piquancy to even the simplest recipes for salads, sauces or ready meals. It is not suitable for frying only for the reason that few people will raise their hand to spoil such a precious (and expensive) product.
• Purified - refined oil of the second pressing, which is subjected to processing. Therefore, its taste and aroma are much less pronounced. It can be used for frying. In any case, it is much more useful than many other vegetable oils, because it requires much higher temperature conditions for the decomposition of substances.
• Oilcake - obtained from the remains of the processing of olives by the extraction method. In order for it to contain at least a certain amount of useful elements, it is mixed in certain proportions with natural unrefined oil. Mainly used for frying.

This is the main classification of products, but there are dozens more varieties depending on producers, regions and the degree of maturation of the olive fruit. But, in truth, there is no need to understand this, so we will leave this question to curious fans of a unique product.

In favor of the fact that olive oil is an absolutely unique product, the fact that there is a special organization in the world International Olive Council (International Olive Union!), which was created under the auspices of the UN back in 1959. Its task is to solve absolutely all the problems that arise in the production of oil and the cultivation of table olives.

How to choose and store?

It is very important to choose and store olive oil correctly in order to fully enjoy its taste and get the maximum benefit. We offer you several recommendations, listening to which you can distinguish a low-quality product or a fake from the original product.

So, pay attention to these points:

If you have the opportunity to check the quality of the oil, be sure to use it. To do this, you just need to put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. The resulting white flakes will be a good sign, because a product from sunny regions is afraid of the cold. When heated to room temperature, the flakes will disappear.

Store olive oil for no more than 18 months.

As you already understand, the refrigerator is not the best place for it. It is enough to place the product in a dry, dark place. The optimum temperature will be 10-25 degrees Celsius.

The opened bottle must be closed very tightly to minimize contact with air. And for daily use, it is better to adapt a small container, which should be filled as much as possible. Before pouring another portion of oil, dry the container thoroughly so that moisture residues do not cause product oxidation.

The appearance of sediment at the current expiration date is not always a sign of spoilage. This only indicates insufficient filtration of the natural product.

It may seem that olive oil requires too much attention to itself, but believe me, “liquid gold” is worth it.

Beneficial features

The beneficial effect of olive oil on the human body is difficult to overestimate. Firstly, scientists have long studied its composition, as a result of which they discovered a whole range of vitamins and microelements, and the most necessary for our life. For example, oil supplies us with a whole range of unsaturated omega fatty acids.

Such a chemical composition helps to avoid cardiovascular diseases and the formation of tumors, improve digestion processes, and strengthen the skeletal system.

In addition, olive oil is a great antioxidant. No wonder all the famous actresses, giving out their beauty recipes, be sure to mention him. Vitamin E promotes rejuvenation, just remember the magnificent Sophia Loren. She considers sleep and ... olive oil to be her main secrets of such a long youth.

Cleopatra herself recognized the enormous rejuvenating effect of this product and therefore regularly took milk baths with the addition of olive oil.

You can start using the "elixir of youth" at any age. It will be useful for both young children and the elderly. Moreover, the oil acts both when applied externally to the skin and hair, and when used as a food product.

Do not forget that with reasonable use, the product can be called dietary. It favorably affects the metabolic processes in the body. It is enough to drink one spoonful of olive oil on an empty stomach - and soon enough, all the results will be visible with your own eyes.

Olive oil is actively used not only for beauty, but also as a raw material for the food industry, the production of cosmetics and soap. Massage for athletes will not do without it, especially for medicinal purposes.

Use in cooking

The use of olive oil in cooking is fundamental to the cuisines of many countries. It is used in almost all stages of cooking. For example, the highest grades will perfectly complement the taste of cold appetizers, sauces, salads, giving them an additional and magical aroma. If you want to use it for frying, then it is better to take refined oil. Despite the lower category, such a product will not form carcinogens.

Add slightly warmed butter to the most ordinary boiled pasta - you will get an extremely tasty and healthy dish. And try to sprinkle a piece of toasted toast, add a slice of tomato and a sprig of basil - you still need to look for such a delicacy. You can see how olive oil can diversify your even rather ascetic diet.

You can adopt a recipe that Italian restaurants use. Various aromatic products (garlic, lemon, basil, etc.) are added to a bottle of olive oil and used as a dressing. It is possible to store such a workpiece, as well as the oil itself, for a year, provided that it is provided with a dark and cool place.

How to cook at home?

It is possible to make healthy and tasty olive oil at home, but only if you have access to fruit-bearing olive trees.

The classic process is quite laborious, but interesting:

It is this product that will be the most natural and useful. Moreover, a piece of your work and warmth will be invested in it.

Application in cosmetology

Natural olive oil is a unique product not only for your health, but also for your beauty. On its basis, entire collections of cosmetics for the care of the skin of the body, face, and hair are created.

All this is due to the presence in its composition of a whole range of beauty and youth vitamins - A, E, B, D, K, which provide nutrition, hydration and a significant improvement in condition. For example, for dry and aging skin, olive oil will be a real salvation that does not cause irritation and allergies.

Body care with olive oil does not require additional components. It is able to act effectively at all stages:

• cleansing- just wipe the skin with a cotton pad soaked in the substance. This will dissolve excess sebum and remove impurities. By the way, you can use it to remove decorative cosmetics.
• Peeling- By mixing oil with bran, you can create a wonderful cleansing composition that only needs to be gently massaged into the skin.
• Care- based on olive oil, many masks are created that can provide good nutrition to your body. The addition of natural ingredients can make the action of the formulations more targeted. For example, rose petals will add velvety, mint - soothing, and clay - a natural color.

Olive oil has a wonderful effect on the skin of babies, restores the condition of the rough skin of the lips, hands, feet, improves the condition of the nails.

A light massage of the scalp with oil can significantly accelerate hair growth, improve their condition, make them beautiful, shiny and silky. If you can make a mask on your hair once a week, wrapping it with a towel, soon enough the positive effect will be obvious.

Olive oil is very useful for massage. It can literally work miracles. In combination with essential oils, you can create various compositions with a tonic, exciting or calming result.

Olive oil for weight loss

The easiest way to lose weight with olive oil is to consume it on an empty stomach every morning. The loss of a couple of extra pounds per month will be ensured, and in combination with physical activity, you will bring your body into excellent shape. In addition, this effect will be very long-term, unlike painful diets.

Scientists have discovered that olive oil contains oleic acid, which produces a special enzyme. It is able to send nerve impulses to the brain, signaling satiety. Thus, the feeling of hunger disappears much faster, and we eat much less food.

You can start the process of losing weight with one teaspoon per day, gradually increasing the dose to a tablespoon. After taking about an hour, you should not drink and eat.

And in the process of losing weight, you can lubricate the skin of the chest, abdomen, buttocks with olive oil to avoid the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin E contained in it has regenerating properties and improves skin condition. By adding a couple of drops of aromatic oil, you can make the procedure especially pleasant.

A good mood and a smile on your face will greatly enhance the effect of your beautiful figure.

Olive oil benefits and treatment

The benefits of olive oil for human health are beyond doubt, although it is difficult to call it a medicinal product. Rather, it is logical to use it as a preventive food product. Pay attention to the inhabitants of the regions where olives grow: they are cheerful, healthy and they are characterized by a long life expectancy.

With regular consumption of olive oil, the chances of acquiring diseases such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and disorders of the cardiovascular system are significantly reduced.

Olive oil has an important property: it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, for any diseases caused by inflammatory processes (tonsillitis, ulcers, genital infections, etc.), it can be used for treatment.

Traditional medicine has long used oil for:

• slowing down the aging process at the cell level;
• normalization of processes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract;
• healing of wounds, ulcers, injuries;
• increase immunity;
• strengthening of bone formations;
• prevention of the development of malignant tumors;
• increasing the level of mental activity, memory;
• obstacles to nervous diseases.

By the way, researchers have proven that olive oil is very beneficial for pregnant women and their babies. The high content of monounsaturated acids affects the formation of the brain and nervous system of infants.

Health Recipes

Olive oil is an important component of the folk first aid kit, which uses only natural ingredients. There are several recipes that have been tested by time and experience:

1. Runny nose treatment- an infusion of olive oil with wild rosemary is used. To do this, mix 100 grams of oil with 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs and set aside in a dark place for 3 weeks. Instill this infusion into your nose several times a day for a week.
2. Relief from constipation- oil (3-4 tablespoons) mixed with egg yolk and a glass of warm water or drink daily 1 tablespoon of oil with a few drops of lemon on an empty stomach and drink water.
3. Ear pain- drip 2-3 drops of warm oil into each ear and plug with cotton swabs. The effect will be noticeable very quickly.

Also, a unique product is used to improve the appearance and structure of hair, skin and nails. To do this, there are entire volumes of recipes, among which you can easily find the right one for your type. They can be easily used at home by adding ingredients such as honey, sea salt, various medicinal herbs, etc.

Harm of olive oil and contraindications

The harmful effects of olive oil on the human body can still take place. There may be several reasons for this:

Contraindications for the use of oil also exist. It should be avoided by people with cholecystitis, because there is a choleretic effect. The presence of infections in the stomach, intestines, poisoning, disorders also do not favor the use of oil.

If the desire to use olive oil is present, then it would be better to get medical advice first.

Olive oil has long earned fame as one of the most useful products. It is actively used in medicine, nutrition and cosmetology.

Already the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, who did not even think about how rich in useful microelements the olive fruit was, appreciated its unique properties and attributed divine origin to the olive tree.

So, let's try to figure out what is the use of olive oil, called the legendary ancient poet Homer "liquid gold".

The benefits and harms of olive oil: the history of the olive

The history of the origin of the olive, like other products widely known for their beneficial properties, is shrouded in mystery. Scientists suggest that the birthplace of the olive tree is Egypt. And only thanks to the Phoenician merchants did it get to Greece, Spain and Italy, where it became most widespread.

In mythology, there is a special opinion about how this magic tree arose: Greek tradition says that the goddess Athena, during a dispute with Poseidon, plunged her spear into the ground, and an olive tree grew in this place. The Egyptians claim that the olive shoot was first planted in the ground by the goddess of fertility, Isis.

Be that as it may, the fruits of the olive tree have been successfully used for more than six thousand years as an effective therapeutic and cosmetic product.

The benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is credited with so many healing properties that it is hard to believe that one product is capable of all this. So, let's figure out what the benefits of "liquid gold" are.

Being one of the basic components of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil has a positive effect on the digestive system. The secret is in the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the product, in particular oleic acid, which lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. Olive oil is easily absorbed by the body, reduces appetite, speeds up metabolism and has a beneficial effect on the stomach.

Regular use of olive oil is an excellent prevention of cardiovascular diseases: it strengthens blood vessels and makes them more elastic.

Most of the medicines that help reduce pressure are based on the leaves of the olive tree. In addition, olive oil has a beneficial effect on bone tissue, preventing calcium loss, which makes the product especially valuable for children.

The benefits of olive oil also lie in the fact that linoleic acid, which is part of it, promotes the rapid healing of wounds and burns, and it is also useful for maintaining muscle tone and normal functioning of body tissues. In addition, linoleic acid has a beneficial effect on vision and coordination of movements. More than one hundred years ago, our ancestors discovered that olive oil can help in the treatment of psychological disorders.

But one of the most amazing benefits of olive oil, proven by numerous studies, is that it reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors, in particular breast cancer. Oleic acid, vitamins and antioxidants, which are part of the oil, inhibit the development of cancer cells, or rather, they remove toxins, which, among other factors, affect cell mutation.

The benefits and harms of olive oil: olive oil in the service of beauty

The benefits of olive oil have been appreciated not only by doctors, but also by cosmetologists who actively include this product in creams, masks and balms for the face, hair and body.

Even in ancient times, beauties used olive oil as a cleansing, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing agent for facial skin. The oil mask is a rejuvenating agent that helps reduce fine wrinkles thanks to unique substances - squalene and squalane.

Phenols slow down the aging process, making the skin smooth and silky, in addition, olive oil protects the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight.

For hair, olive oil is also a miracle cure. Everyone knows the recipe for the simplest nourishing hair mask: you need to mix olive and sunflower oil in equal proportions and add an egg yolk or a teaspoon of honey. As a result, the hair will acquire a luxurious radiance and strength, which are famous for the curls of Spanish and Italian women, who regularly practice such masks and use olive oil for food. A healthy look and shine to the hair is provided by the saturation of olive oil with vitamins A and E.

It is impossible not to mention one more pleasant property of olive oil - it is often used for massage and rubbing. The oil softens and moisturizes the skin, accelerates the excretion of harmful substances and improves the secretion of the glands.

Harm of olive oil

Although olive oil is one of the healthiest foods, there are some negative effects that can be caused by excessive consumption of olive oil.

The most careful with olive oil should be people suffering from inflammation of the gallbladder - cholecystitis: due to the strong choleretic effect, the oil can exacerbate the disease.

Despite the fact that olive oil is widely used in dietetics, you need to strictly observe the measure - no more than two tablespoons of oil per day, because this product is quite high in calories: 100 grams of olive oil contains almost 900 calories, and one tablespoon accounts for about 150 calories.

Also, do not be mistaken about the fact that foods fried in olive oil do not cause any harm to the body. In fact, any oil, including olive oil, as a result of heating, not only loses its beneficial properties, but also becomes harmful. Therefore, you need to eat olive oil that has not undergone heat treatment.

However, it is worth repeating that all these negative qualities of the product appear only if a person eats too much olive oil.

The benefits and harms of olive oil: how to choose

To be sure of the benefits of olive oil, you need to choose the right product. How to do it? So, let's get acquainted with a number of rules that will help you make the right choice.

1. Olive oil, like the rest, can be refined and unrefined. All useful substances are preserved only with minimal heat exposure. Thus, it is worth giving preference to unrefined oil. For example, for the production of butter Ideal selected one of the most fertile provinces of Spain - Seville, where a special variety of olives ripens. Like thousands of years ago Ideal obtained by direct extraction, without adding preservatives and impurities.

2. In addition, one of three inscriptions can often be found on the packaging - virgin (natural), refined (purified) or pomace (oilcake). Buy the first option.

3. If the word mix is ​​written on the oil label, it means that it is produced by mixing different types of oils, which negatively affects its properties.

4. Useful properties of olive oil are stored for five months, so you need to pay special attention to the date of manufacture of the product.

5. The lower the acidity of the oil, the milder it tastes. For the highest quality varieties of olive oil, this figure is only 0.8%.

6. The best olive oil is produced and bottled in the same region. You can find out the origin of the product by the designations IGP or DOP. IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) means that the olives were pressed in one country, for example, Greece or Spain, and the oil was already packaged outside these regions. The abbreviation DOP (Denominazione d "Origine Protetta) indicates that the oil is produced and packaged within the same country.

7. Do not try to determine the quality of the oil by its color, this property is influenced by factors such as the variety of olives, their degree of maturity and the time of harvest.

8. Best properties of olive oil preserves glass containers.

Anna Mironova

Reading time: 13 minutes

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One of the healthiest foods is olive oil. Even Homer called it "liquid gold", and has been actively used in various areas of our life for more than six thousand years. Olive oil is used for beauty and for massage, for treatment, and for cooking. What exactly is this "liquid gold" useful for, and how to use it correctly?

Health benefits of olive oil

When choosing oil, you should give preference to Greek - the most useful. And it is very easy to distinguish a fake from natural olive oil. Just put a bottle of oil in the cold. In natural oil, white flakes will appear (due to the content of solid fats), which disappear when the bottle is returned to room temperature.

Benefits of eating and using olive oil

Internal application

Outdoor use

Olive oil in Russia has become popular not so long ago, but has already won universal love for its beneficial properties and exquisite taste. It is worth noting that in countries that have been using this oil for centuries, there are a lot of centenarians. Olive oil - life extending product. After sheetake mushrooms, this oil is in second place in the ranking of products that give youth and beauty.

Contraindications to the use of olive oil

Olives cannot harm human health. But everything is good in moderation. And also it is worth remembering the negative properties of olive oil:

• This product can cause bile flow from the gallbladder. With cholecystitis, it is categorically not recommended to use it.
• The daily norm of olive oil is a couple of tablespoons . This product is high in calories, and if you are overweight, you should not abuse olive oil.
• After heating, any oil consumed internally is harmful to the body. . It is clear that it is pointless to expect a healing effect from french fries in olive oil and overcooked chicken. But with a salad of fresh vegetables, oil will be very useful.
• In the process of dieting, you need to remember about olive oil calories : one spoonful - one hundred and twenty calories.

As for an allergic reaction, it is extremely rare for this product.

Olive oil for beauty

Since ancient times, this oil has been successfully used in cosmetology, thanks to the presence of vitamins, antioxidants etc. Olive oil is an ideal cosmetic product for any type of skin, and most of the creams and other cosmetic products are made on its basis. Olive oil has many beauty benefits. Here are just a few of them.

From ancient times olive oil It is considered a gift of the gods, a medicine given to people by nature itself.

And it is no coincidence that the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, who regularly eat olive oil, retain youth, beauty and health for many years.

Russians do not have a rich tradition of using olive oil, and therefore the purpose of this article is to talk about the outstanding qualities of this solar product, which will certainly amaze you.

1. Olive oil: a unique composition

The main secret of olive oil is in its unique composition, this is a real pantry of useful components that are absorbed by the human body by almost 100%.

Olive oil contains a large amount of antioxidants and vitamin E, which helps to absorb vitamins A, K. The result of such a natural “chain reaction” is a general rejuvenation of the body, an improvement in the condition of the skin, hair, and nails.

And not without reason in Greece, where olive oil is idolized, the life expectancy rate is one of the highest in the world.

2. Olive oil: benefits for the digestive system

Olive oil is very good for the digestive system. It improves the activity of the stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver, promotes the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Olive oil has a choleretic and mild laxative effect. This is a rare and valuable property, because other vegetable oils do not have a choleretic effect.

A dessert spoon of olive oil on an empty stomach in three months helps to cure stomach ulcers and gastritis, while a spoonful of sunflower oil in such a situation can provoke hepatic colic and exacerbate gastrointestinal diseases.

3. Olive oil: prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer

Olive oil is a natural remedy for prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially heart attacks and strokes, as well as cancer. The secret is in the content of a record amount of Omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acids, which prevent atherosclerotic plaques from depositing on the walls of blood vessels and even destroy those that already exist.

Train yourself to take two tablespoons of olive oil a day (dress salad, add to soups, side dishes, marinades), and your heart will work like clockwork.

It is a known fact that the lowest mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases is in Greece, the world leader in the consumption of olive oil per capita.

In addition, scientists have found that the oleic acid contained in olive oil stimulates a gene that suppresses the activity of cancer cells. Accordingly, the risk of developing oncological diseases, in particular, breast cancer in women, is reduced.

4. Olive oil: Benefits for children

Olive oil especially useful for children and pregnant women, because the fatty acids contained in it are involved in the formation of the fetal brain, its bone and nervous systems.

Olive oil also provides a gentle transfer of infants to adult food. The fact is that the fatty acids of extra-virgin olive oil are very similar to the fats that make up mother's milk: linoleic acid in both is about 8%. Olive oil should be added to cereals and pureed vegetable purees.

It is important to remember that the lack of linoleic acid in the body can cause a number of skin diseases.

5. Olive oil is perfect for frying

Olive oil is one of the best oils for frying. it retains its structure at high temperatures and does not burn.

According to research, extra virgin olive oil begins to burn at temperatures above 240 degrees and practically does not oxidize due to the low content of unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, lovers of a healthy diet can safely use it to prepare all kinds of dishes - warm up, sauté, fry - and at the same time enjoy a pleasant natural aroma, without which it is impossible to imagine healthy Mediterranean cuisine. For example, IDEAL olive oil is produced in Spain by direct extraction, without the addition of preservatives and impurities.

Unlike olive oil, our favorite sunflower and corn oils have one significant drawback - they are extremely susceptible to oxidation, especially when heated and left exposed to air. As a result, we get carcinogenic products that are detrimental to the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Olive oil in cosmetology

Since ancient times, olive oil has been widely application in cosmetology. To preserve and maintain beauty and youth, the women of Ancient Greece regularly used masks based on olive oil.

Today, cosmetics based on extra virgin olive oil are very popular. It is a part of various creams, masks, shampoos, soaps.

Olive oil is ideal for skin because:

- well absorbed, does not clog pores, which is important for skin breathing, good complexion,

- does not cause allergic reactions,

- prevents the penetration of air pollution into the skin,

– due to the content of antioxidants and vitamin E, it prevents premature aging of the body and has a rejuvenating effect,

– has a disinfecting and wound-healing effect, which helps to solve the problems of dry, inflamed and dehydrated skin,

– actively affects fat metabolism in the body, which is effective in the fight against cellulite and skin stretch marks,

- eliminates brittle and split nails, gives vital shine to hair, prevents dandruff and hair loss,

- relieves pain, including after sports training. Since ancient times, Greek athletes have rubbed their bodies with olive oil after sports.

7. Unrefined olive oil

The process of purification (refining) of vegetable oil consists of three main stages: neutralization, bleaching, deodorization. The result is a product without a pronounced taste, color and smell.

Having opened a bottle of olive oil and not feeling the pronounced natural aroma of olives, think about the quality of the purchased oil.

Unfortunately, inexpensive olive oils from our supermarket shelves are often a mixture of refined and unrefined oils.

Therefore, when choosing olive oil, it is important to remember that high-quality oil cannot be cheap. One of the reasons for this is the time it takes to harvest the olives. They are harvested in winter and usually by hand. One tree produces about 8 kg of olives, and 5 kg of olives are needed to produce 1 liter of oil.

8. What is the best olive oil?

The best olive oil is first cold pressed oil (Extra Virgin). This is unrefined olive oil, which has not been subjected to any heat treatment and therefore has retained a maximum of useful substances.

Basically, before bottling, the oil is filtered, but unfiltered oil is valued higher.

The main indicator of the quality of olive oil is its acidity. The level of acidity is determined by the content of oleic acid in 100 g of the product. The lower the natural acidity of unrefined olive oil, the higher its quality.

High-quality oil (Extra Virgin) should have an acidity of no more than 0.8%.

Oil with an acidity of less than 0.5% in the Mediterranean is considered to be medicinal.

The quality of olive oil is also affected by its variety. The best is oil with a special marked P.D.O.(mark of protected origin), which is made from olives grown in a certain area. The entire production process of this oil is carried out at the place of collection of raw materials. This oil has a unique bouquet and aroma.

Oil labeled "Bio" or "Organic" means that the olives were harvested from plantations with this label. This means that you receive an organic product that meets strict system requirements, which include the elimination of the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, growth regulators and genetic engineering methods.

9. Olive oil: the best producers

world leaders in the production of olive oil are Spain, Italy, Greece and Tunisia. Moreover, this fact is interesting: Spanish production volumes are three times higher than Greek ones, but at the same time, Extra Virgin oil they have is only a fifth of the total production.

Greece, with smaller volumes, produces more than 80% of the first cold-pressed oil (Extra Virgin) and offers the best price-quality ratio.

Olive trees are known to have settled Greece over 5,000 years ago. There they found a favorable ecological niche. In Crete and in the mountainous part of Greece, olives have been growing wild for decades, reproducing naturally on the roots of dead trees. Breaking through the rocks, their roots go deep into the ground, nourishing the fruits with valuable substances.

Oil from other countries is often inferior in quality to Greek oil. The point, as a rule, is that raw materials are collected throughout the region from specially planted olives, which are watered abundantly. Naturally, the concentration of active substances in olives grown in this way decreases, the taste weakens. And in order for the oil to meet the specified quality standards, manufacturers add the necessary amount of Greek olive oil to it.

10. Olive oil: taste, color, aroma

Oil personality determined by numerous factors.

Professionals say that for a good harvest of olives, five components are needed: sun, stone, dryness, silence and solitude.

Indeed, the nature of the soil and climatic conditions are very important for olives. Depending on their characteristics, the color, taste and aroma of the oil may vary.

To determine the organoleptic characteristics of the oil, conduct a small tasting. Take a sip and hold it in your mouth. Pay attention to the color and bouquet, to the fruity taste, piquancy, slight bitterness, enveloping texture and highlight imperfections, such as rancidity, mustiness, woody taste.

Are you still wondering: “Which oil is the best?”. Remember that there are more than 700 varieties of olives growing in different parts of the world from America to Australia, but Greek oil is still a little "stronger", with a stronger flavor.

Olive oil fatty acid molecules are very large, and the larger the molecule, the more carbohydrate atoms in it and the more heat it gives. Therefore, olive oil provides the largest influx of energy, which is especially necessary for the normal functioning of all organs and systems, and above all, in order to cope with stress and stay in a good mood!

On the shelves of stores flaunts a lot of bottles with a variety of oils suitable for human consumption. Sometimes it is worth abandoning the already familiar sunflower product and paying attention to just such shelves - the most saturated oils in terms of composition and properties are stored there. So, the best option for many is olive oil - it has a pleasant taste, suitable for both raw consumption and heat treatment, and also has great benefits for the human body.

The chemical composition and calorie content of oil

Olive oil is produced by squeezing the pulp of fresh olives that have just been harvested - the result is unrefined first cold pressing (marked as Extra Virgin), which is considered the most useful.

The composition of the product is saturated with numerous components:

• unsaturated fatty acids, most of which are oleic and linoleic (Omega 6 and 9 complexes);
• phenols and phenolic acids;
• terpene alcohols;
• squalene;
• tocopherol;
• vitamins A, E, K, D.

It should be noted that the product is almost 100% absorbed in the human body, which allows you to get the maximum amount of substances from its composition. The calorie content of the product is quite high - about 900 kcal per 100 grams.

Useful and healing properties of olive oil

Numerous components of the oil immediately make it clear that it has incredible benefits. The product affects all organs and systems of the body, in particular, the parameters of appearance, which should be considered in more detail.

What is good for health

The main properties of the oil can be called anti-inflammatory, regenerating, healing and restorative action. It refers to food, so it can be safely used inside - without even bothering to prepare individual medicinal formulations, but simply by eating with daily meals. So, among the aspects of a positive impact on health, we can distinguish:

• normalization of blood pressure;
• lowering the level of "bad" cholesterol;
• increased protective function;
• the product is useful for the digestive tract - it envelops the mucous membranes and promotes productive healing of both microcracks and ulcerative lesions;
• reduction of hyperacidity of the stomach;
• a natural mild laxative, used both to cleanse the intestines and as a prevention of constipation;
• a means of preventing the formation of tartar;
• positive effect on the condition of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Benefits for the beauty of the skin of the face and body, hair

Olive oil is often called the elixir of beauty and youth. If you choose a quality product, then it can be safely used for external application in order to improve the condition of the skin and hair. So, the benefits of the product lie in the following properties:

• the composition qualitatively nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
• vitamin E in the composition as a powerful antioxidant helps fight the aging process of tissues;
• the product gives the skin freshness and velvety;
• protection of skin and hair from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays;
• body wraps with olive oil are often used as part of a weight loss program;
• the product is simply indispensable for owners of dry scalp and brittle hair - it nourishes, moisturizes and gives a healthy shine;
• makes hair softer;
• Due to the nutrition of the skin, not only the quality of the hair improves, but also the speed of their growth.

The peculiarity of the oil is that it can be safely used even as a makeup remover, including from the eye area.

How to take olive oil medicinally

Taking olive oil for therapeutic purposes has many options, which differ both in consumption volumes and in the presence of additional components. The recipe will depend on the problem at hand.

How to drink on an empty stomach in the morning

In order to have a general positive effect on your body and strengthen the immune defense, the oil is taken in its pure form in the morning, drinking 15 ml of the composition daily. In this procedure, it is important to follow some rules:

• reception should be made only on an empty stomach, before it you should not even drink water;
• do not exceed the recommended amount of the product;
• breakfast should take place at least half an hour after taking the oil.

Such a procedure is often resorted to as part of the fight against excess weight - the calorie content of a small portion of oil is small, but the procedure normalizes appetite and activates metabolism.

How to use for constipation

As already mentioned, olive oil can have a mild laxative effect, and a delicate one, which is important for the digestive tract. The extent of the measures taken will depend on the specifics of the situation. So, as a preventive measure or for rare episodes of constipation, an hour before breakfast, take a tablespoon of oil with a glass of water with the addition of a few drops of lemon juice. When the situation is in the aggravation stage, the reception is supplemented with oil enemas, which actively cope even with fecal stones.

Liver cleanse with olive oil and lemon juice

You can also clean the digestive tract with olive oil, allowing it to remove all harmful toxins, toxins and other substances. To conduct a cleansing course, you will need to combine the oil component and fresh lemon juice in equal proportions - a tablespoon. The resulting mixture is simply drunk for the first time in the morning, and then repeated every 30-60 minutes until the evening, when the discharge begins. It is worth allocating a day in advance for the procedure so that it does not interfere with the planned affairs.

Youth elixir recipe with honey and lemon

The recipe for this oriental elixir of youth and good health is very common, and you can find a lot of rave reviews about its use. It is prepared from three ingredients:

• lemon juice - 100 ml;
• liquid honey - 200 ml;
• oil - 50 ml.

First you need to prepare fresh lemon juice, after which it is mixed with other components. The resulting mass is stored in a closed container in a refrigerator, taking a teaspoon every morning immediately after waking up. It is important to note that the components may separate during storage, so the composition is mixed before each use.

Use for stomach ulcers and gastritis

Many traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of these diseases have an oil base. So, olive oil covers the gastric mucosa with a thin film, which greatly relieves pain, helps to relieve the inflammatory process, and also creates favorable conditions for tissue regeneration.

So, they take only high-quality Extra Virgin oil for medicinal purposes - they drink it raw on an empty stomach, a tablespoon 3 times a day. Significant relief even in the chronic course of ailments occurs after two weeks of regular intake.

Application for weight loss

Given the calorie content of the product, many are wondering - is it possible to gain weight from olive oil? Of course, such a possibility exists, but only when the product is consumed in large quantities. Subject to the following intake scheme, the process of losing weight becomes more productive - metabolic processes improve, the feeling of hunger decreases and the work of the digestive system as a whole normalizes. To obtain such a significant benefit, the composition is consumed by a teaspoon on an empty stomach every morning, after which you can not eat for an hour.

Harm and contraindications for use

Negative effects from the use of the product in question are achieved only if it is used in the presence of contraindications. So, the restrictions include:

• cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. The choleretic effect of the oil can aggravate the situation;
• obesity is a high-calorie product, and its consumption in large quantities will negatively affect the figure;
• individual intolerance.

Feeling at least minimal discomfort when using the product, you should stop drinking it - no matter what, it is still a fatty composition, and its processing is not an easy task for the digestive tract. The best solution would be a reasonable combination and alternation of olive oil with more familiar products, such as sunflower or linseed. Abuse of oil, regardless of its type, is also not recommended.

Ways to use oil in cosmetology

The component composition of the product allows us to judge its significant benefits not only when used internally, but also as a local remedy for skin and hair. Consider the basic recipes with such an ingredient.

Face masks for wrinkles

The secret of the effectiveness of the oil in the fight against age-related changes in the skin is moisturizing and active nutrition of the integument, which increases their elasticity and firmness. With it, you can prepare effective cosmetics:

• in equal proportions (usually a teaspoon is enough), the oil component is mixed with crushed mint leaves and liquid honey. A well-mixed composition is applied to the skin for a quarter of an hour. The recommended frequency of the procedure is twice a week;
• a tablespoon of cottage cheese is combined with two olive oils, after which a spoonful of honey is also added. The composition is applied for 20 minutes;
• from wrinkles around the eyes, you can apply the oil in its pure form 2-3 times a week. Excess product is soaked with a paper towel and in no case rubbed.

How to use for stretch marks during pregnancy

The period of pregnancy requires special delicacy and attention to your health, since any decision can, in one way or another, affect the baby. Due to the active increase in the fetus, the skin is stretched, and most women have such a problem as stretch marks. Olive oil is a natural and absolutely safe way to fight and prevent.

Before applying the product, the skin of the abdomen must be carefully treated with a soft scrub, and only after that proceed with applying the oil - it is distributed with a cotton pad and allowed to absorb for 10 minutes, after which the residue is removed with a napkin. The composition can be enriched with other skin-friendly oils, such as orange, neroli or rose.

How to apply oil on hair at night

The oil has a positive effect on both the scalp and the hair itself, it is used for both hair and eyelashes. You can get the most noticeable result by applying the product at night - so it will have enough time to be absorbed. For an average length, you will need 3-5 tablespoons of the product, which is taken into the palms in small portions and heated by rubbing them against each other.

First, the oil is distributed over the roots, then special attention is paid to the tips, and only after that it is evenly distributed along the length. Next, you need to put on a hat on your head or wrap it with polyethylene and a warm towel, and then go to bed. The next morning, the oil is thoroughly washed off. The recommended frequency of such a procedure is once a week.

Can you fry in olive oil?

It should be noted right away that any oil from heat treatment does not become more useful, therefore, for therapeutic purposes, it is used only in its raw form as an independent product or as a dressing for salads. Frying can be done with extra virgin oil - it is ideal for products with a high moisture content, such as vegetables, and with a refined composition - it is more adapted to this application, and is suitable for processing products at high temperatures.

How to choose a product and how long to store after opening?

To get the most benefit, it is important to purchase a particular olive oil by adhering to the following guidelines:

• it is better not to take a refined product, because this means that it is thoroughly cleaned and devoid of all its features. It is usually used only for frying, so that there is neither a specific aroma nor taste;
• no need to focus on a low price, high-quality oil will not be cheap;
• it is desirable that the label be labeled "Bio" or "Organic".
• it is better to buy in a dark glass bottle - this is necessary in order to protect against direct sunlight.

When buying extra virgin olive oil, do not immediately purchase large volumes - the product oxidizes quickly, which negatively affects its properties. Store the bottle in a tightly sealed container in a place protected from the sun and at temperatures up to 12 degrees. After opening the original packaging, you need to consume the entire volume of the product within 3-4 weeks, despite the shelf life of one and a half years.