Olive oil: useful properties and contraindications

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Olive oil is a fairly common product today, which is widely used in cooking and cosmetology. Many people know about its excellent culinary properties, but few know about its medical properties. But it contains a lot of substances necessary for the human body. Today we will get acquainted with the beneficial properties and contraindications of olive oil.

Composition and nutritional value

Olive oil consists mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids (FA), the most important of which is oleic. It strengthens the heart and blood vessels, and also helps to overcome free radicals, which are the cause of many diseases. Numerous clinical studies show that a small amount of olive oil in the diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer.

Bunrefined product contains active phenolic compounds. They positively affect several physiological parameters: cellular functions, antimicrobial activity, markers of the inflammatory response, oxidative damage, and more.

Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, B and K. And its vitamin E content makes it very beneficial for the skin. It is because of this feature that olive oil is often called the elixir of youth.

Why is olive oil so good for the body? The properties of this product are due to its composition. One tablespoon contains:

1. 120 kilocalories.
2. 14 grams of fat (9.8% of which is monounsaturated fatty acids).
3. 9mg Vitamin E.
4. 1mg vitamin K.
5. 0g of sugar, protein or carbohydrates.

It is best to use unrefined cold-pressed olive oil for preventive purposes. Useful properties to a greater extent have a product that has not been processed. No, refined oil will not cause harm, just a certain part of vitamins and minerals will be lost.

Depending on the body's need for calories per day, you can consume from one to four tablespoons of this product.

Let's consider the main beneficial properties of olive oil for the human body, which help to cope with a particular problem.

Fighting overweight

Many people ask the question: "Does olive oil help to lose weight?" Scientists have proven thatenriching the diet with this product really contributes to weight loss. In 2010, Mary M. Flynn and Stephen E. Rayner conducted a study that included two groups of dieting women. The diet of the first group was composed for reasons of low fat content. The second group was enriched with olive oil.

31% of women who ate low fat lost 5% of their body weight. Among the subjects in whose diet olive oil was present, 80% of women achieved this result. Thus, it is not the rejection of fats that leads to weight loss, but their proper use. With a balanced diet, the systematic use of olive oil can more effectively fight excess weight than the rejection of fat.

On a par with nut oils, olive oil does not lead to weight gain and obesity, so it is considered very useful. This product does not have to be added to dishes, it can be drunk separately. Literally one spoon of oil will provide a saturation effect, due to which a person eats much less. Therefore, olive oil is often consumed on an empty stomach.

He alth of the heart and blood vessels

Scientists from around the world have repeatedly confirmed that olive oil reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Unsaturated fats have a beneficial effect on the he alth of the main human muscle, in contrast to saturated and trans fats, which have the opposite effect. The oleic acid contained in this product significantly reduces the likelihood ofstroke and heart attack.

In addition, olive oil resists oxidative stress associated with a number of diseases, including heart disease. The presence of specific polyphenols in it causes effective protection of red blood cells from oxidation.

In Mediterranean cultures, this product has been revered since antiquity. Italian scientists have shown that a diet rich in fruits, leafy vegetables and olive oil can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in men and women. The polyphenols contained in this product help keep cholesterol levels within normal limits.

Pain relief

In 2005, the British Journal of Medicine published a report that the compound oleocanthal, contained in olive oil, suppresses pain activity no worse than ibuprofen. The publication also notes that 50 g of this product can replace 10% of the recommended daily dose of pain medication.

Cancer Prevention

Speaking about the he alth benefits of olive oil and olives in general, it is worth noting that they contain many antioxidants such as tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, acteoside and phenylalanine. They also include antitumor agents (terpenoids, squalene, and others). And the above-mentioned oleic acid is resistant to lipid peroxidation. Based on this, scientists believe that regular consumption of olive oil and olives can prevent the development of cancer.diseases.

In addition, during the 2008 research process, it was determined that the product in question contains phytochemicals that contribute to the suppression of the cancer gene and the destruction of cancer cells. Due to this property, olive oil is especially recommended for women - for the prevention of breast cancer.

Brain he alth

The human brain is largely composed of fatty acids. To perform daily tasks, maintain clear thinking and normal regulation of behavior, the body must receive enough of these substances. Olive oil has a positive effect on memory and concentration.

In addition, by protecting the body from oxidative stress and the effects of beta-amyloid, a protein that has a toxic effect on the brain and causes Alzheimer's disease, the product helps to combat cognitive impairment associated with aging. According to some studies, it may even prevent the memory loss associated with the dreaded Alzheimer's disease.

Fight against depression and affective disorders

One of the he alth benefits of olive oil is its ability to balance hormones and reduce inflammation, which helps prevent neurotransmitter dysfunction. Diets that reduce the consumption of he althy fats often lead to anxiety and depression. When the brain receives not enough serotonin and dopamine(the most important nephrotransmitters that ensure good mood, he althy sleep, etc.), there is a risk of affective disorders and cognitive impairment.

In 2011, a study conducted by the Spanish University of Las Palmos found that a lack of unsaturated fats in the diet can be a cause of depression.

Prevention and treatment of diabetes

Fatty acids, which are found in large quantities in olive oil, have a positive effect on glucose metabolism. Evidence confirms that the presence of unsaturated fats in the human diet has a beneficial effect on the body's sensitivity to insulin and reduces the likelihood of the progression of type 2 diabetes.

As you know, carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels. Fats, on the contrary, stabilize it and regulate insulin. Even when eating foods high in carbohydrates and sugars, you can slow down the absorption of glucose into the blood by adding olive oil to them. In addition, this product increases the feeling of fullness, so it can be used after meals to prevent cravings for desserts, the consumption of which leads to a complication of diabetes.

Balance hormones

The he alth benefits of olive oil make it especially important for women. The fact is that foods rich in nutrients and he althy fats are important to use when you need to balance hormones and relieve symptoms of the premenstrual cycle, infertility and menopause. Olive oilsupplies the body with essential fatty acids that regulate the work of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland, which contributes to the balance of hormones. In addition, vitamin E contained in the oil plays an important role in regulating estrogen production.

Skin he alth

Very useful olive oil for facial skin. It is not for nothing that the properties of this product have long been adopted by cosmetologists. Penetrating deep into the skin, it provides it with the necessary moisture and protection, keeping it young and smooth. According to its chemical structure, olive oil is similar to the natural sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands. Therefore, it is used as a natural lotion for the body, hands and face. It evens out the damage caused by the sun's rays, cigarette smoke and all sorts of pollutants. For a greater effect, it is recommended to rub the oil into slightly moistened skin. The remaining water in this case will save the skin from excessive oiliness.

As the reviews show, in addition to the moisturizing effect, olive oil provides excellent cleansing. By mixing it with sea s alt, you can get a natural exfoliant, which is especially effective for dry and flaky skin. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used olive oil in a similar way to how soap is used today. They applied it to the skin and then scraped it off along with the impurities. Many lovers of natural cosmetics still do this. At the same time, a wide variety of natural soaps made with the addition of olive oil can now be found on the market.

Moisturizing and cleansing the skin, the beneficial properties of olive oil in cosmetology are not limited.

Let's take a look at a few more benefits of using this product:

1. Increased elasticity. Rubbing this oil into the skin can increase its elasticity.
2. Reduce and eliminate acne. Olive oil is an effective remedy for acne and pimples. Using it along with saline solutions can cure some types of acne.
3. Treatment of sunburn. This product gently soothes the skin after sunburn and helps it retain moisture. To do this, you need to make a suspension of equal parts of oil and water. When applying, shake it as often as possible so that the components do not separate.
4. Lip care. By combining olive oil with beeswax, you can make a natural lip balm at home.
5. Scalp care. The beneficial properties of olive oil allow it to be used as a conditioner.
6. Prevention of sagging skin. The squalene contained in the oil increases the elasticity of the skin and gives the dermis a more youthful appearance.
7. Removing paint. One of the few he alth benefits of olive oil, which is useful for men. With the help of oil, you can loosen the paint that has got on the skin. A couple of minutes after applying the product to the painted area, you just need to wipe it all off with a napkin.
8. Moisturizing and smoothing the skin on the feet. Made from olive oil, honey, sugar and lemon juicemake a foot scrub.

The benefits of olive oil for the skin, as you can see, are undeniable. Due to the fact that it does not clog pores and does not create a greasy feeling, the product is an excellent natural cosmetic product.

Haircare

Due to its rich composition and moisturizing properties, olive oil is also used to improve the appearance and he alth of hair. Topical application of the product allows the strands to become stronger and gain a he althy shine.

Fight against dandruff. A mixture of olive oil and lemon is an excellent and most importantly natural remedy for dandruff problems. The tool is prepared from equal amounts of these components and the same amount of water. 2-3 tablespoons of each ingredient will be enough. The scalp should be massaged with this mixture for several minutes and then left for 20 minutes. While the sour juice will loosen the old flaky skin, the oil will nourish the new layer. After a specified period of time, you need to wash off the mixture using shampoo. You can apply this method no more than twice a month.

Moisturizing hair. During the winter months, hair is prone to dryness and cracking, which can make the head look messy. Use of olive oil will help to get rid of this problem. The beneficial properties of this product are such that after a short period of time you will notice that the hair has become more weighty, moist,complaisant and tidy. The procedure is extremely simple - you need to moisten your hands in oil and massage the strands with them.

Giving hair strength and shine. To make the curls look good and be he althy, use masks with the addition of olive oil. The vitamins and antioxidants contained in this natural beauty product protect the keratin in the hair and nourish it with moisture. In addition, as reviews show, the oil helps to remove accumulations of sebum, which interferes with the formation of new follicles.

Side effects and contraindications

We have already got acquainted with the beneficial properties of olive oil for the human body. An equally important issue is the contraindications of this product. For a he althy person, olive oil is completely safe if you follow the rules for its use. The daily norm is two tablespoons of oil, or 14% of the total daily calories. People who follow the Mediterranean diet can safely consume up to a liter of this product per week. In the latter case, the approach to nutrition should be comprehensive, so people with a simple diet should not be equal to such serious numbers.

Eating olive oil may not be safe for some. If there is a lot of vitamin E in the human diet, then the introduction of the product in question into it can lead to an overdose of tocopherol. This, in turn, may cause worsening of thrombus formation.

Olive oil is very high in calories. Therefore, if a person adheres to a certain diet, the introduction of this component intothe diet requires its complete revision.

Because olive oil lowers blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should introduce it into their diet carefully, while carefully monitoring their condition.

If a person is to undergo surgery, he is advised to give up olive oil. This is again due to the fact that at the time of surgery, it can interfere with blood sugar control.

Drug interactions

As has been said many times before, olives and olive oil lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, when treating drugs for diabetes, it is worthwhile to introduce this product into the diet with caution. Such a tandem can even cause a lack of sugar.

Olive oil lowers blood pressure, so it can increase the effect of antihypertensive drugs. Combining oil with these medications can lead to excessive pressure reduction. Therefore, it is recommended to use the product some time after taking the medication. By the way, a great way to reduce pressure is to use olive oil with garlic. As you know, both of these products are not deprived of useful properties.

Conclusion

Having considered the beneficial properties and contraindications of olive oil, we can conclude that it is almost a universal natural medicine. This product has a positive effect on the body and provides prevention of a number of serious diseases. However, it does not need to be processed in any way,before taking. The benefits of olive oil and its versatility make this a great product for the modern he alth conscious.