Olive Oil - Health Benefits

Olive Oil - Health Benefits

Olea europaea
Family:Oleaceae
Olive oil, an important component in the diet of Mediterranean people, is obtained by mechanical extraction from the fruit of the Olea europaea tree, which belongs to the Olive family, comprises some 400 species, and thrives in temperate and tropical climates . 

Says an olive tree to its master, “Look after me and I will nourish you. Water me and I will enrich you.” 

Olive oil is an absolute staple of the Mediterranean diet, and has been since at least the 8th millennium BC when wild olives were harvested by Neolithic tribes. The domestication of the plant began in antiquity, somewhere around the eastern Mediterranean, possibly Crete, and it is mentioned in homer and many other ancient Egypt. Olive Oil as held in such high regard that it actually became a staple ingredient of many religious ceremonies.

Judaism holds olive oil in high regard, and it is included in many important festivals including Hanukkah. Christianity also uses olive oil in a number of ceremonies, with Eastern orthodox churches using it in their lamps. It is also used in a number of rituals around baptism and confirmation in the Catholic Church. Islam too has a strong tradition of olive oil use, with it being mentioned in the Qu’ran Being used in a lamp, and with the olive tree being spoken of as a scared plant.

“Consume olive oil and anoint it upon your bodies since it is of the blessed tree.”  Prophet Muhammad 

The prophet Muhammad  is also said to have mentioned Olive Oil and recommended it for its health benefits. Olive oil is a very healthy substance, being the only vegetable oil that can be consumed in its raw form. 

Ten Health Benefits
1. It has a very high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and a high content of antioxidants. It is well known to have a very positive effect on cholesterol levels, both reducing the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the system, while simultaneously promoting the amount of ‘good ‘cholesterol in the system. This naturally makes it very good at combating heart disease.

2. It also has a positive benefit on the stomach, being known to reduce the formation of gallstones.

3. Higher qualities of olive oil, for example extra virgin varieties, are not just a sales gimmick. They have been shown to contain ever higher levels of antioxidants; particularly Vitamin E.

4. Olive Oil also has a healthy benefit balancing out the levels of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, which is a vital ratio to ensure proper health.So there we have it.

5. Four simple condiments that most of us would question covering out food with. However, it turns out that they do have definite health benefits, and increase the taste of foods while they are there. So next time you have some fries or a burger, why not add some ketchup, why not add mustard or pepper, you may be surprised to find that you both like the taste, and the noticeable health benefits.

6. For centuries, olive oil has been used to maintain the suppleness of skin and muscle, to heal abrasions, to give body and sheen to hair and soothe the drying effects of sun and wind.

7. Additionally, olive oil has been used in folk remedies for an array of uses; strengthening weak nails, aiding in digestion, curing the effects of alcohol consumption, relieving aching muscles, lowering blood pressure and many other uses.

8. Olive oil is well tolerated by the digestive system.  Because olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones, it has been known to lower the incidence of gallstone formation.  It has also shown to have a protective function on gastritis and ulcers.

9. The inclusion of olive oil into your daily diet may reduce the chance of colon cancer.

10. Some nutritional and health experts also give olive oil credit for helping with the prevention and control of diabetes, as well as obesity.