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20 Surprising Uses of Olive Oil for Hair, Skin and Nails

  • gardner-sebastian1
  • Aug 16, 2023
  • 7 min read


Want to keep your hands soft? Mix equal parts Epsom salt and baby oil or olive oil. Store the moisturizing hand cleanser in bottles and keep by your sink. Massage in and rinse after washing your hands.


Your washing machine can get surprisingly grungy. With use, laundry detergent and other contaminants build up inside machines. Epsom salt helps keep your washer running efficiently by removing unwanted gunk. Let the washing tub fill with hot water. Add 1 quart of white vinegar and 1 cup of Epsom salt. Let the machine agitate for a minute and then stop the cycle to let the solution sit in the machine for about an hour before continuing to finish the cycle. Run a rinse cycle before adding clothes.




20 surprising uses of olive  oil




Olive oil has been a staple of Mediterranean cultures for thousands of years, dating back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and it remains the most popular cooking oil in the region to this day. In fact, nutrition experts believe the Mediterranean basin is home to some of the longest-living populations precisely because their typical daily diet is so abundant in healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish.


Compared to other cooking oils, olive oil has the unique potential to deliver a one-two punch to chronic and degenerative diseases from the potent polyphenol compounds found in extra virgin olive oil and the high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) found in all grades. As a result, olive oil consumption has been associated with everything from improved cholesterol levels to better mood to stronger bones.


Olive oil is considered heart-healthy for (many) good reasons. In the frequently cited PREDIMED study, people who ate a Mediterranean-style diet that included 4+ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and their combined risk for heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease was around a 30% lower than people who ate a low-fat diet. EVOO has also been linked to improved cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure. Oleic acid (the most abundant MUFA in all olive oil grades) and various polyphenols are likely to thank, given their ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and modify cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.


While no food is a magic bullet for cancer prevention, olive oil consumption may be one reason cancer rates tend to be lower in Mediterranean countries. Findings from a recent 2020 study suggest that extra virgin olive oil triggers changes in gut bacteria that are associated with prevention of colorectal cancer; and previous research has shown that women who eat the most olive oil tend to have a lower risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. Several components of olive oil have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, including oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, phytosterols, and squalene.


Healthy fats are a key dietary component for anyone trying to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes. In a 2017 study, people who ate the most olive oil had lower fasting blood sugar and a 16% reduced risk of developing diabetes. All fats help slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, which can keep blood sugar stable, but research suggests the main monounsaturated fat in olive oil, oleic acid, may be particularly protective against insulin resistance. Saturated fats, on the other hand, can promote inflammation and have a harmful effect on beta cells, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.


The bottom line is that olive oil is incredibly nutritious, and no other cooking oil compares in terms of flavor, versatility, and head-to-toe health benefits. So go ahead, give your meals and recipes a good drizzle (or glug) of this liquid gold.


Olive oil may aid in weight loss, reduce the risk of arthritis, cancer, and manage cholesterol levels. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Mediterranean people consume olive oil the most as it is grown mostly there. The mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases there are significantly low compared to other parts of the world, which signifies the positive impact of olive oil on health.


You are watching a video on YouTube when up pops an advertisement where a celebrity is bragging about her favorite skin cream while convincing you how it worked for her. And you rushed to a cosmetic shop to buy the cream, only to realize it is wildly expensive. What if we told you olive oil offers the same benefits as some of the costly cosmetic products in the market?


The nutritional value of olive oil comes from its rich vitamin E content, an antioxidant that protects the skin from various external factors like the harsh sunrays or the wind (1), (2). The light texture of olive oil makes it a perfect non-sticky moisturizer that stays for long and suits all skin types (3).


If your cracked heels are stopping you from putting your best foot forward (pun intended!), try olive oil. Exfoliate your heels using hot lemon water and rub olive oil on them generously for added moisture and smoothness. You can wear socks for quick relief.


In a study that involved men consuming a Mediterranean diet, it was found that olive oil might contribute to strong bones. Their blood was found to contain higher levels of osteocalcin, which was an indication of healthy bone formation (17), (18).


One of the amazing benefits of olive oil is to treat depression. Olive oil can increase the levels of serotonin, the brain chemical. This, it has been found, is similar to the effect of some antidepressants (19).


A study published in the Harvard School of Public Health had supported the efficacy of olive oil in aiding weight loss. The weight loss that occurred due to two different types of diets (a moderate-fat Mediterranean diet that includes olive oil, and a lowfat diet) were compared. By the end of the study, only 20 percent of the volunteers in the low-fat group were still following the diet.


Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain found in a study that an extra virgin olive oil rich diet lowered the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. It is also linked to an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol in the human body.


Olive oil benefits the gastrointestinal tract and colon (20). The consistency and texture of olive oil help in stimulating your digestive system, making food move smoothly through the colon. When you take this oil on a regular basis, it helps in completely preventing constipation.


Have one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil twice a day. Take the first tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach and the second one an hour before you go to bed. If you forget to take it while your stomach is empty, wait a few hours after you have eaten. Repeat this every day until constipation is relieved.


If you do not like the taste of raw olive oil, you can combine it with a fibrous fruit like apple or orange. First, take a tablespoon of the oil in the morning and then eat the fruit. If it does not help, take another tablespoon in the evening with veggies such as broccoli that are rich in fiber. Do this on a regular basis until you obtain relief.


Add one teaspoon of olive oil to a glass of orange juice and drink it every morning on an empty stomach. It will help in lubricating your system all day long and keeps you healthy. You can also try olive oil with a cup of coffee.


Mixing a tablespoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice is also an effective way to treat constipation naturally. Drink this mixture once every day. You can also take one teaspoon of olive oil with a wedge of lemon in the evening to lubricate your system and to keep your colon from drying while you sleep.


This is a great remedy for severe constipation. All you need to do is add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to a cup of warm milk. Mix it well and make sure your stomach is empty when you drink it. Do this regularly to get rid of constipation.


To prevent the onset of cerumen impactioni X A condition where ear wax builds and blocks the ear. When too much accumulates, it can damage hearing. , experts recommend using olive oil to remove wax from your ears. In most cases, when you try to clean impacted earwax, the hardened wax chunks move further back into the ear canal.


This is where olive oil comes in handy. It helps to soften the cerumen, making it easier for you to remove earwax. Once it has been sufficiently softened, the wax gets broken down into smaller pieces, and often moves to the outer edge of your air canal, where it can be safely and thoroughly cleaned with a soft cloth or tissue.


A study has shown that older people who adopted olive oil in their diet were 41% less susceptible to the risk of strokes. We all know that strokes occur due to blood clot in the blood vessels connecting to the brain, which can even lead to brain damage and, eventually, death. Olive oil helps in diluting these clots, ensuring proper blood flow to the brain.


NOTE: It is important to note that olive oil has a lower smoke point (the temperature at which the oil begins to break down, losing its beneficial properties) as compared to other oils. Also, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than normal olive oil. So, ensure that you use extra virgin olive oil for cooking on medium/low heat (between 250 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).


Takeaway: Use olive oil for smooth, supple, and flawless skin. Scrubbing a bit of this oil on your lips and heels makes them even and pretty. This unique oil also makes your hair healthy and shiny. Olive oil has also proved to be very effective in curing diabetes, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, obesity, and kidney stones.


When consumed in moderation, olive oil packs a healthy punch and elevates the flavor of even the blandest foods. Check out the infographic for a super quick, easy, and delicious recipe that brings together Brussels sprouts and olive oil in a lip-smacking combination.


Olive oil is not just a kitchen staple but also a popular cosmetic ingredient. This oil is rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and iron. Consumption of olive oil helps moisturize the skin, keeps your hair healthy, improves nail health, reduces the risk of breast cancer and diabetes, and strengthens bones. However, it may also cause allergic reactions in some people, and its overconsumption may increase heart disease risk. Hence, consume it in moderation and consult your doctor in case of any emergencies. 2ff7e9595c


 
 
 

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