Olive Oil & The Mediterranean Diet Can Change The Way You Feel & The Way You Live!
Olive oil is extremely popular among people, but doesn’t seem to be utilized in everyday use. And the saddest part is that most people are unaware of just how beneficial olive oil really is! Whether or not you use it when cooking, as a moisturizer, or even in your bath, olive oil is incredibly healthy for the inside of your body and the outside of your body.
What Exactly Is Olive Oil And How Can It Be Consumed?
Olive oil originated from the Mediterranean region. Olive trees and their history have proven that the consumption and use of this precious oil dates back to ancient times. Olive oil has been used as a source of medicine, currency, fuel, soap-making, food, and more. It has even been used in an abundance of different beauty treatments and religious rituals.
Olive oil is rich with monounsaturated fatty acids and many other types of phenolic compounds, such as oleuropein, oleocanthal, tyrosol, and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds are believed to moderate almost 100 human genes. Olive oil also helps skin cells regenerate and is ample with vitamin A and vitamin E.
What Is The Meditteranian Diet & What Are The Benefits?
The Mediterranean diet is a diet based solely off different fatty acids and one fantastic example of these fatty acids, and the most common, is olive oil. The Mediterranean diet is incredibly ample with olive oil, which researchers have confirmed, increase your overall health. People who participate in the Mediterranean diet have a much longer life expectancy, as well as a lower risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Olive oil is a proven antioxidant and because of the monounsaturated fatty acids, using it in your cooking can help the skin on your whole body and face maintain a nice, youthful glow. Taking part in the Mediterranean diet can totally change your life and make you a healthier person on the inside and the outside.
Does Olive Oil & The Mediterranean Diet Modify The Aging Process?
Participating in the Mediterranean diet can actually protect your skin from aging, as well as the other benefits it offers. Olive oil’s natural fatty acids make your skin look clear, supple, and smooth. And as mentioned previously, olive oil contains antioxidants, and antioxidants help protect the skin from damage by fighting off free radicals that attack cells, elastin, and eroding collagen. These antioxidants are one of the most essential keys to anti-aging skin.
Not too long ago, scientists conducted a large study that was made up of 40,622 participants in between the ages of 29 and 69. Their data concluded a very impressive 26% decrease in mortality for healthy adults who consume a pretty good amount of olive oil, in comparison to those who didn’t consume any at all. Even for those who consumed smaller amounts of olive oil, it was still quite beneficial.
You can also apply olive oil directly to your skin and use it as a moisturizer or exfoliator. It can soften the skin and prevent any wrinkles from forming, but remember that a little bit of olive oil can go a long way. So, don’t overdo it!
Olive Oil Can Also Defend You From Diseases and Infections:
Overtime, olive oil has gained a strong reputation for defense against diabetes, cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other diseases. However, according to newly released studies, adding olive oil to your daily diet may also protect you from other age-related diseases like osteoporosis, skin-aging, alzheimer’s and even possible premature death.
Studies have also proven that the Mediterranean diet can be disease-reducing. Olive oil contains natural anti-microbial properties that are known to clear out pathogens and fight off any infections. And what many people don’t seem to realize is that our skin is the largest organ of our body. And since olive oil contains healing properties, it works extremely well when abosrbed through the skin.
How Many Different Ways Can Olive Oil Be Used?
There are an abundance of ways that you can use olive oil. However, the most common way that olive oil is used is during meal preparation, hence the meditteranian diet.
A few examples of other ways that olive oil is used include, but aren’t limited to:
-Bathing
-Face Masks
-Haircare
-Makeup Remover
-Skincare
-Eye Cream
-Moisturizer
Many different types of oil have moisturizing qualities, but olive oil’s are especially unique. This is because of the special chemical composition that makes olive oil relatively close to that of human skin. This makes it the perfect moisturizer for any and every skin type.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:
In 2013, a couple of different studies found that the benefits can be especially increased when extra-virgin olive oil is used instead of regular olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil also contains more than 80% oleic acids, which makes it absorb into the skin much faster than regular olive oil.
Taking A Step Forward And Accepting The Challenge:
If you want to change your life and the way you look and feel, then try out the Mediterranean diet as soon as possible. Even if you’re still unsure about it, give yourself a free trial, so-to-speak. Challenge yourself to add olive oil to your meal preparation at least three days a week.
A few different ways that you can prepare your meals with olive oil are:
-Pour over salad or mix with the salad dressing
-Pour over cooked vegetables or cooked pasta
-Use in sauces or marinades for meats, fish, and poultry
-Replace butter with olive oil for baked potatoes or mashed potatoes
There are hundreds of beneficial ways to use olive oil, even if you aren’t interested in trying the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is very inexpensive and can be found in any grocery store, and even some pharmacies and convenience stores.
