18 Benefits of using Olive Oil for Skin, Health, and Hair

Olive oil, popularly known as liquid gold (jaitun ka tel in Hindi), is a proponent of the chefs and dieticians because of its numerous health benefits. It is frequently used in salad dressing or cooking. But are you aware that there are 4 kinds of olive oil and also it has several beauty and hair benefits apart from just health benefits.

Know more about olive oil and its types-

Extra virgin Olive oil

– made by crushing or cold pressing olives, extra virgin olive oil is unrefined and the highest quality olive oil which one can buy. It has a higher concentration of natural vitamins and minerals in it.

Standard virgin Olive oil

– Known to have a good taste, standard virgin olive oil is obtained by cold pressing only. This oil is used in cooking.

Refined Olive oil

– When virgin oil is sent to processing plant it gets refined. The refined olive oil has an acidity level of 0.3 percent and a long shelf life.

Pomace Olive oil

– Pomace olive oil is obtained by typical mechanised extraction of olive oil. About 5 to 8 percent oil still remains in the olive pulp called pomace, the oil extracted from pomace is called pomace oil. One can use any kind of olive oil which they find suitable. However, extra virgin olive oil is mostly preferred by the people for consumption.

Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil benefits for skin-

Anti-aging properties – Olive Oil contains a great amount of Vitamin E and also antioxidants which help in protecting the skin. It helps in delaying the signs of ageing. What to do: Massage two to three drops of olive oil on the face. You can also add lemon juice to feel refreshed. Moisturises skin – Olive oil is effective in curing all skin-related problems. It is a miraculous product for those who have dry skin. Regular use of olive oil can bring shine to your skin. What to do: Massage olive oil daily on your face and body. Leave it for at least 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Repairs cracked heels – Exfoliate your heels and bring them back to life with the help of olive oil. What to do: Take hot lemon water and mix it with olive oil. Rub it generously on your heels. This will add moisture and smoothness to your skin. You can wear socks to procure a better result. Helps in removing makeup – When you can find a product to remove your make up without harming your skin why go somewhere else? Try extra virgin olive oil which helps in removing makeup no matter you have any skin type. What to do: Take 3 spoons of yogurt, 2 spoons of honey and 2 spoons olive oil. Mix them all together and with the help of a cotton pad remove your make up. Nail health – As olive oil is rich in Vitamin E, it helps in bringing the brittle nails back to life. What to do: Dipping a cotton ball in olive oil and dabbing it on the nails can help them in a quick recovery.

Health benefits of olive oil -

Helps in preventing stroke – Stroke is the second most common reason behind the death of people these days. Risk of stroke and heart diseases can be minimised by consuming olive oil as it has monounsaturated fat. Prevents breast cancer – As per research, it is found that olive oil contains a natural compound named oleuropein found in olive leaf which has anti-breast cancer properties. Good for the brain – Olive oil contains good amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids and also Omega 6 fatty acids that are helpful in boosting memory power and is good for the brain. Prevents diabetes - According to a study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health, olive oil is rich in mono and polyunsaturated fats which helps in preventing diabetes. You can also keep your blood sugar under control by including olive oil in your diet. Helps in diluting ear wax – You can use olive oil to remove wax from your ears. The hardened ear wax chunks get softened when the wax is broken into smaller pieces. Helps in strengthening bones – Olive oil contributes in strengthening bones as it helps in developing higher levels of osteocalcin in the blood which indicates a healthy bone formation in the body. Relieves constipation and aids in digestion – Including olive oil in your diet may relieve constipation. The consistency and texture of the olive oil and the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids are helpful in making the food move smoothly through the colon. It is rich in Vitamin K, E, iron and omega 3, 6, antioxidants and fatty acids which ultimately benefits the gastrointestinal tract and colon. Also, on regular consumption of olive oil digestive system gets stimulated and constipation can be prevented. Acts as a pain reliever – Olive oil contains a compound called oleocanthal, which has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent pain reliever. May treat depression – Olive oil can increase the levels of serotonin, a chemical of the brain which produces a similar effect like antidepressants. It helps in treating depression. Can help in preventing stomach cancer and ulcers – Many harmful bacteria can be inhibited or killed by olive oil as it contains anti-bacterial properties. As per studies, it is proved that on regular consumption of olive oil one can get rid of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium which is responsible for causing stomach cancer and ulcers.

Olive oil benefits for hair -

Promotes hair growth – Olive oil can fix all problems associated with hair and fix them whether it is split ends or hair fall. It has Vitamin E present in it which makes the hair strong and also prevents the hair loss. What to do: Combine one spoon honey, one egg yolk and four spoons of olive oil. Mix them together and apply it on your hair for half an hour twice a weak. Your hair will not only strengthen but will also shine. Cures dandruff – Olive oil moisturises the scalp and reduces further irritation. It is really helpful in curing dandruff. What to do: Take two spoons of olive oil and two lemon juice. Gently massage your hair with it. Keep it for half an hour and wash it later. Repeat this process thrice a week for getting rid of dandruff. Makes hair smooth – Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E which helps in making hair healthy. One can get shiny and smooth hair by regular use of olive oil. What to do: Take a few spoons of olive oil as per the length of your hair. Heat it a bit and massage your hair gently with olive oil. Keep it for at least one hour and gently rinse it with a mild shampoo. So, use this miraculous home remedy and share your experiences with us.