This Is Italy
Italy is one of the world's largest producers of olive oil. Italian oil goes all over the world. But why is this green gold so popular?
Olive oil and health
Health benefits have been associated with olive oil for a long time. It is good for the heart and blood vessels and a diet with a lot of olive oil would also help you keep slim.
The Italians already know all these things, of course. But for everyone else, we have listed below 9 things you should know about olive oil.
1. Blood Pressure Lowering
Regular use of extra virgin olive oil (oil from the first cold press with less than 2% free acid) can lower and maintain both your diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
2. Omega-3
If you store mackerel, sardines and anchovies in olive oil, the omega-3 oils preserved in the fish.
3. Helps Prevent Disease
The monounsaturated fatty acids, which make up about 75% of olive oil, help it prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
4. Repairs damage to your hair
Olive oil in your hair helps repair damage from styling.
5. Anti-Inflammatory
oleocanthal is a naturally occurring compound in olive oil. It has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that in the drug Ibuprofen.
6. Baby Skin
5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in your bath water and you skin feels like a baby's again. Italian actress Sophia Loren once stated that this is the secret of her youthful appearance.
7. Protects against stress
Research from the University of Monastir (Tunisia) shows that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil protects the liver against 'oxidative stress'. Like this olive oil also counteracts the effects of aging. Oxidative stress can occur through drug or alcohol use and smoking. (Source: Medical News Today.)
8. Alternative to shaving cream
Something for our male readers: did you know that you can use a few drops of olive oil as shaving foam? In combination with warm water, you get a close shave, without a burning sensation. Your jawline will feel wonderfully soft after shaving.
9. Protect the oil from heat and light
Around the health properties of olive oil, it should be kept in a cool place and away from direct light. Olive oil stays at its best in stainless steel cans or in green or brown bottles.
How much olive oil do you use and what are your tips? We would love to hear from you.
Source: italymagazine.com
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