Olive oil: the benefits of a superfood or harm to the wallet? What is healing, how to choose and apply. Olive oil - useful properties and contraindications

Even 7 thousand years ago, ancient people began to grow olive trees for the production of oil. Since then, research on the unique product has continued. Every year, the piggy bank of traditional medicine is replenished with new information about the possibilities of olive oil. New amazing facts are revealed. Those who care about the health of the body and the beauty of the skin cannot do without the Mediterranean miracle.

What is olive oil

In recent years, in the CIS countries, this product has won the stomachs of gourmets, the faces of cosmetologists and the hearts of people leading a healthy lifestyle. Olive oil is pressed from the fruit of the olive. The ancient poet Homer reverently dubbed it "liquid gold".

The myth of the origin of the olive

The Greeks were the first to press oil. According to ancient legend, during the founding of Attica, a dispute arose between the gods for the right to territory. To resolve the conflict, the celestials were offered to create something useful for people. Poseidon, waving his trident, carved a spring of water and a stallion out of the rock. When Athena's turn came, she first turned a wild horse into a pet, and then grew an olive hung with fruits. The olive tree was recognized as a more practical gift to mortals, and the city was named Athens.

Types, varieties, characteristics of fruits and oils

Perhaps the cultural olive is indeed a gift of a resourceful goddess, because the tree does not occur in the wild. On the territory of the CIS, green fruits of an evergreen crop are commonly called olives, and ripe ones are called olives. The birthplace of the tree is the Mediterranean. Most olive groves are in Greece.

Of particular value are olive oil varieties, from which oil and canned food are made. The best are large fleshy fruits with a small bone. Olives are also distinguished by the place of cultivation and the degree of maturity. Olive oil is pressed from ripe olives, but sometimes, to obtain an intense spicy taste, from unripe olives.

Depending on the type and temperature of product purification, bottles with "liquid gold" are labeled differently.

1. Extra Virgin - natural oil, pressed mechanically.
2. First Cold Press - the first cold press, a sign of quality. Such a product did not heat up above 26-27 o C during pressing.
3. Unfiltered Oil - unfiltered oil.
4. Refined - purified (refined) oil.
5. Pure Olive Oil - pure olive oil. Despite the promising name, most often it is a mixture of refined and natural oils. Sometimes they honestly write - Mix, which means mixed.
6. Pomace Olive Oil is a product extracted from pomace, refined with chemical solvents. Used for frying and baking only.
7. Lampante Oil - for non-food use.

If the label says Extra Virgin Unfiltered Olive Oil, this is the best quality and taste product.

Do not judge the quality of oil by color, judge by taste, transparency, ability to freeze

Chemical composition - table

The table shows the content of nutrients in 100 g of olive oil.

What are the benefits of olive oil

Thanks to monounsaturated fatty acids and sitosterols, olive oil reduces blood cholesterol levels, increases vascular elasticity, modulates immunity, and improves bile flow. Oleuropein reduces blood pressure, suppresses inflammation and fights free radicals. Block the absorption of harmful fats in the small intestine - phytosterols. Polyphenols remove cholesterol from the arteries and remove it from the body through the liver, with the help of bile. Oleocanthal is an antioxidant, similar in properties to ibuprofen: it reduces joint inflammation and relieves pain. Vitamin E heals the entire body, thins and enriches the blood with oxygen.

Olives differ from olives in the degree of maturity, dark fruits are olives

As an aid, Mediterranean oil is used for the treatment and prevention of:

• violations of the digestive tract;
• atherosclerosis;
• osteoporosis;
• pathologies of the gallbladder, liver, kidneys;
• skin inflammations;
• malignant tumors;
• age differences.

The harm and benefits of olive oil - video

How to choose and store oil

For medicinal and cosmetic purposes, only high-quality unrefined oil is used. Other types containing chemical additives will be harmful to health, spoil the skin. When choosing a product, follow the advice of experienced buyers.

1. Quality oils are labeled Extra Virgin.
2. Don't judge oil by color. A quality product can be either yellow or green, depending on the variety and degree of ripeness of the fruit.
3. Check the manufacturer on the label, the leading ones are: Greece, Spain, Italy. It is better if the product is produced and bottled in the same place.
4. When buying, pay attention to the date of bottling and transparency. Normally, oil can be cloudy only if it is very fresh, bottled from August to October. At other times, this is a sign of oil deterioration, the oxidation process has already begun.

Freshly pressed unfiltered oil - slightly cloudy, this is normal - the pulp has not had time to settle

To prevent spoilage, store tightly closed at room temperature in a dark, cool place. Pour into a glass bottle if the purchased oil is bottled in a plastic container. The shelf life of natural unfiltered oil is 6 months.

Accidentally cooled oil forms a precipitate, but this is not a problem, at temperatures above 15 ° C, it will dissolve.

Precautions and contraindications

Olive oil is a gift from heaven for health and beauty. The product is completely absorbed by the human body. However, moderation is important, because 100 g of "liquid gold" contains 898 kK. Therefore, limit yourself to 2 tbsp. spoons a day. You will have to completely abandon the oil when:

• obesity
• inflammation and stones in the gallbladder with a diameter of more than 7 mm;
• indigestion;
• allergies.

With caution use the product for cholecystitis, cholelithiasis. Due to the strong choleretic effect of the oil, the movement of stones may begin.

Application in traditional medicine

Traditionally, olive oil is considered the best for cooking. However, its scope is much wider. For the treatment of ailments, only Extra Virgin oil is used.

Buy extra virgin oils for healing

Cardiovascular disease: lowering cholesterol

When using 2 tbsp. l. natural oil daily on an empty stomach for 14 days, blood cholesterol levels are reduced by an average of 15%. Such measures are a reasonable prevention of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and the formation of blood clots. Vascular tone, blood properties improve when taking the product for 3 months.

Hypertension increases the risk of ischemia, heart failure, and strokes. Olive polyphenols cause arteries to dilate, resulting in lower blood pressure. By including a fresh olive product in your daily diet, you can gradually lower your blood pressure and stop taking antihypertensive drugs.

If you do not eat fats at all, including vegetable oils, brain function worsens, memory functions suffer.

Adjustment of the stomach and intestines

Olive oil has a beneficial effect on digestion. Taking it on an empty stomach, they achieve a truly magical effect:

• the mucous walls of the stomach and intestines are enveloped, the food will not irritate them;
• acidity of gastric juice decreases;
• mucosal damage gradually heals;
• the number of potentially dangerous bacteria decreases, for example, Helicobacter pylori;
• fecal masses are evacuated in time;
• the pain subsides.

For gastritis and stomach ulcers, take 1 tbsp three times a day. l. olive oil for 30 min. before meals for 2-3 months. After 2 weeks, the condition improves, heartburn disappears.

For constipation and hemorrhoids, drink 2 tbsp. l. oils immediately after waking up. The procedure stimulates the production of bile, which moisturizes and softens the stool. As a result, waste products, moving through the intestines, do not irritate the mucous membranes and do not lead to stool retention.

For constipation, adjust your diet: give up chocolate, fast food, cottage cheese, eat vegetables and drink olive oil on an empty stomach

To relieve pain to the hemorrhoids twice a day for 15 minutes. apply a compress of oil and honey, mixed in a ratio of 2: 1. To heal cracks in the anus, apply a microclyster with 50 ml of oil. It is administered for 3 minutes, then the intestines are emptied. With severe constipation, accompanied by internal hemorrhoids, large enemas are prescribed: 3 tsp. oil in 150 ml of warm water. Such a solution will relieve inflammation in the anus and facilitate defecation.

If waiting for a chair has become unbearable, use the quick method. Take 1 tbsp. l. oil and drink a glass of warm water with 5 drops of lemon juice dissolved in it. Lie down for 15 min.

burns

Folk remedies are permissible only for mild thermal injuries: redness of the skin without the formation of blisters and violation of the integrity of the tissues. For burns with blisters, in order not to cause an infection, it is better to use special pharmacy products: Panthenol, Levomekol. In case of severe injuries, immediately consult a doctor.

The oil applied to the burned area forms a protective film. It allows the skin to breathe, but protects against moisture evaporation and infection. Without urgent need, do not bandage the damage, the cells need air access.

Reddening of the skin from exposure to the sun is eliminated by applying a thin layer of olive fat, without rubbing, in the morning and evening.

There is a recipe for a stronger burn remedy.

Cooking

1. Place half a glass of fresh St. John's wort in a jar and pour 200 g of oil.
2. Close the lid and put in a dark place. Strain after 21 days.

Apply the medicine to redness 3 times a day. An oil infusion for burns is also prepared on calendula flowers in the same proportions.

Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory substances in the composition, St. John's wort quickly heals burns.

Liver cleansing

Due to its choleretic action, olive fats are useful for the body's main filter. But cleansing the liver is strictly not recommended without consulting a doctor. If the doctor welcomes the cleansing of toxins, get ready for the procedure:

• two days before cleansing, do not eat fatty foods;
• exclude alcohol;
• Give a cleansing enema the night before.

While the course lasts, reduce to a minimum the use of the listed products. Treat yourself to fruits, vegetables, green tea.

Cleansing Ingredients:

• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.;
• lemon juice - 1 tbsp. l.

2 hours before meals, take the oil twice a day, and then the juice. The mixture increases the production of bile. As a result, the liver is cleansed of toxins. The course of cleaning is 4-5 days with a break of 30 days.

During liver cleansing, give preference to plant foods

Increase immunity, treat colds, strengthen teeth

The body's defenses depend on the intake of nutrients. To resist the attacks of viruses and bacteria, you need to eat well. The use of olive fats raises immunity, as it normalizes the activity of the digestive tract.

For the prevention of colds, it is enough to eat 1 tbsp with food. l. oils per day. But if a runny nose still attacked, use the recipe for nasal drops.

Ingredients:

• camphor oil - 1 tsp;
• propolis tincture - 1 tsp;
• olive oil - 1 tsp

Mix the ingredients. Bury 3 drops in each nostril until recovery.

For pain in the ears, drip 2 drops of warm oil into the ear canal and insert cotton turundas soaked in it.

To relieve inflammation and sore throat, it is enough to swallow 1 tsp. oils. For sore throats, mix an olive product with honey.

Cough is treated with a special medicine.

Ingredients:

• honey - 3 tbsp. l.;
• egg yolks - 2 pcs.;
• olive oil - 100 g.

Rub the yolks with honey and add the oil. Take 2 tsp. morning and evening until symptoms disappear.

Honey is often added to home remedies for colds as it soothes coughs.

Rinsing will help solve two problems at once: strengthening tooth enamel and disinfecting the oral cavity.

1. Take the oil in your mouth and swish it from one cheek to the other. For sore throat, rinse your throat.
2. After 2-3 minutes, spit into the sink. Repeat 1-2 times daily for 10 days.

Oil pulling came to us from Ayurveda. Indians have been rinsing their mouths for centuries to disinfect their gums and teeth.

Restoration of hearing with hearing loss

To restore hearing, a folk method is used. Fresh garlic juice is mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:3. Every day for 2-3 weeks, 2 drops are instilled into each ear. At the end of the course, they are interrupted for a week, then repeated.

Before treatment, find out the causes of hearing loss with your doctor. If the integrity of the eardrum is broken or polyposis growths are present, the recipe with garlic is contraindicated.

Garlic is an irritant and bactericidal agent used in the treatment of many diseases.

Treatment of joints and osteochondrosis

Olives prevent calcium leaching, strengthen bones and reduce the risk of skeletal diseases. If the joints are already affected, the fruit oil will reduce inflammation. It is used internally and externally, lubricating problem areas. Try this powerful cartilage revitalizer.

Ingredients:

• garlic - 10 cloves;
• olive oil - 60 g.

Cooking

1. Sauté garlic over low heat until browned.
2. Strain and chill.

Massage the affected joints three times a day for 2 weeks.

With osteochondrosis, a salt composition is used.

Cooking

1. In 20 st. spoons of olive oil stir 10 tbsp. tablespoons finely ground sea salt
2. Close the container and leave in the dark until the salt dissolves.

Rub into sore vertebrae with massaging movements up to 8 times a day. Each time increase the duration of the procedure by 2 minutes until you reach 20 minutes. per day. After the massage, dry off with a hot wet towel. After 8–10 sessions, relief is felt: blood circulation and nutrition of nerve fibers are normalized, vision improves and the headache with cervical osteochondrosis disappears. Rubbing will have to be abandoned if there are purulent inflammations or scratches on the skin.

With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs are first affected, and then the vertebrae themselves

pancreatitis

Oleic acid improves the processing of fats and reduces damage to pancreatic cells during inflammation. Therefore, olive oil is welcomed in the diet of patients with pancreatitis. The product is also useful for those who are concerned about the prevention of this disease.

Reception begins with 1/2 tsp. and adjusted to 1 des. l. 2 times a day. The oil is taken on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before. before a meal and drink 200 ml of water. In chronic pancreatitis, the daily norm is no more than 1 tbsp. l. a day to prevent inflammation. You can not use olive fats during an exacerbation of pancreatitis. Let at least a month pass after stopping the last attack.

Snore

Nighttime roulades of loved ones sometimes disturb the family's sleep. Do not despair, fat from olives will help out. 3-4 drops of oil in each nostril into the snorer's nose 3 hours before going to bed. Course duration - 4 weeks. If the silence breaker resists, don't give up, suggest another method: rinse your mouth with olive oil for 40 seconds.

Olive oil envelops mucous membranes, reduces friction, relieves inflammation of the nasopharynx, which often leads to snoring

Psoriasis

Olive oils relieve itching, inflammation and flaking in skin diseases. The oil is especially effective in the palmar and plantar forms of psoriasis. Apply it in a thin layer on the plaques 2-3 times a day. Already after 3 days of use, inflammation decreases, the risk of secondary infection decreases. Internal use is also useful: adding to dishes or taking on an empty stomach.

Kidney stones, gallbladder

Before trying to get rid of kidney and gallbladder stones, get an ultrasound and consult a doctor. At home, stones are removed that do not exceed 7 mm in diameter. Larger stones require medical attention. If the disease is accompanied by an inflammatory process, it is impossible to expel stones on your own. First you need to suppress the foci of infection.

Before cleansing the kidneys, do not eat anything during the day, drink only water.

Ingredients:

• lemon juice - 5 tbsp. l.;
• olive oil - 5 tbsp. l.

Mix the ingredients and drink before going to bed. Drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the next day. Repeat the process until the kidney stones are gone.

To expel stones from the gallbladder, the oil is taken half an hour before meals for 2-3 weeks. Start with 1/2 tsp. Gradually bring the daily volume to 1/2 cup. In some recipes, it is recommended to drink 1 tbsp oil each time. l. lemon juice. When cleansing the body of stones, alcohol, flour, fatty and sweet foods are avoided.

Depending on the substances from which the stones are formed, they come in different colors and shapes.

Tuberculosis

Olive oil is chosen in the treatment of tuberculosis as an adjunct therapy. It is used as a means of increasing immunity and restoring healthy breathing.

Ingredients:

• honey - 1 kg;
• aloe juice - 180 ml;
• olive oil - 1/2 cup;
• birch buds - 1 tbsp. l.;
• linden flowers - 1 tbsp. l.

Cooking

1. Melt honey over low heat, add aloe and simmer for 8 minutes.
2. Separately, brew herbs with 400 ml of boiling water, boil for 2 minutes. and leave covered for 20 minutes.
3. Pour the herbal decoction into the cooled honey and mix.
4. Pour the medicine into the containers, filling them 3/4 full. Fill the rest with oil.

Take 3 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals. Shake before use.

Youth elixir

I want to prolong life, but in such a way as to live fully, and not suffer. The elixir of longevity will help to avoid senile decrepitude, osteoporosis.

Ingredients:

• flower honey - 200 g;
• juice of fresh lemons - 100 ml;
• olive oil - 50 ml.

Mix the ingredients and put the mixture in the refrigerator. Take 1 tsp. a day after waking up. The course is held 2 times a year, in autumn and spring, when the body is weakened.

Thanks to the elixir of youth, you can laugh, joke, and dress up, regardless of age

Women Health

Olive oil takes care of the health of the beautiful half of humanity and makes her life happier.

Conception, hormonal problems, menopause

Scientific studies have proven that regular consumption of olive oil increases the fertility of women. This is due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the product. Plant substances are similar in structure to female sex hormones. Oil is added to food or drunk on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. l. to increase the likelihood of conception.

From the age of 40, ovarian function gradually fades away. From a lack of hormones, “hot flashes” appear, characterized by poor health, headache, mood swings. Olive oil will help relieve negative symptoms - 2 tbsp. l. in a day.

Pregnancy and lactation

Carrying a child is a crucial time when you need to improve the quality of foods in the diet. Olive oil will strengthen the immune system, improve the digestion of the expectant mother. And the fetus will help form healthy nerves, bones and brain.

In an interesting position, it is useful to drink oil on an empty stomach (1 tablespoon each), add it to food and gently rub it on the stomach, chest, and hips. Internal use normalizes stools, relieves constipation, and external use prevents the appearance of stretch marks that accompany pregnancy. In the last trimester, olive oil eliminates toxicosis.

Olive fats are well prepared for the main event in a woman's life: they prevent difficult long-term childbirth, making the uterus more elastic.

When breastfeeding, mothers often experience breast damage. To avoid the appearance of cracks, it is enough to lubricate the nipples with olive oil every time after feeding.

So that you don’t have to creatively play with stretch marks later, massage problem areas with olive oil during pregnancy

Man's health

Olives increased potency in ancient Greece. Modern men also take medicine from olives to improve the functioning of the sex glands. The ancient drug is considered an aphrodisiac.

Ingredients:

• flower honey - 1 cup;
• olive oil - 1/2 cup;
• walnuts - 1 cup.

The nuts are crushed and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. Take 1 tbsp. l. morning and evening until the potency is restored. With regular use of the drug, the male genital organ is better supplied with blood, the erection is enhanced.

Children's health

Olive oil is introduced into the diet from 7 months, starting with 1 ml. By 8 months, the daily norm is 3 ml, by 9 months - 5 ml. It is best to add oil to vegetable puree. Watch how the baby tolerates the new product: is there any itching, diarrhea. In rare cases, an allergy to the olive is possible.

For constipation from 6 months to two years old, put 1 drop of olive oil on the baby's tongue. If the child is 2 years old, offer 1/4 teaspoon of the oil on an empty stomach. If the baby refuses, add the medicine to your favorite dish. Newborn children with stool retention are rubbed with 3 drops of olive oil. Gently massage the abdomen in circular motions in a clockwise direction for 3 minutes. Enemas with any oil are prohibited for children.

Signs of constipation in infants: the baby cries and presses the legs to the stomach, arches and groans

The skin of babies is very delicate and often irritated by the use of ready-made creams. Caring parents with diaper rash apply olive oil, previously boiled for 20 minutes, three times a day. in a water bath. Before use, it is cooled to body temperature. Boiled butter is stored for 3 days.

If you need to cure diathesis, prepare a medicine: mix olive and fir oil in a 3:1 ratio. Gently rub into irritated areas 3 times a day. With diathesis in children, an oil infusion of St. John's wort is also suitable (recipe in the Burns section).

For a severe cough, offer your child olive oil with honey in a 1:1 ratio. Taken warm, 1 tsp. 3 times a day. Oil is contraindicated in children with indigestion, cholecystitis, obesity.

Olive oil in cosmetology

Olive oil is ideal for human skin. Constantly applying it, get rid of fine wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones. Cosmetologists recognize olive oil as a universal remedy for face, hair and body care. Unrefined olive oil is the best helper of beauties, because:

• does not form a film on the skin;
• does not clog pores;
• does not dry, but moisturizes.

For facial skin

Olive oil nourishes, protects, tones dry and normal skin. If you have oily skin, don't use it often. Before applying the masks, the face is thoroughly cleansed. To moisturize the skin after washing, apply slightly warm oil on the face, including the area under the eyes. After 15 min. wipe the skin with a tissue. Wash with warm water if necessary. But everything is good in moderation. Do not use oil at night for more than 3 weeks in a row. Take breaks for 6 weeks.

It will be more pleasant to apply the oil if you heat it in a water bath

Despite the greasy texture, the oil is absorbed into the skin without a trace after 3 minutes.

If the skin is dry, inflamed, please it with a moisturizing mask.

Ingredients:

• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.;
• banana and cucumber gruel - 1 tbsp. l.

Mix puree with oil and apply on face. In 20 minutes. wash away.

Ingredients:

• cottage cheese - 1 tsp;
• olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.;
• honey - 1 tsp

Combine the components, apply on the skin of the face and neck for 30 minutes. Then rinse. To make the effect noticeable, masks are used in a course of 7 sessions with an interval of 3 days.

If you want to eliminate black spots and pimples, apply a cleansing treatment mask.

Ingredients:

• white clay - 1 part;
• olive oil - 2 parts;
• essential oil of rosemary or tea tree - 2 drops.

Cooking:

1. Dilute the clay with water to a thick consistency.
2. Pour in the oils and stir.

Keep the composition for 30 minutes.

After the clay mask, be sure to apply a moisturizer

If you need to remove makeup, you can remove it with a cotton pad with oil. But this is not enough for cleansing. The remaining oil will have to be quickly washed off with warm water. To remove makeup from the face, it is better to use special hydrophilic oils for washing. After all, olive oil is absorbed too quickly, carrying the remnants of cosmetics into the deeper layers of the skin.

Olive oils are great for healing chapped lips. In windy weather, the oil will protect them from drying out.

If you don't have sunscreen on hand, apply some olive oil to your skin to avoid sunburn.

Olive oil masks - video

For eyelashes, eyebrows, beard

Olive substances accelerate the growth and restoration of hair, strengthen the bulbs. 2 hours before bedtime, wash your face and apply oil on eyelashes and eyebrows with a clean brush. Eyebrows are covered entirely, and eyelashes - from the middle to the tips, so as not to irritate the mucous membranes. If there is no allergy, next time apply the oil overnight. In the morning, blot the excess with a tissue. Thinned eyelashes are restored within 4 weeks. To prevent eyelash loss, it is enough to use the product 2 times a week.

Olive oil brings silkiness and shine to the beard, prevents dryness and brittle hair. Apply to washed beard and wrap chin with a towel for 30 minutes. Leave the oil overnight, in the morning the beard will become soft and glossy.

The beard will get a nice shimmery sheen thanks to olive oil.

For hands

The skin of the hands always needs additional nutrition and hydration. Olive oil and masks with it are well suited for these purposes. Wash your hands with soap before applying the composition. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes, then wash off.

1. Whitening: Mix the chopped peel of 1/2 lemon, 2 tbsp. l. cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. l. infusion of green tea and olive oil.
2. Moisturizing: combine chopped oatmeal with butter and sour cream in equal parts.
3. To increase firmness: beat the yolk and add 2 tbsp. l. oils.
4. From cracks: to 2 tbsp. l. grated fresh carrots, add 1 tbsp. l. butter and cream.

The main thing is to verify the authenticity of the purchase before use. The taste of fresh cold-pressed oil is bright, rich, with bitterness. If you suspect a fake, cool the product to 0 ° C - it will harden. Then leave at room temperature. When heated to 10 ° C, the product will become cloudy. When the oil warms up to room temperature, it becomes transparent, fluidity returns.

Olive oil can be infused with herbs or spices, but this oil does not keep for a long time.

Enrichment of cosmetics

Olive oil belongs to the base oils, so its addition to ready-made cosmetic creams, lotions, shampoos is allowed. It is best to combine the oil with ready-made products immediately before use. Measure a single dose of cream, add 2-3 drops of oil and mix. Apply where you intended. If you have prepared a cream with butter for the future, store it in the refrigerator for no longer than a week.

Essential Oil Compatibility

When composing mixtures, it is important to take into account that the components do not contradict each other in terms of the created effect. Olive oil is healing, soothing, ingredients with the same effect are suitable for it. Among the esters, oils are suitable for partners:

• lavender;
• chamomile;
• roses;
• sage.

Application in cooking

Mediterranean cuisine, in which olive oil plays a leading role, is recognized as the healthiest in the world. However, any heat treatment destroys the beneficial substances in the product. Therefore, it is added to ready-made dishes. Most of all, olive oil is “loved” by vegetable salads. If you intend to dress your salad with vinegar or lemon, drizzle with olive oil first.

The most delicious seasoning is garlic: add a few cloves of garlic to a serving of oil and leave for 15 minutes. Do not store such a product for more than 12 days, it will start to taste bitter. Shrimps and fish dishes are combined with garlic infusion.

As we add sour cream to borscht, the Italians add olive oil to vegetable soup before serving. It is believed that in a hot liquid, the bouquet of the oil is best revealed.

It is a common misconception that foods fried in olive oil are safe. This is not so, carcinogens are formed in the same way as when any other vegetable oil is heated. Do not fry anything in elite Extra Virgin oil - both taste and benefits will be lost. It is better to use ordinary refined oil.

Dishes with olive oil - photo gallery

The oil obtained from olives is used not only for dressing salads or snacks. The benefits of olive oil are in the high content of vitamins, fatty acids, and other substances important for the health of the body. Its beneficial properties are successfully used in liver cleansing, for the preparation of various oil infusions, and the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Compound

A useful plant product is rich in oleic acid, its share reaches 80%, while in the sunflower variety it is only 35%. Oleic acid is remarkably absorbed in the intestines, contributes to the optimal flow of metabolic processes, strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Olive oil contains omega-9 fatty acids. They have an anti-carcinogenic effect, help lower blood pressure, and are useful for prevention and obesity. Omega-9 acids help to normalize blood levels, reduce its harmful variety.

The linoleic acid included in the composition accelerates wound healing, helps to improve.

Vitamins A, D, K strengthen the intestinal walls, bone tissue. makes the skin smooth, adds shine to the hair.

Useful properties of olive oil

The product helps to normalize blood pressure, reduce body fat, reduce the risk of blood clots.

The omega-9 fatty acids included in the composition destroy free radicals, slow down the aging process, and reduce the risk of malignant tumors.

Olive oil is good for the stomach, duodenum, liver, as it helps to heal ulcers and has a pronounced regenerating effect.

Varieties of olive oil

The maximum of useful properties in the product of the so-called cold mechanical extraction, when the olive oil is heated no higher than 27C. This category is called Extra Virgin (Extra Virgin), DOP (Denominacion de Origen Protegida) is applied, protecting the indication of origin. This variety is the most useful, it is used when dressing salads.

Refined olive oil or simply olive oil is usually used for frying because it does not smoke or form foam. For its preparation, the Virgin product is purified using solvents or adsorbents. Unlike varieties of Extra Virgin and Virgin, when frying it forms a minimum of carcinogenic substances, it is notable for its low cost.

In order for olive oil to bring maximum benefit, it must be stored properly. The product is sensitive to light, so it is important to choose a dark, cool room, the ideal temperature is +10..+15C.

The storage container must have a tight lid or stopper to prevent contact with air.

Treatment of gallstone disease

Gallstones form in the gallbladder when eating cooked food. In the body, such food contributes to the formation of salts of oxalic acid. Therefore, boiled food must be combined with fresh herbs, salads.

After consulting a doctor, the following methods are used to dissolve gallstones:

• Make a cleansing enema. Mix half a glass of lemon juice and half a glass of olive oil. Take no earlier than two hours after dinner. Lie on your right side, put a heating pad under the liver. Do an enema again in the morning.

The procedure eliminates the stagnation of bile, helps to get out the sand and stones.

• Prepare 0.5 l of olive oil and 0.5 l of strained juice of fresh lemons. Wait at least 6 hours after the last meal. Drink 4s.l. oil, immediately drink 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Repeat every 15 minutes. When the oil runs out, drink all the rest of the lemon juice.

If stones have formed in the bile ducts, take a herbal product 1/2 tsp. half an hour before meals, gradually bringing the dosage to half a glass.

Liver cleanse with olive oil

The classic liver cleanse requires apple juice. Do a cleansing enema the night before.

First day. Make a cleansing enema in the morning. During the day, drink juice squeezed from fresh apples, which do not contain the remains of various fertilizers.

Second day. Start the day with an enema, drink only apple juice during the day.

Third day: In the morning enema, apple juice until 19 pm local time.

By 7:00 pm on the third day, prepare 300 ml of olive oil and 300 ml of fresh lemon juice.

Exactly at 19:00, take 3s.l. warmed up to +30..+35C olive oil, drink 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Tie a heating pad with hot water to the liver. In order not to burn the skin, put a small towel. Lie on your right side.

Every 15 minutes take 3 tbsp. oil, drink 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Drink all the oil in this way. With the last dose, drink the remaining juice.

After some time - an hour, two, several hours - the ducts will open, you will need to go to the toilet (it is better to prepare a pot). Bilirubin stones, black bile, yellow cholesterol flakes, various films will begin to come out.

If cleansing happened after an hour or two, put a cleansing enema before going to bed, repeat in the morning.

You can start the next morning with a light breakfast.

To get the most benefit from liver cleansing with olive oil, it is recommended to perform the procedure every three to four months, each time increasing its amount by 30-50 ml.

As a rule, after four or five cleanings, the oldest stones come out. Then it is enough to clean the ducts once a year.

Treatment of peptic ulcer

• Add a glass of olive oil to a glass of aloe juice, leave for three days. Place in a small container 1s.l. honey, simmer for 2 hours, mix with the already prepared composition.

Take for the treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, 1 tbsp. half an hour before meals 4-5 times a day. The course of treatment is a month.

To improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines, it is useful to take 1 tsp on an empty stomach. olive oil.

Treatment of diseases of the oral cavity

For gum disease, heated olive oil is beneficial. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into it and rub it into the gums. When painful sensations appear, rinse your mouth with a useful product every morning for 10 minutes. At the end, be sure to spit, do not swallow.

Treatment of periodontitis

Mix 1s.l. refined olive oil and 30% tincture to form a homogeneous emulsion. Lubricate the gums with the resulting composition 2-3 times a day.

Oil can be replaced with glycerin.

constipation

The product promotes bowel movements, helps to normalize the stool, is useful for those suffering from constipation, hemorrhoids. It is enough to take 1 tsp. olive oil on an empty stomach.

Heat the oil to a comfortable temperature in a container placed in hot water. Enter, using an enema, into the rectum.

Sclerosis

For everyone over 50, with the appearance of signs of forgetfulness, frequent pains in the head and in the region of the heart, insecurity when walking, it is useful to take garlic oil to dilate blood vessels:

• Mash the cloves of one head into gruel, place in a glass container, pour a glass of Extra Virgin product, refrigerate.
  After a day, mix 1 tsp. garlic composition with 1 tsp. lemon juice, taken half an hour before meals for a month.

In a month, repeat the course.

Harm of olive oil

It is necessary to take olive oil with caution in case of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis. The product has a pronounced choleretic effect, which can move stones, causing blockage of the duct.

Any vegetable oil increases the burden on the digestive system and is high in calories. Therefore, if health is in order, it is worth limiting the intake of 1-2s.l. in a day.

It is also worth limiting the intake of fried foods. They harm the body, even if they are made with a refined variety of refined olive oil.

It should be remembered that olives do not grow in our country, this is an imported product, so you should not completely abandon traditional unrefined sunflower, linseed vegetable oils.

Many substances in our world have a number of properties that we sometimes do not even know about, but simply use them for one purpose.

One example of this is olive oil, the benefits of using it have been scientifically proven, but not everyone is aware of how important it plays in our lives. Today I want to talk about the beneficial and harmful properties of this product and what it is used for, in addition to eating.

Before starting, I would like to note that olive oil has been used by mankind for a very long time. Even in ancient Greece, this type of oil was used for various purposes. The olive itself was considered an almost mythical tree and was highly respected by the Greeks. Now we most often meet with this oil in the culinary and cosmetic fields.

When we talk about the use of olive oil in food, here it is usually used as a dressing for all kinds of salads. Very delicate and elegant taste is able to diversify even the simplest dish.

In cosmetology, olive extract is usually used, and not pure oil, since it has very strong moisturizing properties. It can be found in various creams, skin products and even washing gels.

As can be understood from the above, olive oil is quite versatile and has many beneficial properties. However, its use is not limited to the examples listed. Quite often, olive oil is used orally for medicinal purposes, we will talk about this unusual use of it a little lower.

Let's now figure out why it is so useful and what substances in its chemical composition contribute to such an abundance of positive of this product.

Cholesterol Reduction

First of all, these are the so-called Omega-9 unsaturated acids, in olive oil it is represented by the oleic variety. These substances are known for the fact that they qualitatively reduce the level of cholesterol in the human body.

Recent studies have shown that not all cholesterol has a negative impact on our health and that it is divided into so-called good and bad.

So, Omega-9 acids just raise the amount of the first and reduce the content of the second in the blood. Such an effect is an excellent prevention of such diseases of the cardiovascular system as myocardial infarction and so on.

Increase in glucose levels

The next beneficial property of these acids is due to the fact that they increase the level of glucose in the blood. quite a common disease, so ingestion of olive oil is very often a good way to maintain blood glucose levels at the proper level.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Not so long ago, scientists conducted studies whose purpose was to find out which substances help reduce the likelihood of the formation of malignant tumors. As a result, it turned out that one of them are Omega-9 unsaturated acids, which just include olive oil.

In addition to the acids mentioned above, a fairly large number of all kinds of vitamins can be found in the composition of the oil. Their deficiency can impede the regenerative functions of the body, the destruction of bone and other tissues. The amount of these elements contained in this oil contributes to the fact that such negative effects do not appear.

It should be noted that although the fact that olive oil is the most useful has long been entrenched in our minds, this is not so. The fact is that in terms of the content of some chemical elements, this variety is very much inferior to other plant counterparts.

In a number of parameters, olive oil is inferior to linseed and even ordinary sunflower oil.

That is why you should not think that olive oil is the best, no, of course, it has a number of useful properties, but it cannot be called unique.

Contraindications and harm of olive oil

Of course, the negative qualities of the oil are not so numerous and are mainly associated with its incorrect or excessive use, but it is worth mentioning them.

high calorie content

First of all, it is necessary to note the incredibly high calorie content.

Of course, it is strange to talk about low-calorie oil, but in the olive variety this figure is very high and amounts to 884 kcal per 100 grams.

Such a high energy value imposes quite severe restrictions on the use of this oil, since each tablespoon contains almost a quarter of this volume.

Diuretic effect

The next item is rather not a harmful property, but a contraindication. The fact is that olive oil has a diuretic effect. Any substance that provokes copious urine output is contraindicated in people with urolithiasis and other diseases associated with the formation of solid elements in the genitourinary system.

The use of olive oil can cause sand or a small stone to enter the urinary canal under high pressure and get stuck there, which requires medical intervention, and sometimes surgery.

Do not fry in olive oil

There is an erroneous opinion that fried foods are only harmful if "unhealthy" oil, such as butter, and so on, is used for frying. Actually it is not. Absolutely any type of oil loses almost all of its beneficial properties when it is heat-treated, and olive oil is no exception.

Potatoes that you fry in sunflower oil and olive oil will be absolutely equally harmful, so there is no difference here.

Oil shelf life

The fact that the olive does not grow in the countries of the former CIS can also become a negative point.

The shelf life of olive oil is one year, after this period it exhales and deteriorates.

Naturally, if you consume such a product inside, you will get at least food poisoning.

Possibility of fakes

The last negative point, which, similarly to the previous point, does not directly apply to olive oil is the abundance of fakes on the market. As you know, olive oil is one of the most expensive in the countries of the former CIS. This is due to the distance of transportation and the location of the main production facilities abroad.

All this leads to the fact that, according to some reports, the market is filled with counterfeit products by about 40%, that is, a little less than half. The risk of stumbling upon a frankly low-quality product in this case is quite high. That is why it is necessary to carefully approach the choice of oil.

There are a number of diseases in which the attending physician may prescribe the use of olive oil in one form or another.

Here is their main list:

• Cholelithiasis- this disease is both a contraindication and an indication for the use of olive oil. The fact is that in cases where the doctor diagnoses the presence of fine sand, which must be removed from the body, you will need a substance that would have a diuretic effect. Just such a property, as we already know, olive oil has. It helps to remove all small particles and promotes recovery.
• liver stones- here the oil acts as an auxiliary agent. As in the case of the previous disease, it helps to remove small stones from this organ.
• Ulcer- as you remember, olive oil has a very strong healing property, it is it that is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Getting on the internal wound, the oil heals it and makes this place elastic and strong.
• Inflammation in the mouth- the same healing property is used to treat this series of diseases. The patient rinses his mouth with oil, which, penetrating into the gums, helps to heal them.
• Chair problems- with constipation, olive oil is injected into the intestines, this normalizes its work.

Each oil, including olive oil, has several types of extractions. They differ from each other in what temperature was involved in this.

As I said above, the higher the temperature affects the oil, the less useful substances remain in it. That is why you should choose those varieties that were obtained as a result of cold pressing. The content of useful substances in them is maximum.

Since olive oil is quite expensive, even honest producers use all sorts of tricks to make the product cheaper. For example, a sunflower analogue is added to olive oil. Naturally, the benefits of such a product suffer greatly from such a symbiosis, therefore, it is recommended to opt for pure varieties only.

In addition to information about the extraction, the packaging should contain an inscription showing the acidity of the product. A low percentage means a milder taste, so if taste is important to you, then it is recommended to pay attention to this indicator.

The main storage condition under which all properties are preserved is a dark environment in which olive oil is located. Its benefit only in this case will be high. It should also be noted that a quality product will not be in a plastic bottle. The best oil is necessarily packed in a glass bottle, which is slightly or heavily darkened.

Now you know what a useful product is olive oil! Having carefully studied its beneficial properties and contraindications, be sure to buy yourself a bottle of excellent quality oil at home. You will be pleasantly surprised by this homemade panacea!

12:11

Good olive oil (also called Provence) is made from selected olives grown under the Mediterranean sun and has a rich taste and aroma. It is obtained by cold pressing - this is the same technology that was used several millennia ago.

The only difference is that now modern machines and mechanisms are used for this. The product obtained in this way is rich in useful substances. This is a product that can be recommended to everyone without exception. We will learn all about the benefits and healing and healing properties of olive oil for men and women, how to take it, about contraindications and potential harm to the body.

Useful properties for the body

Among the useful substances that are contained in the Provencal product, the most valuable are:

Regular use of this product has a positive effect:

• For the cardiovascular system: monounsaturated fatty acids reduce the level of "bad" in the blood, while increasing the amount of "good" cholesterol. As a result, cholesterol plaques in the vessels begin to dissolve, and the likelihood of developing many is significantly reduced.
• On the organs of the digestive system: the substances contained in Provence have an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach and intestines (including suppressing the vital activity of the main pathogen - Helicobacter Pilori bacteria) and reduce the intensity of inflammation in non-specific ulcerative.
• On the skin: her condition is improving, and wound healing is faster.

In addition, regular use of this product leads to slowing down the aging process, strengthening bones, improving the functioning of the immune and nervous systems.

Women will be interested in masks that improve the condition of the skin and hair. For men, regular consumption of this product in food will help maintain good potency due to improved blood circulation.

How to use

There are two ways to eat this product:

• fry on it;
• consume cold.

Frying on a Provencal product, as many do, is not worth it. When heated to high temperature most of the useful properties will be lost and carcinogens are formed. This is what happens in your pan when it sizzles and smokes.

It is important to know that with strong heating, carcinogens are formed in all oils, including sunflower, which housewives usually pour into a frying pan.

Thus, you can choose from the proposed list one or more for yourself instead of frying on it, thereby turning an extremely useful product into a harmful one.

Contraindications

Product very high-calorie, so you need to comply with the measure. For those who want to lose weight, it is recommended to eat no more than one tablespoon per day. In order not to harm the body, nutritionists advise taking olive oil inside on an empty stomach, and then not eating for half an hour, only in this case there will be benefits. In this case, extra pounds will go faster.

Weight gain is the only problem caused by this product. Otherwise, there are no contraindications - if you follow the measure, there will be no harm to the body. For those who do not have problems with being overweight, you can use 2-3 tablespoons every day.

Find out from the video whether it is useful to drink oil on an empty stomach:

Other uses

In addition to eating, this product has other uses. Masks based on it are very popular. Why is olive oil good for women's hair and skin?

For hair

In the simplest version, you just need to apply Provencal oil to your hair, before applying it, heat for three minutes in a water bath - the effect in this case will be more noticeable. After applying, wrap your hair in polyethylene and leave for an hour.

Such masks were used in ancient Greece. They improve the condition of the hair and moisturize it, give it shine and volume. For even more impressive results, you can add egg yolk, lemon juice, pepper tincture or henna to the mask.

For facial skin

Easy option- heat it in a water bath until warm, but not hot, and apply on the face, and after 15-20 minutes, remove with a napkin. For greater effect, you can add egg yolk, honey or lemon juice.

Such masks moisturize, soften and nourish the skin, slow down the aging process and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. After these procedures, the face acquires an even and beautiful color.

How to choose and store

Choose from the store first cold pressed oil. It is in it that contains the most useful and nutritious substances. Such a product is labeled extra virgin.

The following can be used as packaging:

• metal cans: some of them are made of metal, which oxidizes over time, and this kills useful substances. Most often, small cans are made from such material.
• Glass bottles: the best container is a dark glass bottle. In it, the product is protected from sunlight and retains its beneficial properties for the longest time.

It is believed that the best Provence is made in Greece, Italy and Spain, where it is a national product. These countries have a rich history of olive cultivation, production of oil from their fruits and its use in food.

In addition, Greece, Spain and Italy have very strict quality control. But a good product is produced from olives in some other countries of the Mediterranean region - for example, in Tunisia and Morocco.

You can store Provencal oil in the refrigerator or in a cabinet in the kitchen.. Many people prefer the first option, but it is not necessary to keep it in the refrigerator. It is perfectly stored at temperatures from 5 to 25 ° C, retaining its beneficial properties until the expiration date.

Keep in mind that when cooled below seven degrees, it can thicken to such an extent that it stops pouring out of the bottle. In this case, it will have to be kept warm until it warms up. Besides, when stored in the refrigerator, the oil becomes cloudy and precipitates in it. However, the useful properties are not diminished at all.

The shelf life for good olive oil is one year from the production date.

When choosing a product in the store, look for the freshest bottle. And such olive oil will have an excellent taste and contain a maximum of valuable substances. It will bring the greatest benefit to your body.

In conclusion, we invite you to watch an interesting video in which Dr. Agapkin will tell you how olive oil is useful and whether it can be taken on an empty stomach:

In contact with

Click on the appropriate item in the table of contents below.

Valuable fat is pressed from fresh olives. Ideally, the pulp of olives is crushed within a few hours of harvest, which lasts from November to March. Otherwise, high-speed oxidation spoils the raw material and the final product.

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Chemical composition

The calorie content and BJU of the product (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) are similar to all vegetable oils.

Per 100 grams - 884 kcal. We give the composition according to the main expenditure unit in nutrition - for 1 tablespoon which contains 14 grams of oil.

• Calorie content of 1 tablespoon - 120 kcal.
• Fat - 14 grams
• Proteins and carbohydrates - 0
• Vitamin E - 10% DV
• Vitamin K - 10% DV
• And scanty inclusions of minerals - up to 0.3% DN.

*DN - average daily burrow for an adult with a diet of 2000 kcal.

Note, according to the US Department of Agriculture natural product does not contain vitamins A and D, the myth about which is widespread in Runet.

With an eye to the BJU of the product, the healing properties of olive oil seem to be an exaggeration. Just liquid fat, where there are no proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, trace elements and moderate amounts of vitamins E and K. Why do nutritionists strongly recommend it for salads and other dishes, especially extra virgin olive oil?

Beneficial features

What is the benefit of olive oil? Let's talk about the best image - unrefined first cold pressing.

A short list of very valuable characteristics for human health.

1. There is no harm from skewed in omega-6 fatty acids.
2. Polyphenols as powerful antioxidants and protectors against inflammation.
3. Oleic fatty acid is a healing omega-9 for the cardiovascular system.

Therapeutic polyphenols

These are complex organic substances with a wide spectrum of action. Studies show that polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil help reduce blood viscosity and harmonize the lipid profile in high cholesterol.

Also, these biocompounds have pronounced antioxidant properties, protect the cell membrane and help fight inflammation.

Harmony omega without distortion in class 6

Excellent health property! And the main positive difference from other oils popular in Russia (sunflower, corn, sesame).

Important! Only oils where omega 6 fatty acids are less than 30% can be taken daily without harm (olive, almond, peanut, peach kernels).

• Oleic (omega 9 fatty acids) - from 60 to 80%
• Linoleic (omega 6 fatty acids) - from 5 to 14%
• Palmitic and others - from 15%
• A scanty amount of omega 3 fatty acids - up to 1%

The modern diet is oversaturated with omega 6. This leads to accelerated age-related inflammation. Reducing omega 6 fatty acids and enriching the diet with omega 3 fatty acids makes a huge contribution to our mobile and healthy longevity.

Versatile protection for the heart and blood vessels

The benefits of oleic acid and oleocansal have been studied in depth.

• Reducing inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels. This is the prevention of atherosclerosis.
• Protection of low density lipoproteins from oxidative processes - up to 72%. It also insures the heart and blood vessels against heart attack and stroke.
• Decreased thrombus formation and blood pressure.
• Containment of autoimmune reactions in all organs and systems. This means fewer allergies, severe arthritis, and other diseases where immune cells mistakenly attack the body's own tissues.

An interesting study about 30 tablespoons of olive oil. The strength of the therapeutic effect is equivalent to the 1st adult dose of Ibuprofen. Including in the diet 2-3 tbsp. spoons daily, we regularly receive microdoses of the anti-inflammatory complex. ()

Benefits during pregnancy and in the children's menu

The benefits of olive oil during pregnancy and in the nutrition of children are significant.

Let's repeat about omega: you should strive for a ratio of omega 3 and 6 as 1:4. In the usual diet of contemporaries, this proportion is about 1:20.

There are two ways to reduce the harm from excess omega-6s:

1. Remove redundant;
2. Add omega 3.

When a pregnant woman switches to an omega-6 neutral oil, she insures herself and the baby from many troubles. By introducing this product, and not the popular sunflower, into baby food, we create the best table for the child with the correct proportion of fatty acids.

Don't forget to fortify your omega-3 menu with fish oil containing at least 450mg of DHA. We drink 1 teaspoon of this. Every day for the whole family.

An all-in-one treatment for skin and hair

Olive oil is a valuable ingredient in cosmetology. Softens, nourishes, rarely leads to blockage of pores. Ideal for hair care, including brittle and dull. In summer, healing fat helps to achieve a smooth tan. One of the best remedies for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. This is largely due to vitamin E and polyphenols.

Use a quality (=expensive) cold-pressed food sample, not store-bought creams with added oil. Strong properties only in pure natural ingredients.

Compare Popular Vegetable Fats

What is more useful olive or sunflower? The answer lies on the surface if you read the information above.

Forget about vitamin E and oleic acid! Yes, in sunflower there is more than the first and there is also the second. Yes, it is a product of our latitude. But the positives are negligible compared to the harms of skewed omega-6s.

It is detrimental to health that sunflower oil is a linoleic fatty acid - omega-6 - up to 54%. Such a high percentage makes sunflower oil an enemy of health. It dramatically increases the risk of myocardial infarction, provokes inflammation and depression, and increases the risk of oncology.

In search of an answer to the question of what to replace sunflower oil with and whether it should be done, rely on the omega profile in vegetable fat. Make no mistake.

Our choice is to at least replace salad oil with olive oil. Even better - switch to a combination of coconut and olive for all dishes as much as possible.

Olive oil on an empty stomach - good or bad

Let's figure it out. Any oil on an empty stomach will cause an active outflow of bile. Any liquid in the amount of 1 glass or more will lead to a sharp activation of the biliary tract. And when drinking at a contrasting temperature, the effect will be even stronger.

Important! People with stones in the biliary tract should not drink either oil on an empty stomach or a temperature-contrasting liquid.

Hence the beneficial effects of the olive "panacea" with lemon and honey for constipation. Strengthening peristalsis - the promotion of the food bolus - the release of gases and emptying the intestines. Exactly the same effect will cause sesame, sunflower, almond - any! - oil. The good news is that olive oil does not overload us with omega-6s.

In addition, we are wary of honey in the diet of children, allergy sufferers and people with hyperinsulinism. And allergies and disorders in the metabolism of carbohydrates are the mass problems of contemporaries. For ourselves, we see no reason to supplement the menu with sugars on an empty stomach. Therefore, the morning choleretic in our routine is 1-2 glasses of pure water, cool or warm, depending on the particular family member.

Gastritis olive oil before meals also does not heal. If your stomach is bothering you, you need a gastroenterologist and a Helicobacter pylori test. Diet is extremely important in treatment. If an infection is found, do not be afraid of antibiotics under the guidance of a competent doctor.

Contraindications and possible harm

1) Remember the high calorie content.

Olive oil is the highest calorie liquid fat. 1 tablespoon is capable of covering more than 16% of the average daily energy requirement.

If this figure seems insignificant to you, imagine eating two or even three generously seasoned meals a day. Getting overweight with such a diet is a piece of cake.

2) We exclude the choleretic effect if there are stones in the gallbladder or cholecystitis.

We do not take on an empty stomach! We adjust the amount in dishes - up to 2 tbsp. spoons a day.

3) Ideally, it's still better not to fry food on the extra virgin version.

Because heating destroys healing polyphenols. And in general, frying food is not the best choice for cooking. Only a savage from a tropical island has not heard of this.

If we discard the importance of preserving polyphenols, then we can rely on the latest safety studies. They answer the question What kind of olive oil can be used for frying. The average heat in a frying pan is no more than 170 degrees. This means that it does not provoke the formation of carcinogens in high-quality cold-pressed olive oil. After all smoke point extra virgin version not the lowest - from 191 to 215 degrees.

Even safer refined olive oil- 240 degrees. But this is a "dead version" of superfood. Useful biocompounds are completely destroyed by refining.

Our choice is to steam recipes more often and drizzle with oil after removing from the heat. Simmer over medium heat with water. Eat more salads with fresh vegetables.

Personal experience

For yourself, you can look for another combination of solutions, how to reduce omega-6 in the diet and remove trans fats. Do it if you want to live longer and healthier!

If you really want to fry, then the best choice is. It contains no more than 3% PUFA. The abundance of trans fats simply has nothing to form from. And you can stew with water on both vegetable fats - from olives and from coconut.

Today we are trying to replace both sunflower and corn oil. The opinion is not trivial, but is based on modern knowledge of nutraceuticals and longevity medicine.

Types of olive oil and dosage

The daily dose varies according to age and goals. On average - from 1 to 4 tablespoons per day for an adult. From 0.5 teaspoon for children, starting with complementary foods at 7-8 months.

Important! If you simply add superfood to unhealthy foods, there will be no healing effect.

The composition of the product determines the place where the olives grow and the technology. Below Brief information about each type which can be found for sale. You will learn which olive oil is best for salad and which characteristics are important.

How to choose and store

Let's focus on the healthiest version of extra virgin.

A quality product is not cheap. The price in Europe starts from 8 euros for 500 ml.

The main producers are Italy, Spain, Greece. This does not always mean that the fruits were grown in the same country. Italian oil is often pressed from Turkish and Tunisian raw materials.

Most polyphenols contain unripe (green!) Olives. But it is easier to squeeze out of ripe ones. Therefore, the cheaper the product on the shelf, the higher the likelihood that the fat was extracted from ripe, and not green, fruits.

Olives that grow on young trees are inferior in saturation with polyphenols to similar fruits from aged trees. The most healing raw materials are unripe fruits from old trees on the Greek island of Crete.

It is also important how the fruits were harvested from the trees, how the preparation for squeezing took place, how long the workpiece was stored before processing. This directly affects the content of polyphenols. Long-term storage and rough automatic cleaning reduce the cost of oil, and, accordingly, reduce its quality.

From air, heat and sunlight, fat becomes rancid. Import in Russia is carried out from the Mediterranean countries. It is difficult to say only by the type of bottle, under what conditions and for how long the transportation took place.

Conclusion. The inscription "extra virgin" on the label is a necessary but not sufficient quality condition. "Extra virgin" only talks about how the pomace went, but not about what raw materials were used, how it was obtained, and what happened to the oil after bottling.

won't help and product coloring. There is no relationship between the color of olive oil and its quality. Only the level of chlorophyll in olives affects. In close analogues, the color varies from light yellow to bottle green.

Storage periods. Most often, 2 years is indicated on the packaging. They reflect the maximum time for which good oil does not have time to go rancid. However, after a year there are significantly fewer useful compounds.

Houses should be kept olive oil in a tightly closed dark bottle in a cool place. After opening, let's say a refrigerator. When refrigerated for a long time, a good sample will form a cloudy precipitate. This is a simple quality test.

Personal experience and 6 rules for choosing a brand

For ourselves, we have developed a few rules for finding the best olive oil.

1. "Not!" for products in colorless glass and plastic, or with any words other than "extra virgin oil".
2. "Yes!" bottle of dark glass and Greece as the country of origin. Tight fitting lid and less than 6 months old spill date. The point of sale is a large supermarket with an active turnover or a popular "grocery boutique", where the goods are also not stale.
3. The bottle must be marked with acidity - up to 0.8%.
4. We buy without a stock, each time checking the expiration date (“expiry date”). There must be at least a year and a half left before graduation.
5. When olive oil is bitter, this is normal. The peak of perfection is a light, barely noticeable bitterness with an admixture of a grassy aroma, like the smell of green tomatoes or freshly cut grass. If the smell is like rotten sausage or old socks, the sample is rancid and there are no polyphenols in it.
6. The taste of olive oil can be said to be “clean”, “fresh”, “herbaceous”. Olive oil should be bitter. But the degree of bitterness, like color, depends on the feedstock.

As you can see, choosing among worthy samples is like deciding on the taste of your favorite wine or coffee. Depends on personal preference.

In addition to general rules, it is not superfluous to inquire about the results of recent market research. In 2014, the Russian agency NITs NPE "Test" led a comprehensive comparative examination of 11 brands of extra virgin olive oil.

Got the highest score ТМ Mana Gea, Premium, Borges. The trade mark Maestro de Oliva became a good one. The rest of the samples did not meet the high quality criteria.

We will be glad if we could clearly and fully tell about the healing product. How to take olive oil, the benefits and harms, contraindications for taking, a scientifically based foundation of beneficial properties and selection rules will definitely come in handy on your way to a healthy diet in terms of fats. May the shopping luck be with you!

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