Is Olive Oil Good for You?

We've all heard it before. If you want to lose weight you should consume olive oil. If you want good hair, you should use olive oil. If you want good skin, you should use olive oil. We all succumb to this piece of advice because we desperately need remedies for all those problems that plague our body. There's a reason for all this advice. Olive oil actually provides a lot of health benefits to the body and is great for us; and here we discuss these benefits.

Olive Oil for Hair

You may have used all the 'hair care' products in the market, for frizzy hair, for split ends, for luscious hair, for hair that shines as a remedy for dry hair. What if you were told that you can redeem all these benefits from the use of one natural and relatively inexpensive product?

• Olive oil is the perfect remedy when your hair has been damaged due to excessive exposure to heat from styling tools such as the hair dryer and hair straightener. It is a remedy that will take time, to ultimately restore the natural shine of the hair, but it is the best remedy of the lot and also long lasting.
• Opt for regular hot oil conditioning, with olive oil, as this will not only restore the lost shine of your hair, but will also give it a bounce that many products claim but are unable to deliver. Condition your hair with olive oil by pouring heated olive oil on your hair, and working it into the scalp thoroughly. Follow it up by combing the hair with a wide-toothed comb from the root to the tips. Cover up the hair with a shower cap and let it rest for thirty minutes. Wash off the oil with shampoo followed by a mild conditioner. Repeat this process often to see results.
• Pamper yourself with an olive oil scalp massage. This promotes healthy hair growth and increases circulation on the scalp, which in turn regulates the production of natural oils on the scalp. As such it is a perfect solution for dry hair.
• For split ends, and frizzy hair, pour a few drops of oil on your palm instead of your regular serum, and rub it all over your hair, to hold it in place, and for a natural shine.

As mentioned before, these remedies are going to prove effective only when olive oil is used on a regular basis. Also, once you achieve the desired results, do not stop using olive oil. To maintain those results, you must use olive oil regularly.

Olive Oil for Skin

Olive oil for skin that is dry is as good as olive oil for dry hair. It is the perfect remedy for those who might suffer from allergic reactions on using special products available in the market, meant for skin care.

• In order to achieve smooth skin, apply a little olive oil on the dry patches regularly, overnight. This will give the skin time to soak in the olive oil and repair itself. If your hands or feet need this natural moisturizer, apply a good amount and cover them up with gloves and socks respectively. With daily application soft, smooth and healthy skin will replace the dry and dead skin.
• Olive oil is also a good protection against the harsh rays of the sun, and can prevent the damage caused due to such exposure. As such, apply some on your skin before getting out of the house.
• You may be worried about the effect, the use of olive oil may have on your clothes. To avoid such a hazard, pour a tablespoon of olive oil in your bathing water. The effect will be equally beneficial.

Again, as is the case with regular application on the hair, ensure that you continue using olive oil on your skin to maintain the results that you have obtained with its regular use.

Olive Oil for Good Health

It may be an oil, but it is the only one that is contains monounsaturated fatty acids that are essential for the body. Not only that, olive oil is rich in antioxidants that help with clearing the body of free radicals that contribute to a host of diseases.

• Consuming about 2 tablespoons of olive oil on a daily basis, takes care of the LDL or bad cholesterol, and raises the levels of HDL or good cholesterol. As such, it prevents the risk of developing heart disease, which several of us may be prone to due to our lifestyle and diet.
• Olive oil is not heavy, and can easily be digested by the stomach. In studies conducted, olive oil has proven to have a positive effect on stomach ulcers and gastritis.
• Olive oil naturally promotes the secretion of bile, and therefore prevents the risk of developing gallstones.
• Other studies conducted have shown that the consumption of olive oil may also prevent the risk of developing colon cancer.

Thus, consuming olive oil is indeed healthy for the body. However, do remember that any kind of 'healthy' food consumed in a large amount can ultimately prove unhealthy. Similarly, do not take an overdose of olive oil, as it will then become fattening.

The best olive oil to use to experience its benefits is extra virgin olive oil, whether it is for application or consumption. This is because it is unrefined and contains higher values of the nutrients found in olive oil. It also tastes better than refined olive oil. You must also remember, to take care of olive oil, and not consume any that has been manufactured and left on a shelf for a long time. Look for an expiry date, and keep it away from direct sunlight as it may go rancid.

So olive oil definitely is good for you! Experience the marvelous benefits of this natural product, and bring out a glowing, healthier you!