Olive Oil: Benefits and Unexpected Uses

Made popular as an essential cooking ingredient, olive oil has a reputation for adding natural flavor to many dishes and acting as a substitute for other cooking oils. Olive oil can provide numerous health benefits when consumed, but it can be useful outside of the kitchen as well. In addition to dietary purposes, olive oil can make a surprisingly effective component in skincare and beauty products, and it can also act as a staple and solution in your home for certain everyday purposes. Overall, olive oil can provide myriad benefits for different aspects of your life.

Commonly used in salad dressings or as alternatives to cooking oils such as sunflower, canola or peanut, olive oil can pack a powerful punch in terms of health benefits when consumed. High in monounsaturated fats, a “good” kind of fat, olive oil can have positive effects on your cardiovascular system and may be able to help prevent or lower your risk of acquiring certain diseases. A study in the journal Pharmacological Research demonstrated that those who consumed olive oil on a regular basis had a significantly reduced chance of experiencing problems with their cardiovascular systems, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and inflammation. Additionally, consuming olive oil regularly may be able to help reduce the risk of having a stroke in older people, according to research in the journal Neurology.

The form of olive oil that is cold-processed and contains only 1% acid, extra virgin olive oil, may be able to provide antioxidant effects for your liver, helping to defend against oxidative stress. A study in the journal PLOS One found that consumption of polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats—both of which are found in olive oil—may play a slight role in protecting against depression, whereas consuming trans fats regularly can increase the risk of developing depression. 

When you think of olive oil, you probably don't think of slathering it on your skin. However, olive oil can actually provide benefits when used in beauty and skincare regimens. For a natural way to easily and effectively remove makeup, including waterproof mascara, you can try using olive oil. Dry cuticles can also reap the benefits of olive oil, as its natural softening and moisturizing properties can help restore them. Hair that is in need of hydration and skin that is plagued by eczema or extreme dryness can also exhibit improvements from olive oil application: olive oil can add shine and smoothness to dull hair, and it can supply natural moisture to dry skin and help soothe irritation. If you're in a pinch the next time you're getting ready and can't seem to find any shaving cream, smooth on some olive oil—it creates a protective barrier on your skin with its natural lubricating properties and encourages a close, smooth shave. 

In addition to the uses listed above, olive oil can make a great household staple. If you have an item of clothing with a zipper that won't budge, try adding some olive oil to help wiggle it free. Olive oil can also enhance the shine and brilliance of wood furniture and floors, when used as a polish. The natural moisturizing properties of olive oil can also provide relief for your pets' paws, helping to fight cracks and dryness while restoring softness and comfort.

As a go-to cooking ingredient in many kitchens across the world, olive oil also has many other great uses. We hope this article was able to give you some ideas about different ways you can use olive oil. Pick some up today at eVitamins, and check back tomorrow for more health news!

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