“People from the Mediterranean, where olive oil is grown and consumed the most, have the lowest mortality rates in the world when it comes to cardiovascular diseases.”The benefits of olive oil are many. Weight loss, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, arthritis — name it, and olive oil has a cure for it.

Olive oil is extracted from the olive fruit. From ruling our kitchens to taking over the cosmetic world, olive oil has become a rage all over the world in recent times.

There are Three Types of Olive Oils:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Virgin olive oil
• Pure olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil and is free from any defects. It has the highest content of polyphenols and is most beneficial to health.

Besides polyphenol, Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), which is a type of fat that your body need not fear. It improves blood cholesterol levels by reducing the LDL or bad cholesterol levels while increasing the HDL or good cholesterol levels.

Olive oil is also synonymous with radiant and healthy skin. This affordable and easily available oil can substitute all those chemical products that you spend a good amount of money on. Being a plant product, it does not have any allergic reaction in any type of skin.The health benefits of olive oil are many.

Benefits Of Olive Oil

1. Smooths Wrinkles

 The skin consist of three layers, epidermis, the dermal-epidermal junction and the dermis. The epidermis being the outermost layer, acts as a wall to the external environment. As you age, the epidermal cells lose their ability to retain moisture and the production of collagen and elastin fibers decreases.

2. Great Natural Make up Remover

Have you ever felt a sharp, burning sensation every time you wipe that blush off your cheeks with your expensive chemical makeup remover? If yes, remember chemicals in most cosmetic products are harmful for skin health. Most chemical makeup removers may leave the skin feeling rough and acerbic, but the health benefits of olive oil for skin will do the work, giving your skin moisture at the same time instead of depleting it.

3. Soothes Sun Burns

A sunburn happens when you expose yourself to the Sun without protection. You may experience pain, redness, swelling and even blisters. What’s worse, in a few days, the sun-burnt skin will begin to peel -off as the body attempts to do away with all those sun damaged cells.

4. Remedy for Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis, leaves your skin red, inflamed and itching. This might not be all. It might be followed by itchy scaling of the skin or pus filled blisters. Applying olive oil will reduce the inflammation and the intense moisturizing properties of olive oil will help in reducing the flakiness and itching.

5. Exfoliates Skin

Exfoliation is an important part of skin care routine. Removing dead cells from the outer layer of the skin will leave your skin looking radiant and smooth. Try out the olive oil-sugar exfoliation scrub routine two to three times a week. This olive oil scrub will not clog your pores and works well on all skin types.

6. Olive Oil Help Prevent Strokes

Stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood flow to the brain, either due to a blood clot or bleeding.In developed nations, stroke is the second most common cause of death, right after heart disease.The relationship between olive oil and the risk of stroke has been studied extensive.

7. Olive Oil May Reduce The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

Olive oil appears to be highly protective against diabetes.Several studies have linked olive oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.In this study, a Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by over 40%.

8. Cures Cracked Heels

 Cracked heels or heel fissures are a very common foot problem. One gets cracked heels if one ignores one’s footsies for too long! Dry skin accumulates on your heels and starts to crack up. In very severe cases, this skin may get infected and cause cellulitis. Cracked heels are generally not painful, but why not treat them when you can? All you need for doing so, is some olive oil.

9. Treats Chapped Lips

So your mom made a spicy dip for you and you forgot your lips were chapped.  Instead of asking your mom to not make those savory, spicy dips, try coating your lips with olive oil. Chapped lips are often caused by harsh cold or dehydration and result in the lips becoming flaky and sore, besides causing you pain. Apply olive oil directly on your lips or mix it with castor sugar to get rid of those painful cracks on your lips.

10. Cures Stretch Marks

Olive oil is a favorite among ‘new mommies’ as it is an effective treatment for stretch marks. Women are more commonly the target of stretch marks, but men can develop them too, owing to excessive weight gain or rapid weight loss. Stretch marks are very stubborn and may not get completely erased from your skin.

The health benefits of olive oil do not end here. You can add a tablespoon to your everyday meal and salad dressings for omega 3 fatty acids and anti oxidants too. Make olive oil a part of your everyday diet and skin care routine and “extend an olive branch” to your health and skin woes!