Olives oil – Nutritious Elements, Benefits, Uses And Side Effects of Olea Europaea
Overview
Oil is one of the essential ingredients in daily human diet. Different types of oils are used in cooking. These oils not only enhance the taste of food but also contribute to a healthy physical health. The use of oils is not limited to cooking. These oils are also used in the treatment of diseases, beauty treatments and hair problems.
This article will lead you to the essential information about the health benefits of one of the widely and popularly used oils- ‘olive oil’.
What is Olives oil /Olea europaea?
Olive oil is extracted from olives. It is called ‘Jaitun tel’ in Hindi. The scientific name of it is-‘Olea Europaea’. Olives oil was referred to as ‘liquid gold’ in ancient times. Olives oil is gradually becoming popular all over the world for its amazing health benefits. In addition to being used in cooking, this oil is also used to treat overall health, beauty and hair problems. It can be used in your favorite shades, it can be used as a DIY body scrub component or it can also be used as a makeup remover. There are many ways to take advantage of olives oil in daily life.
Nutritious elements
Olive oil is one of the popularly used ingredients in the Mediterranean diet. This oil is rich in antioxidants. The major fats element carried by this is- monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFFS), which is considered to be a healthy fat by the experts. The antioxidants present in Olea Europaea are helpful in protecting body cells from damaging; which may lead to various kinds of serious health issues. It is used for cooking, cosmetics, medicine, soaps and traditional mud lanterns. Olives oil spreads its roots to the Mediterranean Sea and is now popular across the world.
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Many studies have focused on the health benefits of Olea Europaea. Extra virgin olive oil-rich in antioxidants, is one of the best quality oils available in present markets which helps to protect the body cells from damaging free radicals. Olives oil is especially effective for heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
History of Olive oil /Olea europaea
The use of olive oil dates back to 7,000 years; which originated in Iran, Syria and Palestine before reaching the Mediterranean. Historically, olives oil has been used in religious ceremonies and medicine and has become an important source of food in many cultures.
How is olive oil made?
Olive oil is made from olives grown in olive tree. After threshing, the olives are rolled to make a paste and then the oil is extracted through a centrifugation process to separate it. The final material is then stored in a stainless steel trunk, which is protected from oxygen. When prepared with a bottle, the oil is transferred to a stiff glass bottle to keep it fresh.
Types of Olive oil/Olea Europaea
Different types of olives oil are available in the market depending on their taste, lifespan and texture. The main types of olives oil are –
1. Extra virgin olive oil:
Extra virgin olive oil is made by cold-pressing olives oil. It is unrefined, expensive and has an excellent taste and aroma. It is rich in Vitamin E, minerals and antioxidants. This type of Olea Europaea is of the highest standard and has numerous benefits for our health.
2. Virgin olive oil:
Virgin olive oil is also obtained from cold-pressed but has low acid content. These are the most popular and relatively less expensive than extra virgin oils. These oils are also good in taste and aroma.
3. Pure olive oil:
Although it is called pure, the oil is actually a mixture of virgin and refined oils. It has high acid content and is not recommended for consumption purposes.
4. Refined olive oil:
Refined olive oil is obtained by low quality olives by keeping them under heat, chemical and perfusion. This type of oil is soft in taste and not good for health.
5. Pomace olive oil:
Pomace olive oil is obtained from olive pulps. After the olives are cooled and the oil is extracted, the remaining olives are called olive pulp. Solvents are used to extract pomace olive oil from this pulp.
Chemical substance of olive oil /Olea Europaea
- Phenolic
- Esters
- Hydroxytyrosol
- Oleocanthal
- Oleuropein
- Elenolic acid
- Vitamin E
- 10- Hydroxy Ligstroside
- Ligstroside
- Tyro sol esters
- Flavonoids Lignans
- Pinoresino
Nutritional value of each 100gm of Olive oil is as mentioned below –
- Energy : 3.699KJ (844Kcal)
- Carbohydrate : 0 gram
- Fat : 100 gram
- Saturated : 14 gram
- Monounsaturated : 73 gram
- Polyunsaturated : 11 gram
- Omega-3 : 0.8 gram
- Omega-6 : 9.8 gram
- Protein : 0 gram
- Vitamin E : 14mg
- Vitamin K : 60 microgram
- Iron : 0.56 milligram
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Benefits of Olives Oil/ Olea Europaea
1. Powerful Antioxidant:
Olive oil contains polyphenols, vitamin E and various other antioxidants. These protect our body from the damage of free radicals. They keep us healthy and protect us from heart disease, cancer and so on.
2. Good for the cardiovascular system:
The use of olives oil is associated with low levels of LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol). Olive oil is rich in polyphenols. These polyphenols help in lowering blood pressure. Thus olives oil can show benefits for people having high blood pressure issues. All of the above effects can help protect our heart from metabolism in various ways.
3. Reduces the risk of cancer:
Polyphenols present in olives oil are good antioxidants. Consumption of olive oil effectively reduces the risk of cancer of the intestines, breasts, rectum, endometrial and prostate. The benefits of olive oil are also seen in the case of cancer patients. It contains Hydroxytyrosol and Tocopherol which have strong anti-cancer properties.
4. Manages Diabetes Mellitus:
Olive oil contains an antioxidant called Tyrosol. Tyrosol improves insulin resistance. This prevents a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Olives oil has evident qualities in the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus.
5. Reduces the risk of stroke:
Polyphenols in olives oil lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. In this way, the arteries that supply energy to the brain are prevented from producing bad cholesterol in the body. Thus Olive oil significantly reduces the risk of stroke.
6. Anti-microbial:
Olive oil contains oleuropein. Oleuropien has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. The use of olives oil in this way protects us from various infections.
7. Good for digestion:
Olive oil simplifies our digestive system and keeps it healthy. It maintains regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Regular consumption of olives oil prevents digestive diseases.
8. Neuroprotective effects:
Alzheimer’s is a Neuroprotective Disease, which is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Alzheimer’s disease reduces memory. Oleocanthal in olives oil helps in cleansing these plaques. In this way the patient with Alzheimer’s disease shows improvement. Olea Europaea effectively promotes learning, concentration and memory.
9. Helps in weight loss:
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid. Monounsaturated fatty acids are good for our heart and also help to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. The oil makes us feel satisfied with the taste and also controls the appetite which leads to less food intake and reduced calorie intake, resulting in weight loss.
10. Reduces anxiety and depression:
Olive oil has a protective effect on the nerves; this oil effectively helps in reducing anxiety and depression.
11. Pain relief:
Oleocanthal in olives oil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. It effectively reduces inflammation, swelling and spasm, thus reducing toxins. Toxins are relieved by massaging olive oil on the knees of people suffering from osteoarthritis.
12. Good for bones:
The benefits of olive oil are also seen in the case of bone protection. Its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects increase bone formation. It helps maintain bone mineral density. Thus olive oil reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
13. Good for skin:
Olive oil is especially good for our skin. The antioxidant and vitamin E found in olive oil helps maintain healthy skin. It hydrates the skin and effectively moisturizes our skin, works as a good exfoliation, and can be used as a make-up remover. Olives oil also prevents fine lines and coating on the skin. It helps to reduce skin blemishes, stretch marks and acne.
14. Good for hair:
Olive oil hydrates our scalp and reduces itching and dryness along with reduction of dandruff. It makes our hair healthier, reduces and prevents hair removal and increases hair growth.
Uses of Olive oil/ Olea europaea
Olive oil can be used in many different ways. Edible Olea Europaea can be consumed regularly and used in making a variety of dishes and can be added to meals or salads. Different types of Olea Europaea are used to enhance the beauty of the face, brighten skin, remove blemishes and prevent acne. Various kinds of olive oils are used for hair growth and hair removal. The benefits and uses of olive oil can be seen in different ways in terms of health benefits and cure.
Side effects of Olive Oil/ Olea europaea
- Excessive use of olive oil can lead to deterioration of sensitive and oily skin such as- Eczema, psoriasis, etc. can cause allergies.
- There is insufficient evidence to support the use of olive oil during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should consult a doctor before adding olive oil to their diet.
- Olive oil is a natural hypoglycaemia (lowers blood sugar level) so it should be taken in limited quantities by diabetics.
Therefore, considering the benefits of olive oil along with its harmful sides; it should be used in the proper way & in a limited quantity.
NOTE: It is suggested to seek doctor’s advice first before using the oil in serious or fatal health conditions.
Conclusion
This article provides a brief overview of olive oil leading to the uses, chemicals, substances, harmful sides/precautions, benefits and other properties of olive oil. We hope that the information contained in this article will help you in various ways. Thank You!