Olive oil is made from olives and has advantages and benefits that go beyond health and cooking, as an aid in weight loss and moisturizing action for skin and hair.
However, to take advantage of the properties of olive oil, their consumption or use need not be exaggerated, especially if the goal is to lose weight. The consumption recommendation is 1 tablespoon per day.
5 health benefits
The consumption of olive oil should be regular and preferably at the end of the dishes, avoiding overuse and in fried preparations, for example. The main benefits are:
- Reduces bad cholesterol by being rich in monounsaturated fats. Here's how to use olive oil for this case;
- Prevents atherosclerosis and protects the heart, being rich in phenolic compounds and vitamin E, which are strong antioxidants;
- Prevents diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, as it contains antioxidants and acts on the hypothalamus, stimulating satiety;
- It acts as an anti-inflammatory and strengthens the immune system, because it contains an anti-inflammatory substance, oleocanthal;
- Reduces blood pressure by facilitating blood circulation, since it stimulates the dilatation of vessels.
The best olive oil is the extra-virgin olive oil, because its production preserves all the nutrients of the product and guarantees all the benefits of this oil. To check if an olive oil is extra-virgin, one should look for the acidity information on the label, which should not be greater than 0.8%.
Other types of oil, such as the compound and the refined, undergo processes that cause the oil to lose nutrients and quality of fats. Therefore, whenever possible, one should prefer to consume the extra-virgin olive oil in salads and to finish preparations, for having more quality than the other types of olive oil
How to use olive oil to lose weight
Olive oil controls satiety and prevents the trapped intestine, relieving swelling. For these reasons it helps in the process of weight loss.
Including the olive oil in the dishes increases the amount of healthy fat in the food and causes it to take longer to digest, which prolongs satiety and prevents hunger out of hours. In addition, proper consumption of olive oil lubricates the stool and acts on the functioning of the intestine making it regular, which reduces belly swelling, improves nutrient absorption and promotes slimming.
Despite this, it is an oil and, although healthy, can gain weight when consumed in large quantity. Therefore, it should be prioritized its use in salads and in the finishing of dishes and not in the preparation of food, where the amount used is less controlled. The use of a dosing nozzle or a spoon may help to measure the ideal amount of olive oil.
How to use oil in the hair
The main benefit of using olive oil in the hair is hydration. Its excellent composition of oils and vitamin E is able to hydrate and recover the damaged wires, reducing frizz and double ends.
Olive oil can be used directly in the hair when they are very dry. Check it step by step:
- For long hair, separate 1/4 cup of olive oil. Shorter hair will require less amount;
- After washing the hair with shampoo, divide them into locks and, still wet, wet the tips of the fingers in the oil and pass in the wicks until the ends. It is not recommended to pass directly on the scalp, as this may increase oiliness;
- Hold the hair and let it moisturize for 15 minutes. If you prefer, cover with a cap;
- Wash your hair well with shampoo to remove all the oil and do not leave your hair heavy.
The use of oil in the hair is especially suitable for curly hair, curly hair and curly hair, which are usually drier than plain wires. Another way to use oil in your hair is by combining it with ingredients to create moisturizing masks. Check out some recipes here.
It is important to remember not to heat hair with hair or flat iron when it is still covered with olive oil as this can damage the hair. It is also recommended that there be an average interval of 15 days between the oil applications to avoid damaging the wires.
How to use olive oil on the skin
Olive oil acts as a moisturizer for dry skin, improving the elasticity and vitality of the skin. Vitamin E, being an antioxidant, prevents wrinkles and premature aging.
Olive oil can be used directly on the skin, mixed with specific creams for the face or as an ingredient to make an exfoliating massage.
