The effect of olive oil on the human body. Chemical extraction is Olive oil, Pure olive oil, Pomace oil. Which olive oil is better to drink?

Olive oil has become firmly established in our lives. Modern housewives love it for its beautiful taste qualities, the ability to decorate any dish and absolute benefits for the human body.

Olive oil is a valuable source of antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, help keep the body in good shape, and improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, brain and many other organs. In addition, this product contains other valuable substances, including phosphatides, vitamins E and K, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

We have compiled for you a guide of 10 valuable rules that will help you choose quality olive oil.

1. Look at the color of the olive oil

It is advisable to start choosing olive oil by examining its appearance. It can often say a lot about the quality of the product. The color of olive oil is influenced by various factors: the time of harvest, the ripeness of the olives, and the presence of impurities. Ideally, olive oil should have a beautiful golden color that has different shades. In no case should it look gray or too yellow - this indicates a low-quality product.

2. Try olive oil

Of course, in the store you will not have the opportunity to choose olive oil based on this advice. However, the search perfect product doesn't end at the supermarket. At home, you can study the taste characteristics of the oil, see how it manifests itself during the preparation of a particular dish, and after that make a final verdict.

Pay attention to the taste of olive oil. It can be rich, intense, sometimes bitter, sweet, salty and even sour. Deviation from the norm is wateriness, vinegar or metallic taste, rancidity.

3. Look for the extra virgin label on the packaging.

There are 3 main categories of olive oil on store shelves: natural, refined and pomace. To buy a product with a whole bunch useful properties, you should find the inscription extra virgin on the label - this is the guarantor of ideal quality. This oil has not been chemically treated and is made from olives. the best varieties using mechanical processing (cold pressing). It is ideal for both culinary and cosmetic purposes.

4. Pay attention to abbreviations

Studying the label should not end there. There are other identification marks that will help you choose quality olive oil. For example, important abbreviations. Look for the inscription DOP (denominacion de origen protegida). It says that the olive oil is made from the best varieties of olives and bottled in the same region where it was produced. This means that the product is branded and produced to the highest standards and is subject to constant checks.

5. If you want to save money, then opt for a mix

It is no secret that olive oil, especially high-quality one, is a rather expensive product. If you don't mind saving money, then buy a mix of refined oil and cold-pressed oil - this is a healthy alternative to the extra virgin category. It does not heal and rejuvenate the body as much as the product of the above-mentioned variety, but it can be safely used for frying, stewing and boiling.

6. Find out in which country the oil was made

Be sure to look at the country of origin. This information must appear on the label. The leaders in olive oil production are Spain, Greece, Italy, as well as Türkiye, Israel and Syria. Try to buy oil from these countries. Check for the country of origin barcode. If the oil was manufactured in a country that is part of the European Union, then also look for the presence of the EU mark.

7. Not all categories of olive oil are suitable for frying.

If you are going to heat-treat olive oil, then you should know that not all varieties are suitable for these purposes. oil. Thus, the healthiest extra virgin olive oil is not suitable for frying at all. Valuable substances that heal the body when dressing salads turn almost into carcinogens when heated.

Refining removes from olive oil useful material, but at the same time makes it safe during heat treatment. Refined oil is suitable for frying, stewing, boiling and other thermal processing. Pomace oil is also suitable for these purposes, although it is most often used for baking.

8. Find information about the acidity of olive oil

The acidity of olive oil is another important indicator that you should pay attention to when it comes to purchasing a quality product. It is determined by the content of oleic acid in the oil - the lower this figure, the better the olive oil. For extra virgin oil, the acidity should not exceed 1%, just virgin - 2%, and for refined - 1.5%.

Olive oil is obtained from the fruit olive tree(Olive europaea), mainly in Mediterranean regions. It has been used by mankind for many centuries. The oil is obtained by pressing whole . It is commonly used in cooking, both for stir-fries and salads. Olive oil is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soaps, as well as fuel for traditional oil lamps and has additional uses in some religions.

Olive oil is one of the three main plant products in Mediterranean cuisine; the other two are wheat and .

Olive trees have been grown in areas of the Mediterranean since the 8th millennium BC. Spain is the largest producer of olive oil, followed by Italy and Greece. However, per capita consumption is highest in Greece, followed by Spain, Italy and Morocco. North American consumption and Northern Europe much smaller, but growing steadily.

The composition of olive oil varies depending on the variety, altitude, harvest time, and extraction process. It consists primarily of oleic acid (up to 83%), with smaller amounts of other fatty acids including linoleic acid (up to 21%) and palmitic acid (up to 20%). Extra virgin olive oil must have no more than 0.8% free acidity and is considered to have favorable flavor characteristics. ()

Nutritional value, composition and calorie content of olive oil

100 grams of olive oil contains (in% of the recommended daily norm consumption) ():

• Calorie content: 884 kcal (44%).
• Carbohydrates: 0 g (0%).
• Fat: 100 g (154%).
• Protein: 0 g (0%).
• Vitamin E: 14.3 mg (72%).
• Vitamin K: 60.2 mcg (75%).
• Phytosterols: 221 mg.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 761 mg.
• Omega-6 fatty acids: 9763 mg.

Olive oil also contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and sodium.

The benefits of olive oil for the human body

Consumption of olive oil helps prevent and helps in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, etc. Here are the benefits of olive oil for the human body:

1. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats

Olive oil is natural oil, extracted from olives, the oily fruit of the olive tree. About 24% of olive oil is saturated fat, and ().

But the predominant (73%) fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which is extremely beneficial for human health.

Oleic acid is thought to help reduce inflammation and may have a beneficial effect on genes associated with cancer (, , ,).

The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are also quite heat stable, making it good choice for cooking food.

Summary:

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This fatty acid is believed to have multiple beneficial effects on the human body and is a good choice for cooking.

2. Olive oil contains many antioxidants

Olive oil is quite nutritious. In addition to healthy fatty acids, it contains large amounts of vitamins E and K, and is also rich in powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants are biologically active and can help fight serious diseases (,).

It includes antioxidants that can fight inflammation and help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in our blood, which are critical steps in the process of preventing heart disease (,).

Summary:

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, some of which have powerful biological effects.

3. Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation is considered one of the leading factors contributing to the development of many diseases. It can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and even obesity.

Olive oil can reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits. The main anti-inflammatory effects are due to the antioxidants it contains. Key among these is oleocanthal, which has been shown to work similarly to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen ().

Some scientists believe that oleocanthal in 50 ml (3.4 tablespoons) of olive oil is as effective as 10% of an adult dose of ibuprofen ().

There are also studies suggesting that oleic acid itself (the main fatty acid in olive oil) may reduce levels of important inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (, ).

One study also found that olive oil's antioxidants may inhibit certain genes and proteins that lead to inflammation ().

Summary:

Olive oil contains nutrients that can fight inflammation. These include oleic acid, as well as the antioxidant oleocanthal.

4. Olive oil may help prevent stroke

A stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot or bleeding. In developed countries, stroke is the second most common cause of death, just after heart disease ().

The relationship between olive oil and the risk of stroke has been widely studied. A large observational study that included more than 841,000 subjects found that olive oil is the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease ().

These results are supported by another large observational study involving 140,000 participants. Researchers found that those who consumed olive oil had a significantly lower risk of stroke ().

Summary:

There are many large studies showing that people who consume olive oil have a much lower risk of stroke, the second biggest killer in developed countries.

5. Olive oil protects against cardiovascular disease

Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide ().

Observational studies conducted several decades ago showed that cardiovascular disease is rare in Mediterranean countries. This has led to extensive research into the Mediterranean diet, which has been found to significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (,).

Olive oil is one of the key elements of this diet and protects against cardiovascular disease in numerous ways ().

It reduces inflammation, protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, improves blood vessel endothelial function, and may help prevent unwanted blood clotting ().

Interestingly, they also found a decrease in blood pressure, which is one of the strongest risk factors for heart disease and premature death. In one study, olive oil reduced the need for antihypertensive drugs. arterial pressure by 48% ( , , ).

The truth is that dozens, if not hundreds, of studies have shown that olive oil is incredibly beneficial for heart health.

If you have cardiovascular disease, a family history of heart disease, or any other serious risk factor, then you may want to consider including plenty of olive oil in your diet.

Summary:

Olive oil is very beneficial for heart health. It lowers blood pressure, protects LDL particles from oxidation, and has beneficial effects on many other risk factors.

6. Olive oil does not cause weight gain or obesity

Numerous studies have linked a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil to beneficial effects on body weight ( , , ).

A 2.5-year study of more than 7,000 Spanish college students found that consuming high amounts of olive oil was not associated with weight gain ().

In other words, significant olive oil consumption is not associated with weight gain or obesity in observational studies.

A 3-year study of 187 subjects found that a diet rich in olive oil increased blood levels of antioxidants and resulted in weight loss (weight loss).

Summary:

Consuming large amounts of olive oil does not appear to increase the likelihood of weight gain. It may even be beneficial for weight loss.

7. Olive oil may help fight Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. One of its key features is the accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside brain cells.

One study on mice found that a substance in olive oil may help remove these plaques from brain cells ().

Another study, this time in humans, found that a Mediterranean diet including olive oil had beneficial effects on brain function ().

Summary:

Some studies suggest that olive oil may help fight Alzheimer's disease, but more research is needed to confirm this.

8. Olive oil may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The beneficial properties of olive oil include its ability to protect against diabetes very well. Several studies have found that olive oil has beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity (,).

Randomized clinical trial involving 418 patients without diabetes mellitus, confirmed the protective effects of olive oil ().

In this study, a Mediterranean diet with olive oil reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than 40%.

Summary:

Observational studies and clinical trials suggest that olive oil, when combined with a Mediterranean diet, may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

9. Antioxidants in olive oil have anti-cancer properties

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world. People in Mediterranean countries have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, and many researchers believe that olive oil may have something to do with it ().

The antioxidants in olive oil may reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which is considered one of the leading risk factors for cancer (,).

Many test-tube studies have shown that compounds in olive oil may help fight cancer cells (,).

More human research is needed to find out whether olive oil can really help prevent cancer.

Summary:

There is preliminary evidence that olive oil may help prevent cancer, but this needs to be studied properly.

10. Olive oil may help treat rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by deformed and painful joints. The exact reason is not entirely clear, but it includes immune system body, mistakenly attacking normal cells.

Olive oil appears to improve inflammatory markers and reduce oxidative stress in people with rheumatoid arthritis (,).

It appears to be especially beneficial when combined with fish oil, a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

In one study, olive oil and fish oil significantly reduced joint pain and morning stiffness, and improved fist strength in people with rheumatoid arthritis ().

Summary:

Olive oil may help reduce joint pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis. The beneficial effects are significantly increased when combined with fish oil.

11. Olive oil has antibacterial properties

Olive oil contains many nutrients that can inhibit or suppress harmful bacteria (). One of these types of bacteria is Helicobacter pylori– bacteria that live in the stomach and can cause ulcers and stomach cancer.

Test-tube studies have shown that olive oil is effective against eight strains of these bacteria, three of which are resistant to antibiotics ().

A study conducted on humans showed that 30 g of olive oil can eliminate infection Helicobacter pylori in 10-40% of people in just 2 weeks ().

Summary:

Olive oil has antibacterial properties and has been found to be particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori– a type of bacteria that can cause ulcers and stomach cancer.

Harm of olive oil to the human body

So, why is olive oil harmful to the human body? This product is probably safe when used (orally) appropriately. Olive oil consumption should be limited to 14% of your total daily calorie intake. That's about 2 tablespoons (28 grams) per day.

Olive oil consumed is well tolerated by most people, but may cause nausea in some. Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis have been reported when applied to the skin. When used in the mouth after dental treatment, the mouth may become more sensitive.

Special precautions and warnings:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of consuming olive oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, to avoid unexpected side effects do not consume it in excess (more than 2 tablespoons per day).
• Diabetes: Olive oil can lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar levels when consuming this product.
• Surgery: Olive oil may affect blood sugar levels. Its use may affect blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using this product 2 weeks before surgery. ()

How to take olive oil

Drugs.com reports that olive oil is safe to take in amounts up to 2.7 tablespoons per day. It is not recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women consume it in larger quantities ().

• For constipation: 30 ml (about 2 tablespoons).
• For high blood pressure: 30 to 40 grams (2 to 2 ½ tablespoons) as part of your diet. In other words, if you're taking that much olive oil daily, don't add any more to your foods.
• For high cholesterol: 23 grams (just under 2 tablespoons) instead of other fats in your diet.
• For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks: 54 grams (about 4 tablespoons). To avoid gaining weight with this amount, make sure the other foods you eat are healthy and lower in calories and fat. The risk of side effects may increase with higher doses.

If you can't stand the taste of olive oil... pure form, you can add it to your morning coffee, juice or smoothie.

The oil obtained from olives is used not only for dressing salads or snacks. The benefits of olive oil are its high content of vitamins, fatty acids, and other substances important for the health of the body. Its beneficial properties are successfully used in cleansing the liver, for preparing all kinds of oil infusions, and in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Compound

Useful herbal product rich in oleic acid, its share reaches 80%, while in the sunflower variety it is only 35%. Oleic acid is remarkably absorbed in the intestines, promotes optimal metabolic processes, and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Olive oil contains Omega-9 fatty acids. They have an anti-carcinogenic effect, help lower blood pressure, and are useful for the prevention of obesity. Omega-9 acids help normalize blood levels and reduce their harmful levels.

The linoleic acid included in the composition accelerates wound healing and helps improve.

Vitamins A, D, K strengthen the intestinal walls and bone tissue. makes the skin smooth and gives shine to the hair.

Beneficial properties of olive oil

The product helps normalize blood pressure, reduce body fat, reduce the risk of blood clots.

The Omega-9 fatty acids contained in the composition destroy free radicals, slow down the aging process, and reduce the risk of malignant tumors.

Olive oil is good for the stomach, duodenum, and liver, as it helps heal ulcers and has a pronounced regenerating effect.

Types of olive oil

The maximum beneficial properties are in the product of the so-called cold mechanical pressing, when the olive oil is heated no higher than 27C. This category is called Extra Virgin and is marked DOP (Denominacion de Origen Protegida), protecting the indication of origin. This variety is the healthiest; it is used when dressing salads.

Refined olive oil or simply olive oil is usually used for frying because it does not smoke or foam. To prepare it, a Virgin product is purified using solvents or adsorbents. Unlike the Extra Virgin and Virgin varieties, when frying it produces a minimum of carcinogenic substances and is low in cost.

In order for olive oil to bring maximum benefits, it must be stored correctly. The product is sensitive to light, so it is important to choose a dark, cool room, ideal temperature +10..+15C.

The storage container must have a tight lid or stopper to prevent contact with air.

Treatment of cholelithiasis

Gallstones form when eating cooked food. In the body, such food promotes the formation of oxalic acid salts. Therefore, boiled food must be combined with fresh herbs and salads.

After consultation with a doctor, the following methods are used to dissolve gallstones:

• Do a cleansing enema. Mix half a glass of lemon juice and half a glass of olive oil. Take no earlier than two hours after dinner. Lie on your right side and place a heating pad under your liver. Do the enema again in the morning.

The procedure eliminates bile stagnation and helps remove sand and stones.

• Prepare 0.5 liters of olive oil and 0.5 liters of strained juice of fresh lemons. Wait at least 6 hours after your last meal. Drink 4 tbsp. oil, immediately wash down with 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Repeat every 15 minutes. When the oil runs out, drink all the remaining lemon juice.

If stones have formed in the bile ducts, take 1/2 tsp of the herbal product. half an hour before meals, gradually increasing the dosage to half a glass.

Liver cleansing with olive oil

The classic liver cleansing procedure requires Apple juice. The night before, do a cleansing enema.

First day. Do a cleansing enema in the morning. During the day, drink juice squeezed from fresh apples, which do not contain residues of various fertilizers.

Second day. Start the day with an enema and drink only apple juice throughout the day.

Third day: In the morning, enema, apple juice until 19 pm local time.

By 19:00 on the third day, prepare 300 ml of olive oil and 300 ml of fresh lemon juice.

Exactly at 19:00 take 3 tbsp. olive oil heated to +30..+35C, wash down with 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Attach a heating pad with hot water to the liver. To prevent burning the skin, place a small towel. Lie on your right side.

Every 15 minutes take 3 tbsp. oil, wash down with 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Drink all the oil this way. With the last dose, drink the remaining juice.

After some time - an hour, two, several hours - the ducts will open, you will need to go to the toilet (it is better to prepare a potty). Bilirubin stones, black bile, yellow cholesterol flakes, and various films will begin to come out.

If cleansing happened after an hour or two, give a cleansing enema before bed and repeat in the morning.

You can start the next morning with a light breakfast.

To get the maximum benefit from cleansing the liver with olive oil, it is recommended to perform the procedure every three to four months, increasing the amount by 30-50 ml each time.

As a rule, after four or five cleanings, the oldest stones come out. Then it is enough to clean the ducts once a year.

Treatment of peptic ulcer

• Add a glass of olive oil to a glass of aloe juice and leave for three days. Place 1 tbsp in a small container. honey, cook over low heat for 2 hours, mix with the prepared mixture.

Take 1 tbsp for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. half an hour before meals 4-5 times a day. The course of treatment is one month.

To improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines, it is useful to take 1 tbsp on an empty stomach. olive oil.

Treatment of oral diseases

Heated olive oil is beneficial for gum inflammation. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into it and rub into the gums. If painful sensations occur, rinse your mouth with a healthy product every morning for 10 minutes. When finished, be sure to spit and do not swallow.

Treatment of periodontitis

Stir 1 tbsp. refined olive oil and 30% tincture to form a homogeneous emulsion. Lubricate the gums with the resulting mixture 2-3 times a day.

Oil can be replaced with glycerin.

Constipation

The product promotes bowel movements, helps normalize stool, and is useful for those suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids. It is enough to take 1 tsp. olive oil on an empty stomach.

Heat the oil to a comfortable temperature in a container placed in hot water. Introduce using an enema into the rectum.

Sclerosis

Anyone over 50 who experiences signs of forgetfulness, frequent pain in the head and heart, or hesitancy when walking, may benefit from taking garlic oil to dilate blood vessels:

• Mash the cloves of one head into a paste, place in a glass container, pour a glass of the Extra Virgin variety of product, and put in the refrigerator.
  After a day, mix 1 tsp. garlic composition with 1 tsp. lemon juice, take half an hour before meals for a month.

After a month, repeat the course.

The harm of olive oil

You should take olive oil with caution if you have cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. The product has a pronounced choleretic effect, which can dislodge stones, causing blockage of the duct.

Any vegetable oil increases the load on digestive system and is high in calories. Therefore, if your health is good, you should limit your intake to 1-2 tbsp. in a day.

It is also worth limiting your intake fried foods. They cause harm to the body, even if prepared using a refined variety of refined olive oil.

It should be remembered that olives do not grow in our country, they are an imported product, so you should not completely abandon traditional unrefined sunflower, flax vegetable oils.

Every time I go to the store to buy olive oil, I get a little overwhelmed, looking at all these different bottles and tins and not knowing what to choose. I think I'm not the only one who has encountered this problem.

AiF.ru The famous taster and owner of olive groves, Senor Massi Giovanni, agreed to advise on this issue.

1. Hierarchy of olive oils

Mr. Massey: First of all, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that you should not just say “olive oil”, but add Extra Virgin before that. In Italy, if you go to a store and just say “olive oil,” they will bring you sewing machine oil (laughs).

Extra Virgin means oil that has been obtained by pressing olives (without the use of chemical or biochemical additives). This oil is of the highest quality and, as a rule, is added already in ready meals. Olive oil Extra virgin olive oil – the most natural category of olive oil with perfect aroma and taste. Acidity does not exceed 0.8%.

In addition to Extra Virgin, the International Olive Oil Council divides oil into the following categories:

Fine virgin olive oil – cold pressed oil with impeccable taste and aroma and maximum acidity. Acidity from 0.8 to 1.5%. Semi-fine virgin olive oil – cold pressed oil with pleasant taste and aroma. Acidity from 1.5 to 3%. Olive oil from unripe olives – first harvest oil, produced in limited quantities from fruits collected from the best olive trees.

Olive oil – consists exclusively of oil obtained from olive fruits. Olio vergine – produced by pressing olives mechanically And Olio di sansa di oliva – made from the remains of the pulp and fragments of seeds, and then mixed with vergine. Due to the fact that this olive oil is practically devoid of a characteristic odor, it is best used for frying. Refined olive oil – oil of the Virgin category, which has undergone purification and refining.

Percentage natural juice There are not many olives (virgin olive oil) in it, the inscription on the container “Olive oil” should not mislead you. Flavored Olive Oil – used in almost all national cuisines peace. It gives pleasant aroma dishes.

The last two categories, which are exactly what you will get for your sewing machine, include lamp olive oil of the category vergine (Olio vergine lampante) And refined olive oil (Olio di oliva raffinato) . These two categories are not suitable for human consumption due to organoleptic defects and are intended for refining or industrial use.

2. Mysterious writings

AiF.ru: Senor Giovanni, what do the abbreviations DOP/IGP/PDO mean, which can be seen on bottles of olive oil?

Mr. Massey: As for abbreviations, they indicate oil with a protected designation of origin/indication of the geographical area of ​​production. There is also a third category - biological olive oil, obtained by the method of “biological” (environmentally friendly) production, which is also confirmed by the appropriate certificate. For example, Diavolocane olive oil falls into this category, where it is written as such on the bottle. All these gradations apply only to cold-pressed oil -.

AiF.ru: Tell me, how do you know if the oil is of good quality, and if there are cases of counterfeiting, like, for example, with alcohol?

Mr. Massey: In Italy there are criminal penalties for this kind of counterfeiting, so no. In addition, DOP/IGP/PDO and the name “organic” olive oil are a guarantee against counterfeiting. Oil can be of poor quality only in two cases: due to weather conditions that led to a poor harvest or if it was not harvested on time. In this case, the olives have little pulp and the pits give off bitterness. Unlike other fruits, olives do not have a clear ripening time: this year the harvest can be harvested in mid-September, and next year - two weeks earlier or later, and it is very important not to miss this moment.

3. Young people love us everywhere

AiF.ru: Continuing the theme of wine, is it possible to say about olive oil that it is better not to take this year’s bottle?

Mr. Massey: In this sense, olive oil differs from wine. The rule “the older, the tastier” should be read here as “the younger, the healthier.” One of the most important things when buying olive oil is the production date and expiration date, so read the label carefully. Conscientious manufacturers always set a date. The shelf life of the oil from the date of production should not exceed 18 months, so look for a “younger” oil.

4. Storage rules

AiF.ru: Are there any rules for storing olive oil?

Mr. Massey: Olive oil should not be placed near the stove or in the refrigerator. It should be stored in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. It also doesn't like light. If you look, all the bottles are made of dark glass. In Italy, olive oil is often stored in the same compartment as the trash can (laughs). Is it the same in Russia?

AiF.ru: No, in Russia they treat olive oil with respect: it is not so cheap that it needs to be stored in such an unpresentable place.

Mr. Massey: And one more rule: olive oil cannot be kept open for a long time, so that when combined with air it does not oxidize. Open the bottle, pour in the required amount of oil and immediately close it tightly with the lid.

The main and still unattainable dream of humanity at all times has been and remains a cure for all diseases. However, neither technological progress nor incredible computer capabilities have yet been able to help us achieve this goal. Therefore, the most effective way healing of the body still remains ethnoscience and healthy products given to us by nature itself. Olive oil is especially effective - a real panacea that can defeat even cancer cells! But what is the superiority of foreign olive over domestic sunflower? And can this miracle medicine harm your own health? Read the article about the benefits and harms of olive oil on an empty stomach, reviews of people taking it.

Olive - a gift from Athena

Just as the ancient peoples loved to compose legends and myths about everything valuable and inexplicably useful, it is said about the Greek olive that it was a gift from the goddess of wisdom and peace, Athena. Allegedly, this divine lady once argued with her husband Poseidon about what the new city of Attica would be called. Zeus helped them resolve the dispute by announcing a competition for the most useful gift for the people. As a result, Poseidon decided to defeat everyone with a source of clean water, and wise Athena created a source of vitamins and other useful compounds in the fruits of the olive tree. Subsequently, they became an indispensable ingredient in cosmetics, medicines, and masterpieces. culinary arts. And for good reason, because olive oil contains:

• all known vitamins: A, B, C, D, K, E, F;
• macro- and microelements: potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium;
• unsaturated and saturated fatty acids;
• antioxidants, etc.

Well, the dispute was resolved in favor of Athena, from which the ancient Greeks only benefited. For many years, olives served as the monetary unit of this people and were equated to gold coins. Until now, the well-being of a resident of Greece, Italy or Spain can be assessed by the number of olive trees they own. This fact really makes you think about why olive fruits are valuable and what specific effect they have on the human body.

Among the most compelling arguments in favor of olive oil is the fact that residents of the olive homeland are less likely than other peoples to have problems with the cardiovascular system. Moreover, they have learned to prevent the formation of cancer cells with the help of olives.

Thus, the formation of cholesterol plaques and blood clots on the walls of blood vessels is prevented by omega-9 (oleic acid), thereby preventing atherosclerosis, heart disease and vascular diseases.

While studying the properties of olive oil, scientists became interested in its molecular composition, where fatty acids consist of fairly large molecules. This implies a large number of atoms in their composition, providing greater energy output to the human body. In simple terms, if you consume olive oil in winter period time, you can never become hypothermic.

An interesting fact is that a natural hydrocarbon of youth was discovered in olive oil relatively recently. We are talking about squalene, the existence of which became a real sensation when it was discovered in long-lived sharks. Based on this useful component, the beauty industry has learned to make cosmetics. However, it is easy to replace specialized preparations with unrefined olive oil, applying it to the skin of the face and body.

The amazing properties of olives help smokers by neutralizing the harm from smokers. Moreover, by promoting accelerated cell renewal and wound healing, olive oil will protect the lungs from destructive effects.

The benefits of olive oil for the body

By improving blood circulation with the help of linoleic acid, olive products can influence brain function and the production of nerve cells. Thus, a person who regularly consumes olive oil will have excellent memory, reaction speed and coordination of movements.

It has been proven that the fats contained in olive oil can replace mother's milk for an infant. Therefore, this olive product is recommended to be added to babies’ first complementary foods - porridge and purees.

What other benefits does olive oil have for the human body? The greatest advantage of olives is their ability to heal stomach ulcers. Recovery promises to occur within three months after starting the olive diet. Olives also have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas, liver and gastrointestinal tract as a whole. Moreover, olive oil prevents the formation of gallstones and reduces pain in the presence of a particular disease of the body.

With the help of olive, they have even learned to cope with diseases in the oral cavity, including periodontal disease. To do this, you just need to brush your teeth with olive oil and rub it into the surface of your gums.

The main thing is to do no harm

As the main principle of medicine says, the main thing is to do no harm. But in the case of olive oil, you can harm your health only in two cases:

• purchasing not quality product;
• consuming it in unlimited quantities.

How to take olive oil? The product will bring benefits with a reasonable approach to its use. Experts have determined the norm to be no more than 2-3 tablespoons of this product per day. If you use more, this may lead to weight gain. excess weight, least.

Before taking olive oil, the benefits and harms should be studied and discussed with a specialist. A contraindication to the use of this product may also be individual intolerance or the presence of cholelithiasis.

Plus, it’s better for the residents of our vast homeland not to give up their native sunflower oil finally.

And, of course, no one is immune from purchasing a low-quality product, so its selection and storage should be approached responsibly. Moreover, if you are going to improve your health with the help of olive oil.

What manufacturers are keeping silent about

Before taking olive oil, the benefits and harms to the body are, of course, worth studying. And, in addition, you need to purchase a quality product. It is worth noting that the largest suppliers of olive oil are the following countries: Greece, Italy and Spain. They supply for us various varieties and types of olive oil that are not always so natural and healthy. In order to confidently consume olive oil, you need to understand a little about its production processes. Its technological capabilities allow it to produce three types of olive oil:

• Extra virgin olive oil.

It is this product that is the most useful, since during production olive oil is not subject to heat treatment or the addition of chemicals. Costs this product It’s not cheap, and it can’t be stored for long. You can determine whether olive oil belongs to this category by the composition of fatty acids - their amount should not exceed 1%.

• Extra virgin olive oil.

This oil is obtained by the second cold pressing, respectively. It also does not contain chemicals, but is inferior to its “first” brother in quality characteristics: taste, smell, color.

• Chemical extraction.

• Cake oil is made from a substrate, subjected to heat treatment and a whole list of chemical solvents is added to it. For example, gasoline and hexane. This product is not capable of providing any benefit. Its use is widespread in the production of mayonnaise and sauces, where the details of the production of second-grade oil are kept silent.
• If a bottle of oil is labeled Pure olive oil, then be prepared that this type of product is made using a similar technology to press oil, with the exception of some technological features.
• Finally, the Pomace oil labeling indicates that this oil is intended for the manufacture of creams, soaps, balms or cosmetics. However, this is similar to chemical extraction, which has little to do with the useful product.

Rules for choosing olive oil

Those who have long turned their attention to such a useful product as olive oil probably know that refined, that is, purified, bleached and deodorized oil cannot have the beneficial effect declared by experts. Therefore, when purchasing this product, you should be guided by the following rules:

• To use the olive product as a salad dressing, cosmetic product or food additives you need to purchase only unrefined oil.
• The cost of natural olive oil is quite high, since from one olive tree the producer can collect only 8 kilograms of fruit, from which only 1.5 liters of the final product is obtained.
• Real unrefined olive oil has a greenish tint, a pungent odor of olives and a slightly bitter taste. You can see a small sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
• Look carefully at the product label. The above labels indicate a low-quality product, but the Bio or Organic labels, on the contrary, promise naturalness and the absence of chemicals, as well as genetically modified raw materials.

Finally, if you are going to use it, in this case it is better to give preference to a refined product that does not have a pronounced smell and taste.

As numerous consumers note in reviews, when storing olive oil, it should be protected from sunlight and bright light. That is why the product is most often bottled in dark glass bottles. You should not store the olive product in the refrigerator, as in this case it will lose its beneficial properties. The optimal temperature for its storage is no higher than 12 degrees.

Olive oil on an empty stomach: benefits and harms

In many open sources you can read that the most effective way to have the beneficial effects of olive oil on the body is to take it on an empty stomach, that is, 15 minutes before eating the main meal. Why did the experts think so?

Due to the fact that the olive product is a choleretic agent, when it enters our body first, it, as it were, prepares the gastrointestinal tract for the digestion of food, thereby starting the choleretic process. After all, it is bile that helps break down consumed foods with the greatest efficiency. Especially if you drink olive oil with lemon juice. What could go wrong in this case, you ask?

In case of existing cholelithiasis, olive oil can provoke the movement of stones towards the canals, which will lead the consumer to a hospital bed with a diagnosis of biliary colic.

Plus, in combination with lemon, the olive product can cause severe stomach upset, in other words, diarrhea.

However, according to reviews about the benefits and harms of olive oil, cases of such consequences are quite rare, especially if your consumption of olive oil is reduced to a healthy minimum. Plus, the treatment of each individual disease requires an individual approach.

Olive Health Recipes

In order for olive oil to benefit on an empty stomach, reviews recommend using the tips below. After all, each individual case of disease or prevention has its own secrets of using an olive product.

1. Due to the fact that olive oil cleanses the liver and removes cholesterol, consumers often resort to cleansing the body with the help of an olive diet. To do this, oil and lemon juice are mixed in equal quantities (150 ml each) and consumed every 15 minutes for 1 day. But the day before, you should give up fatty and protein foods, and 6 hours before the start of the procedure, it is better to do an enema. There is another, more gentle way to cleanse the liver - drinking 1 glass tomato juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily before breakfast.
2. In order to cure gastritis, experts recommend drinking a glass of purified water every day in the morning, then, after 20 minutes, a tablespoon of olive oil, and after another 30 minutes, start breakfast. The course of such therapy cannot be continued for more than 3 months. But olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach (we have already discussed the benefits of using this product), mixed with aloe juice and honey, can help cure a peptic ulcer.
3. You need to follow recipes very carefully for pancreatitis, since olive oil with this diagnosis can only be used 30 days after remission and in an amount not exceeding 1 tablespoon per day.
4. Many in their reviews about the benefits of olive oil note that a tablespoon of the product, consumed on an empty stomach 20-30 minutes before meals, will help cleanse the intestines and forget about constipation.
5. Many people recommend using olive oil for thrombosis and varicose veins. The oil product can thin the blood and relieve blood vessels from blood clots and plaques. Consuming the oil on an empty stomach can be supplemented by rubbing it into the affected area of ​​the vessel.

Olives guard beauty

However, the magical olive remedy can improve the condition of the human body not only from the inside. With oil you can significantly improve appearance your hair, facial skin, and nails. If you are planning to deal with this particular issue of your health and beauty, use olive oil comprehensively, that is, both internally and as a means for external use.

• Thanks to its cell renewal property, olive oil heals wounds and burns well. It can be rubbed directly into the affected area of ​​the skin or taken in warm baths with the addition of 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil.
• In addition to healing, the olive product can have a beneficial effect on the skin of the face and body; it will get rid of cellulite, nourish and moisturize dry skin, protect against ultraviolet rays, cure cracks on the lips, and get rid of wrinkles and age spots. It is enough to cleanse the skin of the face and body, and then apply olive oil as a mask for 10-15 minutes, then rinse warm water.
• Those who suffer from hair loss, split ends or unruly strands should carry out a comprehensive olive oil treatment every day. It is rubbed into the hair roots or applied as a mask along the entire length for no more than 15 minutes. Oil can be mixed with other healthy products. For example, with a banana, egg yolk or lavender oil, as well as burdock oil.
• To strengthen the nail plate and get rid of its delamination, rub olive oil into the surface of the nail or make special baths with sea ​​salt, cosmetic additives and olive oil.

After such complex therapy, your hair will be soft and shiny, your nails will be strong, and your facial skin will begin to glow with youth.

Drawing conclusions

We analyzed the benefits and harms of olive oil for the body. In conclusion, I would like to cite one interesting story about how 90-year-old French woman J. Calment sold her apartment to a 47-year-old lawyer. The terms of the contract were simple - the buyer agreed to pay the elderly owner of the property a certain amount of money every month, as if he had purchased an apartment with a 10-year mortgage. How could this far from old man think that he would pay the agreed amount for another 30 years and would not live to see the moment he took possession of the apartment. After the death of the lawyer, the grieving widow paid the debt for another 2 years. As a result, the Frenchwoman passed away at the age of 122, which is how she set the world record for longevity. But the most interesting thing is not even all these events, but the fact that the elderly lady did not adhere to a healthy lifestyle at all and quit smoking, for example, literally a few years before her death. When Jeanne Calment was asked how she managed to live so long, she referred to her large consumption of port wine, chocolate and olive oil.

What can I say? Perhaps a panacea for all diseases has existed for a long time, and scientists are in vain racking their brains over technological process? At the very least, it’s worth trying the miracle remedy from olives.