OIL OIL FACTS
Extra virgin olive oil has not been chemically processed and does not contain any preservatives.
One of the reasons why olive oil is so beneficial to human health, is that it is not subject to any chemical treatment and does not contain any preservatives. In this way, it preserves its vitamins, its monounsaturated fatty acids and all the other natural ingredients of the olive fruit.
Extensive research has proven the cardio-protective and anti-cancer activity of olive oil.
Olive oil acts as a regulator of cholesterol, increasing the "good" HDL cholesterol contained in the human body, while at the same time reducing "bad" cholesterol LDL. This results in reduction of cardiovascular diseases like the coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. It is also known for its anti-cancer activity, mainly due to the presence of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Olive oil carries exactly the same caloric content as other types of oils.
The intense characteristics of olive oil and its viscous texture are misleading indications regarding its caloric content in the comparison to the so-called "light" oils, such as sunflower oil, corn-oil, soybean oil, etc. As a matter of fact, all oils contain 9 calories per gram. So, 1 tablespoon of olive oil contains the same calories as 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil (135 calories).
Olive oil is the only oil that withstands more on heating and frying.
The most suitable oil for frying and deep-frying is olive oil. This is due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Studies show that its resistance to extreme heat is even five times greater than seed oils. The most suitable temperatures for frying with olive oil are between 160°C and 180°C and frying time must not exceed 15-20 minutes.
Olive oil helps to reduce the influence of alcohol.
After an intense consumption of alcohol, one tablespoon of olive oil may help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of drunkenness, while relieving the stomach.
Add olive oil at the end of the cooking process. This way it preserves its flavor and aroma better.
Although olive oil is resistant to high temperatures, it would be preferable to be added at the end of cooking. In this way it would preserve most of its precious ingredients such as vitamins (A, E), antioxidants, monounsaturated fatty acids and organoleptic characteristics (aroma and taste).
Olive oil can contribute effectively to combat hair loss and dandruff.
Olive oil has an observable therapeutic effect on human hair due to fatty acids and vitamin E it contains, which affect the hair structure. Nowadays, experts prescribe it as an effective remedy alopecia (hair-loss) and dandruff. A natural way of strengthening the hair is to massage with olive oil once a week on the scalp and then spread throughout the length of hair. Leave it for half an hour and then rinse with water. After a few iterations the results are obvious.
The method of olive oil storage constitutes an important factor in preserving its quality.
Important role for the preservation of its quality, play the bottles and containers in which the olive oil is stored as well as the place and temperature at which it is kept. It is most suitable to store it in dark glass bottles, which protect the olive oil from the light or special tin can containers, which are good for the same reason. If none of the former is available, then you may chose to store it in a plastic PET bottle. Never forget to keep it in cool, dry, dark storage location, away from sunlight or the light of lamps. Exposing olive oil to the light can lead to oxidation. Proper storage temperature is considered to be 10°C between 18°C. Keep in mind that olive oil may become cloudy at less than 8°C but will slowly clear at room temperature. Finally, it does not require any refrigeration.
Olive oil is a natural solution to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during and after pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a very common phenomenon is the appearance of stretch marks caused by the stretching of the skin at the abdomen. This phenomenon can be reduced or even avoided using olive oil daily at the abdomen after a bath.
Olive oil is the best dietary option for the diets of children, helping their proper growth.
Olive oil and especially extra virgin olive oil is necessary for the normal growth of children and adolescents. The essential fatty acids contained in it help brain development, eyesight and bone growth. Therefore, it should be an integral part of their daily dietary patterns, starting from infancy.
