The Many Benefits of Using Olive Oil

Olive oil is so beneficial to our bodies. First of all its natural, and in this day and age it's so hard to know what exactly we are eating or applying to our skin. I try not to think of the artificial flavors and msg added to foods that I'm eating. Other countries have already found this hidden treasure. Take for example the mediterranean diet,it has gained popularity and as far as fats go, its the healthy choice. It has 120 calories per tablespoon, and that is just the same as any other oil including butter or lard. It's flavourfull and high in vitamin E, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fat.

The other reason that I am a big fan of olive oil besides the wonderful flavor and aroma when cooking, is that its great for your skin. I've been using it this past year, and this winter it has helped tremendouly for my dry skin. You dont have to go out and buy expensive creams and lotions to keep your skin hydrated, you can just look in your own kitchen cupboard. To get the full benefits to keep skin feeling smooth is to apply right out of the shower, or I've even been taking the olive oil into the shower with me and after washing myself apply the oil to my skin and then lightly towel off when I get out. This can help with eczema, wrinkles, stretch marks and even as an acne treatment. To use as an acne treatment for myself I add one part to Lavender oil to ten parts of olive oil and apply to my cleansed skin. The lavender oil acts as an anti inflammtory and an antiseptic. This can also help if you are beginning to see some wrinkles (like myself) and have dry combination skin. In olive oil is something called squalene, a natural compound used in cosmetics. It helps to regulate sebum, which is produced by our sebatious glands in our skin which acts as a barrier to help protect the skin, and prohibits the growth of micro-organisms....oooo, yuck.  So to sum up th benefits of olive oil....

• All natural
• Packed with vitaminE (anti-oxidant), K, A, phenols (anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulant), Oleocanthal (anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant), Squalene (promotes protective coating on skin), Chlorophyll (anti-aging substance)
• Cheap skin care, anti aging properties