There are so many things we don’t know about oils, vitamins, minerals, and many other related health products available out there. What they are, why we need them, where they came from. Wanting to find out more about these substances can be pretty difficult. Most of the write-ups that tell us about them can be boring. Most of the time, you end up having to scroll your way through paragraph after paragraph just to find something interesting.
But now you don’t have to!
Follow our ‘Did you know?’ to find out 20 interesting facts about the different vitamins, minerals, or oils available out there to help your body and mind. All easy to remember and laid out here for you to find!
20 Interesting Facts About Olive Oil
1. The earliest known production of olive oil dates back to 4000 BC, with the substance originating in the Middle East or Mediterranean Basin.
2. Olive oil is predominately used in cooking throughout Europe, especially Mediterranean countries and the West. It has a low smoking point making it a safe choice for cooking – the smoke point is the temperature where the oil starts to emit smoke.
3. There are 5 different types of olive oil – extra virgin, virgin, pure, refined and olive pomace oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil as it’s less processed than the others.
4. Olive oil has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. The more flavour your olive oil contains, the higher its amount of antioxidants.
6. Olive oil also has antibacterial properties.
7. Nearly 75% of olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. Oleic acid reduces inflammation in the body.
8. Olive oil is a great makeup remover.
9. Olive oil can be used to soften nail cuticles before pushing them back during a manicure.
10. Olive oil is good for massaging into dry elbows, knees, and ankles to soften the skin.
11. Massaging warm olive oil into your scalp and through your hair is an effective hair treatment for relieving dryness and itchiness. It can also bring your body into a state of relaxation due to the calming effects of a massage.
12. Olive oil may help to prevent strokes and heart disease. The risk of suffering from a stroke or heart disease are low in countries that predominantly consume olive oil in cooking, such as those in the Mediterranean.
13. Olive oil can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body.
14. It has been shown that consuming olive oil in moderation in your diet does not appear to increase your weight despite the fact that olive oil is a fat. In fact, it can help with weight loss.
15. A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is good for brain function. Consuming the oil can help prevent a decline in cognitive abilities.
16. A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil can reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
17. Olive oil has anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants in olive oil reduce the damage to the body done by free radicals which go on to cause cancer.
18. Olive oil can help people treat and reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
19. Olive oil, along with a healthy diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, can help treat and reduce the onset of depression. A diverse microbiome in the colon, which these foods bring, can lead to cognitive improvement and better mental health.
20. When applied topically, olive oil keeps the skin’s firmness and elasticity, thus delaying any signs of ageing such as lines and wrinkles.
If you know any more interesting things about olive oil, let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
