The benefits of olive oil
As well as being the ingredient of choice in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil offers a host of health benefits.
Olive oil and its health benefits
First and foremost, it is renowned for its cardio-healthy properties. Thanks to its monounsaturated fatty acid content, olive oil helps to maintain a healthy lipid balance by helping to reduce LDL cholesterol ('bad' cholesterol) while preserving HDL cholesterol levels ('good' cholesterol), which is essential for cardiovascular health.
Olive oil is also a rich source of antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which play a crucial role in protecting against oxidative stress. These natural compounds help neutralise free radicals in the body, helping to reduce the risk of chronic disease and premature ageing.
The benefits of olive oil also include its anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenols it contains have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can have positive effects on arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
The benefits of olive oil for beauty and skin care
Olive oil not only has benefits for internal health, it also has valuable properties for the skin. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, olive oil provides deep hydration to the skin, protecting it from environmental damage and dryness. It can be used as a natural moisturiser, leaving skin soft, supple and revitalised.
In addition, olive oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for calming skin irritations and redness. It can be applied to sensitive or irritated areas to ease discomfort and facilitate healing. Olive oil is also an excellent choice for hair care, as it nourishes and revitalises dry, damaged hair, leaving strands smoother and shinier.
Olive oil can also be used as an effective natural make-up remover. Its soft texture gently removes make-up while moisturising the skin, preventing the drying caused by some chemical make-up removers. To reap its benefits, you can apply it directly to the skin as a moisturising serum, or incorporate it into masks, scrubs and other homemade skincare products for radiant, healthy-looking skin.