The Magic of Olive Oil
The cultivation of olive trees has been traced as far back as
6,000 B.C. in Syria and there is certainly evidence that oil
from this marvellous plant has been used for thousands of years
in the Mediterranean regions. There are many references to its'
use in the Bible, both for culinary and ceremonial purposes, and
of course an olive branch has been adopted as a sign of peace
ever since the dove returned to Noah carrying one and thus
indicating that the flood waters were receding.
In more recent times the health giving properties that the
ancients attributed to olive oil have been substantiated by
modern science and it is now generally agreed that it has the
ability to lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of
heart attacks. In addition olive oil has very high levels of the
antioxidant vitamins E and K which provide a defence mechanism
that delays ageing and prevents carcinogenesis, atherosclerosis
and liver disorders. It has very high levels of monounsaturated
fats, 77%, and it is this which attributed with the ability to
positively alter the ratio between good and bad cholesterol.
The
Mediterranean Diet, in which olive oil plays an important
part, is now considered to be one of the healthiest in the world
with people from those regions experiencing lower rates of heart
disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases than elsewhere
in the Western World.
The olives are pressed as soon as possible once they arrive at
the mills. This is done mechanically today and whilst it maybe
filtered it is otherwise untreated and so is totally natural.
Olive oil is then graded according to its' acidity.
Extra Virgin Olive.
Oil Virgin olive oil having a maximum free acidity, in terms of
oleic acid, of 0.8g per 100g, the other characteristics of which
comply with those laid down from this category.
Virgin Olive Oil.
Virgin olive oil having a maximum free acidity, in terms of
oleic acid of 2g per 100g, the other characteristics of which
comply with those laid down from this category.
Olive Oil.
Olive oil obtained by blending refined olive oil and virgin
olive oil, other than lampante oil, having a free acid content,
expressed as oleic acid, of not more than 1.5g per 100g and the
other characteristics of which comply with those laid down from
this category.
Olive Pomace Oil.
Oil obtained by blending refined olive-pomace oil and virgin
olive oil other than lampante oil, having a free acid content
expressed as oleic acid of not more than 1.5g per 100g and the
other characteristics of which comply with those laid down from
this category.
In addition to its' many health giving benefits olive oil can
also be used externally as a beauty and health aid:-
For the softest hands imaginable:
Mix one teaspoon of olive oil with half a teaspoon of salt and
massage into your hands. The salt exfoliates and the oil
softens. You will be amazed at how soft, smooth and blemish free
your hands look. Also useful for removing heavy staining, oil
etc. Works well on elbows, knees, feet and can be used as an all
over scrub prior to bathing (probably best to take a shower
unless you fancy sitting in the middle of an oil slick!). For
particularly rough skin, substitute sugar for the salt.
For soft, shiny, manageable hair:
Massage olive oil into your hair and leave for as long as
possible before shampooing. Repeat weekly.
To prevent dandruff:
Rub into the hair a mixture of olive oil and Eau de Cologne.
Then rinse and shampoo as normal.
For a relaxing massage:
Warm some olive oil (place container in hot water for 5
minutes) and add a drop or two of your favourite essential oil.
For Earache:
Warm some olive oil as above, add a few drops to the ear and
then plug with cotton wool.
Olives.
In addition to the oil that can be obtained from this wonderful
ancient tree the fruits themselves can also be eaten and are
likewise a very healthy addition to any diet. They too are of
course high in heart protecting monounsaturated fats and vitamin
E and they also contain a variety of phytonutrients such as
polyphenols and flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory actions of the
monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and polyphenols in olives may
also help reduce the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis, and
rheumatoid arthritis, three conditions where most of the damage
is caused by high levels of free radicals. The vitamin E in
olives may even help to reduce the frequency and/or intensity of
hot flushes in women going through menopause.