It is clear to all of us that extra virgin and virgin olive oils play a particularly important role when it comes to healthy eating. But the uses of olive oil go far beyond culinary ones. In the following lines, we have prepared a short list of tips on how you can use olive oil as intended:
Culinary purpose
There is no way not to start with the most widespread form of olive oil consumption. In recent years, there have been quite a few controversies on topics such as:
- what kind of olive oil should be used for cooking
- is olive oil healthy
- can we consume olive oil every day and many others
After a detailed study of medical journals from various organizations worldwide, we can confidently share that the answers to all questions are YES!
- We can consume olive oil daily, as long as it does not exceed generally accepted permissible values. (to find the values)
- We can cook with olive oil, not just use it for dressing. This clearly includes the often concerning topic of frying in olive oil. It is fine to use both extra virgin and virgin olive oil. Both types are resistant to high temperatures; they just have a lower smoke point than other types of oils on the market, and they differ in price.
- Olive oil is much healthier than all other oils on the market, BUT only if it is proven virgin or extra virgin.
Cosmetic purpose
Since ancient times, olive oil (olio) has been used as a lotion that leaves the skin soft and radiant. People also used it as a nourishing ointment for hair. It is no coincidence that there are so many face and hair masks on “do it yourself” websites.
Today, the use of olive oil is extremely widespread in the cosmetic industry due to its high content of polyphenols and vitamin E. On the market, there are various types of lotions, creams, shampoos, face and hair masks that contain this beneficial fat.
Information about the cosmetic uses of olive oil can be read in one of our upcoming articles.
Medicinal use
Similar to its cosmetic benefits, the medicinal properties of olive oil have been well known since ancient times. There are records that olive oil was highly successful in treating sunburns and skin inflammations.
Nowadays, there are many creams and lotions that do this work for us, but if you get a burn and only have olive oil at hand, it would do a great job.
It can be just as effectively used for rough skin, replacing lotion and petroleum jelly.
In ancient times, olive oil was drunk for inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract. Today, there are various cleansing dietary therapies that include the excessive use of this beneficial oil.
It is also used in the fight against diabetes due to its property to reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood, lower blood pressure, and support the good function of our cardiovascular system.
More information about the composition of olive oil can be read in Beneficial substances in extra virgin olive oil.
Technical purpose
An interesting fact is that olive oil is widely used as a natural substitute for machine oil. It can be effectively applied for lubricating electrical appliances and machine parts.
However, for these purposes, it is better to use one of the refined types, as unrefined ones are much more expensive.
No matter how you use olive oil, it is always good to be aware of the benefits and risks that come with the use of any fat.
To make a better informed choice, please read Olive oil guide.
