Why is olive oil useful and what composition is it rich in? How many calories are in 100 g and a tablespoon? When can a product be harmful? Benefits in cosmetology, types of oils, how to choose, abbreviations IGP and DOP. Even in ancient times, the great poet Homer called this product "liquid gold", because compared to other vegetable oils, it occupies a leading place in the content of monounsaturated fats. It is actively used in medicine, cosmetology, weight loss diets. The largest producers are Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Cyprus, Turkey, USA and North African countries. The Russian and Ukrainian food markets are supplied from Spain and Italy.
Olive oil (wood, Provence) is obtained from the fleshy part of the fruit of the olive tree, as well as from the kernel of its hard stone.
The best food grade is considered to be the one obtained by cold pressing (as evidenced by the inscription on the label "first cold press"), it is called "Extra Virgin Olive Oil".
Refined is obtained using physicochemical processes aimed at eliminating the strong taste and acid content.
Oil made from extraction through chemical solvents (hexane) and high temperature is called pomace olive oil. For more information about the types and the correct choice of oil, read the article "How to choose the right olive oil?"
What do the acronyms IGP and DOP stand for?
- IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) - olives were pressed in one country (Spain or Greece) and packed outside of it.
- DOP (Denominazione d 'Origine Protetta) - produced and packaged within the same region.
The chemical composition of olive oil
It contains vitamin E, B4 (choline), K (phylloquinone "find out which foods contain vitamin K"), as well as trace elements: potassium, calcium, sodium, unsaturated fats (fatty acids).
Calorie content of olive oil
per 100 g - 890 kcal:
- Proteins - 0, 0 g
- Fat - 99.9 g
- Carbohydrates - 0, 0 g
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) - 15.0 mg
One tablespoon of olive oil contains 199 calories:
- Fat - 13.5 g
- Vitamin E - 2.5 mg
The olive oil varieties produced in the southern Mediterranean regions have more linoleic acid in their composition than the varieties produced in the northern regions.
The benefits of olive oil
The beneficial properties of this type of oil are significant compared to its other fatty competitors. Olive oil is widely used in cooking (especially in the Mediterranean countries: Greek, Italian, Spanish). The breakfast of most people in these countries consists of a slice of hot whole grain bread flavored with a few drops of olive oil.
It is added to various soups, salads, main courses. It is famous not only for its taste, but also has a positive effect on the digestive processes. The secret lies in the high content of oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids), which lowers blood cholesterol levels. Easily absorbed by the body, accelerates metabolism, improves appetite.
With regular use, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases can be avoided.
Many medicines for lowering blood pressure are made from olive leaves. In addition, olive oil works well on bone tissue, preventing calcium loss, which is especially beneficial for children and adolescents. Due to the content of linoleic acid, the product is useful for the rapid healing of burns and wounds, the normal functioning of tissues and the maintenance of muscle tone. Linoleic acid has a beneficial effect on motor coordination and vision. It has long been recognized as the ability of this product to accelerate the healing process in case of disorders of the nervous system.
Recent studies have shown that oil reduces the risk of malignant tumors, especially breast cancer. Vitamins, antioxidants, oleic acid, which are part of olives, stop the development of cancer cells, removing toxins and harmful compounds. Read more in the article: "The benefits of olives."
Useful properties in cosmetology
The anti-aging properties of olive oil are widely used in the preparation of masks, creams and balms for the hair, face and body. Thanks to the content of the unique substances squalane and squalene, it reduces fine wrinkles and gives the skin a healthy and radiant appearance. Phenols stop the aging process by protecting against the harmful effects of the sun, which is beneficial for age spots and freckles. Olive oil will also help if you have rough heels.
What woman doesn't dream of thick and luxurious hair? So, to achieve this dream, you can make a simple nourishing mask with this product at home! Mix it with sunflower in equal proportions, add egg yolk or honey (1 tsp). As a result, the hair will acquire a healthy look, it will stop falling out and splitting.
Another pleasant property is its use for massage and therapeutic rubbing. It makes the skin moist and soft, improves the secretion of glands and removes harmful substances.
The harm of olive oil
Excessive use can lead to unwanted effects. You should be careful with cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder, as the product can exacerbate the course of the disease.
In diets (for example, the olive diet), you should also follow the measure - consume no more than 3 tablespoons of oil per day. And one more thing: when choosing, it is better to give preference to unrefined (it has undergone less heat treatment), buy natural (virgin) in glass containers. If you notice the inscription mix on the label, then the product was made by mixing different varieties, and this has an extremely negative effect on the beneficial properties. Look at the date of manufacture: the period should not exceed five months.
Video about the beneficial properties of olive oil:
