Olive oil has recently started attracting a lot of attention from scientists and the medical profession.
There have been many compounds and nutrients which are found in this amazing oil that can help your entire body stay as healthy as possible.
Now, experts have found a number of different elements in this oil which can heal damage on a cellular level and help prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
The important part of using the oil to get the maximum health benefit is choosing the right oil.
It is divided into several different grades, all of which depend on the compounds in the oil and the way it has been processed.
Oil which is designated as virgin or extra virgin have been handled and processed the least.
They have the highest levels of beneficial compounds but they also have correspondingly higher price tags.
This is because only a small percentage of the oil produced world-wide will live up to these standards.
Olive oil that has been cold pressed is often considered to be the most beneficial and most flavorful.
This is because heat can destroy the beneficial compounds and can damage the flavor as well.
You may find that oil produced in specific regions have a wide flavour range that you may be interested in exploring.
Because extra virgin and cold pressed oils have the fullest flavors they are usually used in ways that allow the flavor to come through.
This includes dip for bread and dressings.
Lower quality olive oils are used in baking or cooking where the flavor may be hidden.
There are a number of specific compounds that you may be interested in learning about.
They include antioxidants and polyphenols as well as vitamins and micro nutrients.
These have a range of health benefits including fighting cancer and reducing your risk of developing clogged arteries and cardiovascular issues.
It is wonderful to know that by cooking with this versatile oil you can help prevent damage to your body from other toxins and impurities in our environment.
Using olive oil in ways other than the diet is quite easy.
You can use it in soaps, moisturizers and skin creams.
It is an excellent treatment for dry skin or hair as well and can be applied directly.
You simply wait for the product to be absorbed and then wash off any excess.
It is much less likely to irritate sensitive skin or cause breakouts on oily skin because it is so gentle and natural.
The antioxidants can be absorbed into the system through the skin and help to heal the body in this way as well.
Storing the oil is also important to ensure that the quality does not degrade over time.
It needs to be protected from heat and light.
Often, oil which has been properly stored can last for at least a year.
Many people choose to purchase their oil in larger containers because it is less expensive.
If you have a decorative container that you want to put your oil into, make sure that it only holds enough that you can use in a short period of time so that the flavor and nutritional content do not suffer.
As you can see, it is not hard to incorporate olive oil into your cooking and your beauty routine.
By making a few small changes you will quickly begin to see improvements in the way to feel and look.