Olive oil is extracted from the ripe olive fruits. The oil is pale yellow in color having a greenish tint that depends on the ratio of chlorophyll to carotene. It has high esters of oleic acid that form about 80% of total fatty acid content. Saturated palmitic acid and linoleic acid forms the balance of fatty acid content. This oil has 200 chemical compounds including beta carotene, tocopherols, pigments, phytosterols, flavonoids, terpenic acids, and phenolic compounds. This oil is used for cooking purposes in salad dressing and frying. It is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and soaps. Spain is considered to be the highest producer of Olive oil, second is Italy and third in Greece. Other common names are: Acide Gras Insaturé, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Common Olive, Feuille d’Olivier, Huile d’Assaisonnement, Green Olive, Huile d’Olive Vierge, Jaitun, Huile d’Olive Extra Vierge, Manzanilla Olive Fruit, Oleae europaea, Oleae Folium, Olive Fruit, Olivae Oleum, Olive Leaf, Olive Fruit Pulp, Olive Oil, Olives, Olive Pulp, Olivo, Pulpe d’Olive, Omega-9 Fatty Acids, Salad Oil, Unsaturated Fatty Acid, Sweet Oil and Virgin Olive Oil.

Olive oil facts

History

Native to Mediterranean region. It grows well in the Mediterranean climate. Greece, Italy, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries are the top producers of olive.

The record shows that the tree of Olive has been recorded to the 17^th century. Olive oil was used from 1304 and 1237 BC by Ramses II, an Egyptian ruler for treating ailments.

The history of populations is associated with the populations of the Mediterranean Sea before 6000 years. In the Middle East, Olive was grown for the productions of medications and ointments. The culture of making olive oil was spread by Phoenicians, Egyptians, Jews, Babylonians, Romans, and Greeks. They contribute to the development of processing, harvesting, and storage techniques. Olive oil became vital for Greeks for their culture and economy.

Romans were that oil that make known olive trees to the world and began to grow olive trees to the conquered regions. The olive trees were marked as the beginning of the dark age by the fall of the empire that lasted until the Middle Ages. In 1100 AD, Olive oil was used as a good alternative for animal fats. Franciscan missionaries brought olive oil in 1700 to America where it was highly imported and boosted by the demand of Greek and Italian immigrants.

Nutritional value

One tablespoon measuring 13.5 grams provides 119 calories and 13.58 g of lipid fat. It also contains minerals such as 0.08 mg of Iron and Vitamins such as 1.94 mg of Vitamin E, 0.01 mg of beta tocopherol, 0.11 mg of gamma-tocopherol, 8.1 µg of Vitamin K along with 1.864 g of total saturated fatty acids, 9.85 g of total monounsaturated fatty acids and 1.421 g of total polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Varieties/Types

• Extra virgin olive oil

This oil is made from fresh olives that are extracted from the fruit with the use of mechanical means. The oil is extracted with the use of the cold-pressed method. In this oil, no solvents are used and oils from seeds, pomace, and nuts are not added. This oil is unrefined having the highest quality of olive oil. It possesses a more true olive taste and contains low content of oleic acid in comparison to other olive oils. It has more natural minerals and vitamins. This oil is not treated with chemicals and is altered with temperature. The oil is golden to green in color containing about 1% of oleic acid only. It has a light peppery finish and distinct flavor. It has a low smoking point and burns at lower temperatures. It is useful for cold dishes, dips, dressing, dipping bread, baking as well as cooking.

• Virgin oil

This oil also goes through a similar process as extra virgin oil. This oil is non-refined as well which means no heat and chemicals have been used to extract oil from the olive fruit. It maintains the taste of olive and purity. In comparison to extra virgin olive oil, it has a high content of oleic acid. It possesses a less intense flavor in comparison to extra virgin olive oil.

• Normal olive oil

It is a mix of refined and virgin olive oil. The oil is treated chemically for eliminating bad odors. When the stink is removed, it is blended with virgin olive oil. It has low quality and is found at a cheap price. This oil goes further processing after the first pressing which makes it easier to heat without burning. It is useful for frying, grilling, roasting, baking, and deep-frying. This oil has a neutral taste and a high smoking point.

Health Benefits of Olive oil

Olive oil is loaded with various health benefits such as it treats breast, colon cancer, heart problems, diabetes, weight loss, high cholesterol, arthritis, metabolism, aging, digestion, and cancer. It is used as a vital ingredient in culinary preparations and also used for various medicinal uses. It lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood due to the richness in monounsaturated fats. It has a high content of antioxidants as well as oleic acid. Its moderate use helps to lower the chances of heart diseases.

1. Cardioprotective health

Olive oil promotes cardioprotective health due to high-density lipoproteins. Triglycerides and a high level of low-density lipoproteins are related to increasing the chances of blood vessel and heart diseases. HDL cholesterol lowers its chances as the lipoproteins help to eliminate the presence of excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. The study shows that a control diet lowers LDL and total cholesterol levels. The function of HDL function was improved with the high consumption of virgin olive oil. (1)

2. Satiety

Olive oil provides a satiety effect. It provides a high concentration of satiety hormone serotonin in the blood. The study shows that the group who intake olive oil has a high content of satiety in blood. They found it very filling and also did not lead to an increase in weight and body fat percentage. (2)

3. Treat cancer

Olive oil promotes immune response. It preserves the viability of mycobacteria and has high anti-clumping rates. They have been searching for ways to promote immunotherapeutic activity through different emulsions that could increase stability and homogeneity. It has active phytochemicals such as secoiridoids and lignans that exhibit tumoricidal effects against breast cancer cells. (3)

4. Heart health

Olive oil is used to the destruction of cancer cells. The diet of the Mediterranean diet has a high content of EVOO. It is related to lowering the chances of different types of cancer. The presence of oleocanthal and phenolic plays a vital role in observations. Oleocanthal is a vital component of the diet. (4)

5. Anti-inflammatory activity

Extra virgin oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It has an oleocanthal that inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Inflammation has a vital role in causing various chronic ailments. The study shows that oleocanthal and ibuprofen inhibit the activity of COX 2 and COX 1 enzymes. Olive oil is a vital component in the Mediterranean diet that lowers the chances of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, breast cancer, and dementia. (5)

6. Maintains cholesterol level

Olive oil has monounsaturated fats that could reduce cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood. Virgin olive oils have a high content of olive oils. Antioxidants help to eliminate unstable molecules such as free radicals and also minimize harmful inflammation of cells. It is loaded with various (6)

7. Prevent Alzheimer’s disease

The intake of olive oil lowers the chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Olive oil has high content of oleocanthal that has a positive effect on nerve cells. It promotes the production of two proteins as well as enzymes that is critical in eliminating Aβ from the brain. It lowers the chances of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative dementias. (7)

8. Prevent stroke

The study shows that the consumption of Olive oil assists in the prevention of stroke in older people. Olive oil is an inexpensive way to treat it. The daily use of Olive oil for dressing and cooking showed the low chances of stroke in them. This oil is related to the protective effects that counteract cardiovascular ailments such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. (8)

9. Treat constipation

Olive oil is loaded with various health benefits including reducing cholesterol levels and balancing the level of blood sugar. It is effective for treating constipation. Constipation is the slow movement of stools through the bowels. Stools might become dry and hardy with constipation. The common symptom for constipation is abdominal pain, olive oil has mild laxative effects without side effects. (9)

10. Treat arthritis

Olive oil helps to lower stiffness and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are associated with oleic acid that contains omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols that acts as antioxidants. (10)

Traditional uses

• It is used for the prevention of stroke, heart attack, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, migraine headache, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• It is used to treat constipation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood vessel problems that are related to diabetes, arthritis, ear infections, and gallbladder diseases.
• Olive oil is useful for the treatment of intestinal gas, jaundice, and meteorism.
• It is used as the treatment for ear pain, wounds, lice, psoriasis, minor pains and also prevents UV rays damage.
• It is useful for treating insect bites, bee stings, fungal, bacterial infections, and cancer.
• Apply the mixture of beeswax, honey, and olive oil to treat eczema.
• Use olive oil for about 2 months to lower the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
• The intake of Olive oil lowers systolic blood pressure.
• It is useful for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.
• In ancient Greece, it is used for massage, relieves muscle fatigue, prevents sports injuries, and also eliminates the buildup of lactic acid.
• The application of olive oil is used for the prevention of stretch marks.
• It is used to assist weight loss, blood pressure, blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, arthritis, and cancer.
• Add one tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil to warm milk. Drink it when the stomach is empty. This helps to provide relief from constipation.
• It is used to clean ear wax.
• It is used to moisturize skin and improve its elasticity of the skin.
• Due to its antioxidants, it counteracts free radicals and promotes the healing process.
• It lowers wrinkles under the eyes.
• Massage this oil to the scalp for treating dry and flakey scalp as well as dandruff.
• For split ends and frizzy hair, massage hair with lightly warmed olive oil.
• For dental health, swish olive oil in the mouth for about a few minutes.
• Apply olive oil to the damaged and dry hair. Cover it with a shower cap and let it stay for 15-20 minutes in a hot shower. Then wash it.
• Rub olive oil to dry skin areas such as feet, hands, and body.
• It is used to eliminate lice from the hair.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Do not use diabetes medications because it might lower blood sugar.
• If used with medications for high blood pressure, it lowers blood pressure.
• This oil might slow down the blood clotting process.
• The excessive use of olive oil may cause mild diarrhea.
• Allergic people should avoid it.
• Allergic symptoms are skin rashes and eczema.
• For topical use, it is better to perform a patch test.
• Consult the doctor immediately in case of an allergic reaction.
• It may react with some medications.
• Do not apply it on cuts or wounds without the consultancy of a health practitioner.
• Pregnant and lactating women should decrease their dosage.
• Its excessive use might increase the chances of acne and blackheads.
• Contact dermatitis, respiratory allergies, and eczema might be experienced.
• High consumption of unprocessed olive oil increases the chances of obesity, atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, colon cancer, and breast cancer.
• It increases the risk of body inflammation.
• It causes digestive problems and promotes gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.

Culinary uses    

• It is used as salad or cooking oil.
• It is widely used in the Mediterranean diet.
• It is used on vegetable dishes, seafood starters, red meats, and emmer wheat soup.
• It is used for frying and sautéing purposes.
• Drizzle over steamed and baked vegetables.
• Pure extra virgin olive oil to mince garlic and cooked potatoes to make it delicious.

Other Facts        

• Olive oil is used in the preparation of soaps, ointments, cosmetics, and liniments.
• Spain is known to be the largest producer of Olive oil which is followed by Italy and Greece.
• Apply olive oil with the use of damp cloth to the wood furniture. It cleans and makes it shine.
• It is used to clean waterproof leather boots, coats, belts, etc.
• It is also used to provide shine to silverware and brass utensils.
• An olive tree could provide four liters of oil every year for about 100 years.

References