The Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a Nutshell
October 20, 2010
If there is one thing that could be said about extra virgin olive oil is that, if it is a type of wine, it is going to be treated as the finest of all fine wines. This is how precious the extra virgin olive oil is and, as expected, how expensive it can also be. But what exactly is an extra virgin olive oil, and how does it differ with the rest of the olive oil varieties?
To make it really simple, an olive oil will only be called extra virgin olive oil if it has undergone as little processing as possible. You could say that the extra virgin olive oil is an unrefined type of olive oil but is very natural.
There are, in fact, four distinct criteria that an olive oil should meet before it will be considered as an extra virgin olive oil. One, no chemicals should be used, and no hot water application should be applied during the extraction process. Two, it should have undergone only the first cold processing method. Three, the oleic acidity level of the olive oil should be no more than 1%. The lower the acidity level, the higher the quality of the extra virgin olive oil. Four, the taste should be described as nothing but perfect. This last criterion though cannot be measured accurately as the taste depends upon the individual, and that it is only those who have seasoned palates who can tell the difference between excellent and good quality extra virgin olive oil.
When it comes to the flavors of the extra virgin olive oil, you should know that the flavors are categorized into three types. There is the fruity flavor wherein there is a very strong flavor of the olive fruit. There is the semi-fruity flavor which is a bit mild in flavor but greatly leans towards having a moderate olive flavor. Lastly, there is the mild flavor which has three subtypes. It could either be very delicate in flavor or has a very light flavor or gives a buttery flavor.
There are so many benefits that extra virgin olive oil gives. For one, it has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation in an affected site. It also contains natural pain reliever components that help relieve pain. Compared with other Types Of Olive Oils, extra virgin olive oil has the most and highest contents of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as well as other beneficial components that help fight off cancer cells and bad cholesterols that damages the organ systems of the body.
Extra virgin olive oil may be more expensive than other olive oil types, but it is definitely worth your money to use it in your cooking and your daily needs. In the long run, it will help you have and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Olive Oil and Skin Tips
October 12, 2010
As we age, we notice that our skin ages with us. It becomes drier, saggy, and wrinkly as it loses the collagen that helps keep it firm. Of course, to prevent the effects of aging, we use a number of skin products that we can apply to our skin in the hopes of keeping aging at bay. However, it is a bit sad to note that not all skin products work the way we want them to work, especially if you purchased cheap skin care products. If you want beautiful skin, then you have to be prepared to shell out a bigger sum of money since high-quality skin care products can cost huge cash.
This need not be the case though if make use of olive oil when it comes to protecting your skin from aging. For this reason, here are some simple tips on how you can use olive oil for your skin.
To moisturize your skin and keep it soft and smooth, you can substitute your usual bath oil for olive oil. All you will need to do is to pour a few drops of olive oil, about two or three tablespoons, onto your bath water in lieu of your usual bath oil. After your bath, you can also apply olive oil onto your skin, especially in the areas where dry skin is more prominent like the elbows and knees. Instead of using your regular lotion, make use of olive oil. Not only will it keep the moisture in, but there are also components in the olive oil that works wonders for the skin.
Before going to bed, instead of using your regular exfoliating cream to remove the accumulation of grime, dirt, and makeup on your face, simply mix olive oil with a little bit of sugar and use it as your exfoliating cream. Rub it gently onto your face and neck as well as onto your hands to remove the buildup of dirt and grime and then wash off with warm water, then gently pat your skin dry.
Now, to better maximize the benefits of olive oil to your skin, why not use it as your night cream as well? All you will need to do is to mix equal portions of olive oil, water, and vinegar and then apply the concoction onto your skin, especially your face and neck, before going to sleep and then leave it on for the rest of the night. The vinegar in the concoction will help even out the skin discolorations as well as help exfoliate the skin; while the olive oil will help moisture the skin and keep the moisture in.
These may be just some simple tips in keeping your skin healthy by using olive oil, but it will not only help your skin but also help you save some money.
Olive Oil and Its Many Benefits to Your Health
October 3, 2010
If there is one type of oil that is very healthy for our bodies is that it is the olive oil. In fact, it is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the Mediterranean diet, a huge reason why this type of diet is considered to be one of the best types of diets if you want to live a healthier life. So, what are the many benefits that you could receive from olive oil, and how can it help you become healthier?
Olive oil is good for the heart as it helps prevent heart diseases. Studies were conducted on olive oil, and it has been found out that if you regularly take in about a couple of tablespoons of virgin olive oil each day, you have more chances of preventing the dreaded heart diseases. This is due to the variety of good components found in virgin olive oil. For one, there is the monounsaturated fat which is a very good source of good cholesterol; and two, there is also its antioxidant properties which help fight off diseases. Lastly, olive oil also has phenols as well as vitamin E that are very beneficial to the body.
Olive oil is also good for the digestive system. It is good for the colon as it helps prevent the development of colon cancer, and it is also good for the stomach as it helps protect the stomach from ulcers as well as gastritis. Olive oil is also known to help in the hormone secretion process of the pancreas as well as the bile. In fact, olive oil works better than prescribed drugs when it comes to the help the olive oil gives these two organs. Studies have also shown that olive oil also plays a role in the prevention of gallstone development.
When it comes to skin and aging, it has been proven that olive oil works wonders for the skin, especially since it is rich not only in vitamin E but also in linoliec acid, both of which are very good for the skin. Olive oil can be applied directly onto the skin, and this will serve as a moisturizer as it prevents the water from evaporating and, at the same time, provides nutrients to the skin. It has antioxidant properties which help delay skin aging as well as help prevent skin cancer.
Lastly, olive oil also works very well for the hair, especially if you have dry and frizzy hair. Not only will olive oil help moisturize damaged hair, but it will also help keep your frizzy hair in check.
