Olive oil comes in three types

The most magical oil of all times – is Olive oil. It used to be called the oil of the gods or liquid oil in ancient Greece. Olive oil has been more than food to the people of the Mediterranean. The olive tree, symbol of abundance, glory and peace, gave its leafy branches to crown the victorious in friendly games and bloody war, and the oil of its fruit has anointed the noblest of heads throughout history.

Olive crowns and olive branches, emblems of benediction and purification, were ritually offered to deities and powerful figures.

The greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil, and it is a prime component of the Mediterranean diet and is largely grown in Italy where it is a protected commodity. Olive oil is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed as it is - freshly pressed from the fruit.

Extra virgin Olive oil – this is regarded as the king of the olive oil which comes from the first cold pressing and no heat or chemical is ever used during the extraction which keeps the taste pure. This extra virgin olive oil is considered the purest and has the superior taste compared to others. It also contains less than 0.8% acidity and has high content of polyphenols well known for anti-oxidant, anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Virgin olive oil – is also a quality olive oil made from virgin olive oils. The difference between the extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil is the acidity level of up to 2%.
Pure olive oil – is mostly a blend of a little virgin oil and a larger percentage of refined olive oil. This is the most suited being used a cooking oil.

Olive oil is known to be a very expensive commodity in these parts of the world, but then It is also a very versatile product. It is used not only for cooking but it can be used as beauty aid, home remedies, cleaning agent and everywhere in between. Extra virgin olive oil is a natural juice full of flavour and aroma, with high vitamin A, D, K and E content. It has an anti-oxidant effect on the human body cells – 80% of extra virgin olive stimulates bone growth, and calcium absorption.

Fats and oils are an essential part of a balanced diet. Olive oil is easily digested – and quickly and completely absorbed by the system. In addition, trace components like chlorophyll help the absorption, and the aroma and taste stimulate our appetite – an important assistant for the digestive process. A diet that includes olive oil aids the circulatory system thereby reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis and other circulatory ailments.

The unsaturated fats, which make up olive oil, not only are cholesterol-free, but also have actually been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. It works as a protection against bad cholesterol in our bodies.

Olive has also been used in;Facial cosmetics especially in anti-ageing treatments

Body lotions                                                        Beauty treatments
Hair treatments
Nail treatments
Cracked lips
Weight loss programmes

All around the world, olive products are known to be highly effective, and of course very expensive. Since olive oil has been known as an all round effective commodity I would suggest that where one can afford, they should try to keep a bottle of olive oil for a healthy life.

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