Pure Olive Oil for Cooking and Massage

Pure Olive Oil for Cooking: 1500 Rupees per Liter
Massage Oil: 1400 Rupees per Liter

 Amazing Benefits of Olive Oil:

1.  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Eat and apply olive oil, for it comes from a blessed tree and contains a cure for 70 diseases.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).
2.  Olive oil is rich in various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. It contains high amounts of Omega-9 fats, along with Omega-3, Omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins E and K.
3.  Olive oil is naturally cholesterol-free and gluten-free.
4.  It helps alleviate muscle coldness, strengthens muscles, and invigorates the body.
5.  It relieves joint and muscle pain. Massaging with olive oil can ease bone pain, and for those suffering from leg or hand cramps, soaking in warm water mixed with olive oil and salt brings relief.
6.  Massaging with olive oil not only strengthens muscles but also improves overall body health. Feeding olive oil to weak infants strengthens their bones and ensures good health.

Olive Oil Reduces Cholesterol:

Olive oil helps lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which narrows blood vessels. High levels of LDL increase the risk of heart disease, while high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) prevent blood clots, a major cause of heart attacks.

Olive Oil for Skin:

Olive oil is highly beneficial for the skin. In winter, women with dry skin often face difficulties. They should massage their faces gently with olive oil to soothe the skin and reduce dryness. Olive oil is a natural treatment that makes the skin healthy and beautiful. Try it!

Olive Oil Helps Control Blood Pressure:

A study shows that regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the need for medication to control high blood pressure. The oleic acid in olive oil is easily absorbed by the body and helps lower blood pressure. It also keeps the heart healthy. People with high blood pressure can mix two tablespoons of psyllium husk in one tablespoon of olive oil and take it twice a day to see improvement within days.

Olive Oil Prevents Diabetes:

Olive oil helps regulate blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 50%. To lower the risk of diabetes, consume two tablespoons of olive oil daily as part of your diet.

Olive Oil Relieves Intestinal Inflammation:

Patients recovering from typhoid often experience chronic intestinal inflammation that disrupts digestion and causes constipation. Olive oil is highly effective in treating this condition and also helps reduce hemorrhoid swelling and pain.

Olive Oil for Dark Circles and Lips:

Dark circles under the eyes and dark lips are signs of a deficiency in iron and vitamin B. After washing or bathing, apply olive oil to the lips and massage gently for relief.Olive Oil for Dry Hair:

For very dry hair, apply a generous amount of olive oil, comb through the hair to ensure even absorption, and leave it wrapped in a towel or covered for half an hour. The oil will nourish the hair roots, making your hair soft and shiny after shampooing.

Olive Oil for Cooking vs. Massage:

Some people prefer to eat or drink olive oil at home. However, there is a type of olive oil available in the market specifically for massage, not consumption. Eating or drinking massage oil does not provide the same benefits as edible olive oil and can be harmful to health. Several countries, including Spain, New Zealand, and Germany, have banned the consumption of Pomace oil (massage oil).

 Types of Olive Oil:

When olives are pressed for the first time, the oil produced is called Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is the best quality for eating and drinking. The remaining pulp is heated and repressed to extract Virgin Olive Oil, which is lighter than Extra Virgin but can still be used for cooking. The final leftover pulp is treated with chemicals to extract Pomace Oil, which is suitable only for massage and not for consumption.

These three types of oil are clearly labeled on the packaging:

• Extra Virgin
• Virgin (Pure)
• Pomace Oil

The prices of these oils vary significantly. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best for consumption. For diabetics, taking two tablespoons at night and two in the morning on an empty stomach helps regulate blood sugar levels.

If you enjoy consuming olive oil, it is essential to use only Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Written by: Dr. Shaukat Ali, Agricultural Extension Specialist, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Hafiz Saad Bin Mustafa, Research Officer, Oilseeds Department, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad