Olio, Salute e Bellezza_ENG

OIL, HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Knowledge about the use of oil allows us to remain healthy and beautiful. Many things are easily reproducible at home. All these remedies are natural and are good for those who use them and for the Earth. Remember: the secret of success is in the choice of raw material.

Did you know that...
The extra virgin olive oil in addition to giving the food a unique taste and aroma, has numerous nutritional properties that make it a very special food. Already Galeno, a greek physician who lived in the 2nd century a.D., considered the "father" of medicine, assigned therapeutic virtues to the oil in fighting the "pains of the belly", Dioscoride considered it suitable in the composition of ointments in the beauty care. In the centuries closer to us the oil is recommended for the treatment of rheumatism. Today, through its multiple researches, science recognizes the undisputed quality and virtues of the extra virgin olive oil by placing this extraordinary food as the "King" of the Mediterranean diet, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil are linked both to its high content of oleic acid and to the high antioxidant potential of its polyphenols and to the presence of vitamin E.

IT'S DIGERIBLE

The extra virgin olive oil, due to its composition similar to mother's milk, is considered a highly digestible food, therefore it is also suitable for small children and elderly people.

IT'S ENERGETIC

It’s an important source of energy of the highest quality, able to increase the immune system.

PROTECTS THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS

Extra virgin olive oil stimulates the contraction of the gall bladder, inhibits the formation of gallstones and is useful in cases of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

CHOLESTEROL REGULATOR

Effective for the regulation of cholesterol because it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, indispensable for correct development and good functioning of the organism. Increases good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), and protects against cardiovascular diseases and arteriosclerosis.

CONTAINS VITAMIN E

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in vitamin E that is a powerful antioxidant that counteracts the action of free radicals, which are responsible for cell aging. By concentrating in the mammary gland, vitamin E can reach newborns through breastfeeding. The action of vitamin E, also called the fertility vitamin, promotes the function of the reproductive system and has an anti-abortive effect. One spoon of oil, about 16 mg, covers 15% of the necessary daily intake of vitamin E.

OTHER USEFUL FUNCTIONS

• The oil consumed on an empty stomach has a laxative action.
• By promoting the reduction of blood glucose, it is one of the basic foods of the anti-diabetes diet.
• It stimulates bone mineralization.
• Contributes to the synthesis of antibodies, for immune defense.
• It’s a synthesis element of multiple organs and systems, such as skin, brain, hormone synthesis, cellular functions.
• Relieves joints.
• It acts as a thermal body protector and performs a calming and refreshing action on irritated skin.

IN THE FRIES

Thanks to the good temperature resistance (high smoke point 260°) the extra virgin olive oil is also excellent for frying.

NATURAL TREATMENTS AND POPULAR REMEDIES

SMALL EFFECTIVE TIPS

• Samaritan oil valid remedy to treat wounds, against sunburn and swelling. Mix equal parts of oil, white wine and egg white in a jar, place the cap and shake until complete emulsion.
• For the cracking of the lips heated in a porcelain cup of extra virgin olive oil and apply it on the irritated areas with a cotton pad.
• For rheumatism, mix olive oil with a little camphor until it has dissolved. By massaging the affected part, the pain will be reduced.

Dry hands: Massage hands with Venere lemon oil

OIL AND BEAUTY

Whatever civilization we study, we always find the use of oils in beauty care. Taking care of your body and beauty is an art that men and women have always practiced. Modern cosmetics rediscovers extra virgin olive oil for skin care, giving value to this product so rich in beneficial substances. Recent studies show that the fat composition of olive oil (triglycerides) is very similar to the lipid layer of the skin, this makes it a natural anti-aging for dermis reconstruction.

Extra virgin olive oil contains:

• vitamin E that counteracts free radicals, which are the main responsible for the aging process;
• vitamin A that prevents dryness of the mucous membranes;
• squalene able to enter the deeper layers of the skin and reform the hydro-lipidic thread (weakened by sunlight and detergents), renewing the skin;
• unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid which prevent skin disorders such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and dry skin;
• beta-carotene is a biological antioxidant and gives elasticity to the skin; it’s often included in valuable cosmetics due to its properties of acting as an anti-wrinkle and as a filter for ultraviolet rays.

Today olive oil is used as the main ingredient of many effective, absolutely natural products.

Do you want to try to prepare an oleolito?
The oleolito is the starting point for any cosmetic preparation which consists of extra virgin olive oil in which the active ingredients of another plant are penetrated by special procedures. The herbs most frequently used to obtain oleolites: lemon, carrot, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, sage rose. Put in a glass container the selected plants and cover them with half a liter of oil and 50 to 200 g of slightly pounded flowers or leaves. Heat in a bain-marie for 20-30 minutes, stirring constantly. Strain, pressing the herbs well, place it in a small bottle.

You can use extra virgin olive oil also in DIY recipes:

• Cleansing
  Wet a cotton ball in hot water, remove excess water, pour a few drops of extra virgin olive oil, rub it over your face and neck: gently remove make-up; if you want to do without the toner with another wad soaked in a little oil, massage your face well and rinse with a mild soap.
• Peelling
  To be used once a week: mix baking soda and oil to obtain a creamy consistency and rub the face lightly, then wash with mild soap, the skin will be perfectly smooth and you can even do without using the cream.
• Scrub
  Mix olive oil with some coarse salt (or fine salt if you have sensitive skin), rub on the skin of the body and rinse; it’s also effective for dry skin of elbows and heels.
• Face masks
  Mix one part of oil, one part of honey and one part of clay powder for a purifying and relaxing mask; Always for the face: a part of oil, one of honey and one of yogurt for a nourishing mask.