Olive oil, comprised mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids, is considered a healthy dietary fat. Monounsaturated fats have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower total cholesterol levels while normalizing blood clotting and regulating blood sugar.
Studies indicate that consuming olive oil on a regular basis rises adiponectin levels. This hormone is vital to the metabolism of fats. Olive oil is also rich in polyphenols which help to battle cancer.
We all know olive oil is great for cooking, salad dressing, baking, and sauteing food, but here are some alternative uses for this versatile oil you probably did not know about.
Skin moisturizer – Olive oil is a fantastic skin moisturizer and can help repair damaged skin cells. You can apply it directly to your skin, mix with lotion, mix with body wash, or use it as after shave. Combining a little olive oil with brown sugar makes a great face scrub. Applying olive oil directly to your lips will protect them from the elements and keep them silky soft.
As hair conditioner – Olive oil will not only help scalp conditions like dandruff, but also tame and soothe frizzy and damaged hair. Mix olive oil with your regular conditioner, or add it to your scalp directly. For a deep conditioner, rub about 1 teaspoon of olive oil into your hair, cover it with a shower cap, let it sit for an hour or two, then rinse clean.
Help out your feline – If you have a cat with hairball problems, olive oil can help keep them away. Simply add 1/2 a teaspoon of oil to your cat’s food for a healthy coat and skin as well as a hairball lubricant.
Dusting and polishing – Wood and metal surfaces can easily be cleaned, dusted and polished using olive oil. For best cleaning, make a mixture of 2 parts olive oil and one part lemon juice. Apply to a cleaning cloth and dust away.
Unstick zippers – Ever had that problem when your favorite hoodie or jeans get their zipper stuck? Apply a little olive oil to the zipper teeth and it will loosen right up.
As a lubricant – Squeaky doors, stuck hinges, and tight handles can all be loosened with a dab of olive oil. Just use it as a safe alternative to WD-40.
Help with ear pain – Olive oil is a great treatment for an earache. Heat a little up in the microwave so it is warm then put a small amount inside your ear with a cotton swab. Let it sit in your ear for about 15 minutes.
Substitute for shaving cream – Treat your skin right by using olive oil instead of commercial shaving cream. Olive oil helps the razor glide smoothly and will moisturize your skin at the same time.
Get paint out of your hair – If you have ever finished up a painting project to find that you have not only painted your walls but also your hair, reach for a little olive oil. Dip a cotton ball in a little olive oil and gently rub it in your hair. You can also remove mascara in the same fashion.
Get stains off your hands – If you have been working out in your garden, or doing some art, chances are you’ve gotten your hands and nails dirty. Rub olive oil into your hands to remove dirt and stains easily and leave your skin soft and supple.
Stop snoring –Take a teaspoon of olive oil before bed to lubricate the throat muscles and help reduce or eliminate nighttime snoring.
Thinking outside of the box about olive oil will help you to appreciate all of its amazing properties even more. When cooking or ingesting olive oil, we recommend organic extra virgin. For jobs around the house, a lower-priced bottle of mid-grade olive oil will do the trick.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://weolive.com/blog/eat-drink/studies-show-consumption-of-extra-virgin-olive-oil-may-reduce-risk-of-breast-cancer
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-012-0433-2
http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-health-benefits