Olive oil is directly cold-pressed from fresh olive fruits without undergoing heating or chemical treatment, thus preserving its natural nutrients. Olive oil is considered the most suitable fat for human nutrition among all the fats discovered to date. So, what are the functions of olive oil?
The Functions of Olive Oil
1. Promoting Blood Circulation:
Olive oil can prevent arteriosclerosis and its complications, such as hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure, and cerebral hemorrhage.
2. Improving Digestive System Function:
Olive oil contains a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids than any other vegetable oil, as well as various fat-soluble vitamins like rich vitamins A, D, E, F, K, and carotene, and other antioxidants. It is also cholesterol-free, making it highly digestible and absorbable by the human body. It can reduce stomach acid, prevent gastritis and duodenal ulcers, stimulate bile secretion, activate pancreatic enzymes, facilitate the degradation of fats, and be absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, thereby reducing the occurrence of cholecystitis and gallstones.
3. Protecting the Skin:
Olive oil is rich in squalene, which has excellent affinity with the skin, and essential fatty acids for the human body. It is quickly absorbed and effectively maintains skin elasticity and moisture. The abundant monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E, K, A, D, and phenolic antioxidants in olive oil can eliminate facial wrinkles, prevent skin aging, and have effects on skin and hair care, as well as preventing and treating chapped hands and feet. It is a beauty product that can be ingested. Additionally, applying olive oil to the skin can fight against ultraviolet rays and prevent skin cancer.
4. Radiation Protection:
Because olive oil contains polyphenols and lipopolysaccharides, it also has radiation-protective functions. Therefore, olive oil is often used to make food for astronauts. It is regarded as an excellent health and skincare product for people who frequently use computers.
5. Making Baby Food:
According to its composition and digestibility, olive oil is the most suitable oil for infants. It can promote the growth and development of infants' nerves and bones, making it an excellent nutritional supplement for pregnant women and a fetal growth agent. It is also a great tonic for postpartum and breastfeeding mothers.
6. Anti-aging:
Among its many components, carotene and chlorophyll give olive oil its yellowish-green color. Chlorophyll plays a role in metabolism, promoting cell growth and accelerating wound healing. It also helps to improve a person's appearance and reduce the formation of wrinkles. Experiments have shown that the antioxidants in olive oil can eliminate free radicals in the body, restore the healthy state of internal organs, prevent brain aging, and prolong life.
7. Enhancing Endocrine System Function:
Olive oil can improve the metabolic function of living organisms. Currently, olive oil has become the best edible oil for preventing and controlling diabetes.
8. Benefits to the Skeletal System:
The natural antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil help the body absorb minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, promoting bone growth. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain bone density and reduce osteoporosis caused by free radicals (highly active molecules).
9. Anti-cancer Effect:
Due to its rich content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the omega-3 fatty acids in polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce the amount of linoleic acid that tumors extract from the blood, depriving tumors of a very necessary nutrient.