On Olive Oil Olive oil from several areas of Greece, but mainly from Crete, is internationally recognized and has received many awards. Its low acidity, wonderful taste and excellent aroma are mainly due to the excellent growing climate (sunny and dry during the time the oil is formed inside the crop). Olive oil’s basic ingredients such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acids, squalene, tocopherol, phytosterols, vitamins (mainly A, E & K), proteins, minerals, etc., make it a valuable nutrient for the body and its tissues.

Today the use of olives and olive oil is worldwide because of the high nutritional value and its extremely beneficial ingredients for the human body. Many of the scientific results are worth mentioning, most of which have been known since ancient times.

Internal effects:

• Nutritious
• A powerful antioxidant
• Against cardiovascular diseases. The results of the first scientific study of the 60’s and 70’s by Dr. Ancel Keys, of the American Cardiological Institute, showed that the Cretans’ good health and longevity is the result of the daily use of olive oil and their overall Mediterranean diet. Other studies that followed internationally, verify this result.
• Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL)
• Has antiarrythmic action
• Has hypoglycemic qualities
• Helps with osteoporosis
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Diuretic, helps with cystitis
• Gives energy
• Reduces the possibilities of stones in the gall bladder
• Anti-microbic and anti-viral (dissolves the cellular membrane of the micro-organisms/viruses, stops their multiplication, incites phagocytosis and reinforces the immune system)
• Helps with stomach diseases (chronic ulcer) and intestinal disorders (intestinal parasites)
• Tea from the leaves of the olive tree is believed to have anticancerus and antibiotic powers (under study)
• Stimulating, especially for older people
• Against sexual weakness

External use:

• A powerful moisturizer that hydrates and reinforces the natural functions of the skin, retaining its moisture for long periods
• A strong antioxidant (binds free radicals)
• Emollient
• Nourishes and invigorates the skin
• Anti-aging
• Firming
• Supports the skin’s elasticity
• Heals (injuries and burns) and helps cell renewal
• Helps in many skin disorders (boils, itching and removes the signs of eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and alopecia)
• Tones, nourishes and helps hair grow giving exceptional shine
• A natural preservative used in many foods (i.e. tuna)
• Relieves distressed muscles
• Helps with eye, ear and gum infections
• Strengthens weak nails
• Helps with arthritis