21 amazing health and beauty benefits of olive oil

One of the super-calming face mask ingredients that soothe winter’s dry skin is olive oil. “EVOO is so great for skin because of its high levels of polyphenols, vitamin E, and phytosterols, which function as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatories,” says Jessa Bades, a natural beauty expert and makeup artist. “The oil helps to protect against sun damaged skin and increase the moisture retention capacity of the skin. To use as a moisturiser for the face, I like to spray a toner or hydrosol to the skin first, and then massage the oil into that.” Olive oil can be used as an all-over body moisturiser, too.

Science just proved olive oil can stave off Alzheimer’s. “A recent study of mice found that regular consumption of extra-virgin olive oil can aid in learning ability and memory by protecting brain tissue from toxic substances, called amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, that are believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Shipley says. Although this study was in rodents, it’s hopeful that more research will verify the findings in humans.

Don’t miss these things no one tells you about Alzheimer’s disease.

Although olive oil should be consumed in moderation, it can help you keep the scale at a healthy number by replacing other, unhealthier oils, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Not only does fat not make you fat, but it is essential in maintaining a healthy weight, and is even a necessary part of a weight loss protocol,” says Dr Frank Lipman, bestselling author and founder of Be Well and the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center. Studies have shown a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil doesn’t lead to weight gain – and can even lead to weight loss. Plus, “healthy fats allow you to feel satiated from a meal, which prevents overeating and binging that we often see on low fat diets,” he says.

Looking for homemade remedies for dry and chapped lips when lip balm just won’t cut it? Try a scrub of natural ingredients. “Olive oil is very hydrating,” Iracheta says. “You can make an easy lip scrub by mixing olive oil, sugar, honey, and brown sugar.” This combo gets rid of dead skin while it smooths and brightens your lip. Gently apply to rough lips to restore softness – just don’t rub too hard.

Check out these handy year-round tips for dry skin and chapped lips.

Millennials may need to start worrying about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it doesn’t just affect older people. But no matter what age you are, the anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil may help stave off the condition. A study from Spain found that injecting a polyphenol extract from EVOO into mice affected with RA reduced effects from the disease.

Read on for some science-backed natural home remedies for arthritis pain relief.

Olive oil has been used in hair care for thousands of years, and one reason why could be because it helps keep lice away. This technique hasn’t exactly been scientifically proven, but studies have shown that chemical treatments have created ‘super lice’ that are now resistant to them. So, try out this home remedy: saturate the entire head, cover, and leave on overnight. Then, use a nit comb thoroughly and wash out.

Skin that’s irritated may also benefit from the soothing properties of olive oil. Because of its anti-inflammatory action, olive oil could work to calm the hyperactive sensitivity of eczema-prone skin. Check with your doctor before starting this regimen, and stop if it makes your skin more inflamed.

Here re some tips for conquering eczema this winter.

One of the everyday habits that can make you look way younger is an olive oil skin regimen. The antioxidants in olive oil work as an anti-ageing treatment to revitalise older skin when topically applied. “These antioxidants include vitamin E and polyphenols, which help to gather and neutralise free radicals that can otherwise damage the skin and advance the appearance of ageing,” Dr Elizabeth Tanzi told Women’s Health.

A growing body of research is showing a link between food and mental health. One recent study from Australia showed that participants with depression who were counselled on eating a Mediterranean diet containing olive oil were five times as likely to improve than those who received social counselling. Though small, it was the first randomised trial that showed foods could treat depression, likely through the anti-inflammatory properties they contain. “It supports the previous extensive research from human population studies and animal research suggesting that diet is a key determinant of mental and brain health,” study author Felice Jacka said in a press release.

Cooking oils: here’s the good, the bad and the ugly.

You might think that olive oil would make a dirty, greasy face even greasier, but it turns out the opposite is true. Olive oil grabs onto other oils, taking them with it as you wipe. “Olive oil works similarly to makeup removers, and it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores,” Iracheta says. Blades notes that it’s great for removing waterproof mascara without irritating eyes.