Olive Oil and Your Health
History of the olive tree
Olive oil has been around for thousands of years, in fact, the olive tree has been dated back as far as the time of Christ, now that is a long time ago. There is much debate about an Olive tree that was found in Bethlehem which is believed to be around 4000 t0 5000 years old, talk about old, that really is old.
The story is told of Christ, as he entered the city just before his crucifixion, he rode into the city on a donkey and one of the things that were used to welcome him by the Jewish people were olive branches. In the days of Noah after the flood, it would be a dove that Noah sent out and God would use to confirm that the water had receded by returning with an Olive branch in its beak.
The Jewish nation used Olive leaves around its Menorah, the leaves are a symbol of peace. The Menorah represents wisdom, light, divine inspiration, and peace.
Olive oil in ancient times
Olive oil was used to anoint athletes that competed in the Olympics in ancient Greece. In bible days those persons who were chosen as kings by God were anointed with Olive oil, an example of this is when God sent Samuel the prophet to the home of David to anoint him as king.
Samuel used the consecrated Olive oil to anoint David. Olive oil was also used for lighting lamps, to sanctify the priest and the tabernacle with all of its furniture.
Olive oil use in modern times
Olive oil has not lost its identity, this oil is still in great demand worldwide.
1. Olive oil is healthy and therefore we are encouraged to cook with it.
2. Olive oil is used to moisten the skin.
3. Olive oil is used to help prevent skin cancer.
4. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants.
5. Help to keep hair healthy.
6. It helps to remove makeup.
7. It helps with weight loss.
8. Slows down the signs of aging.
9. Promotes immune health.
10. It helps to prevent stroke and heart disease.
11. It helps to protect against diabetes.
12. Promotes brain health.
13. Helps to promote good cholesterol
Olive variety
There are many varieties of Olive oil. Each has its benefits.
1. Lite oil.
2. Pure Olive oil.
3. Olive Pomace oil.
4. Virgin Olive oil.
5. Extra virgin Olive oil.
6. Organic extra virgin oil.
The final word
Olive oil has been around for a very long time, it has made a great impact as it is being used in all sorts of ways. So if you haven’t tried this oil as yet, I encourage you to give it a try. I am sure you will be happy with the results. Take control of your health by using this oil that has been around for thousands of years and still going strong.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Olive oil is great! (^^) I was often nicknamed that hence my name Olivia. Haha! That aside, I enjoyed reading about your post. Was interesting to learn about that it has been used in different ways. I thought it was merely for food/beauty. Really liked to hear about the benefits to ones health. I am more prompted to use it, since its just so beneficial and nutritious. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Livia it is so good to meet you and you have very beautiful name. Olive oil has so many great benefits and can help us in so many ways. I am glad that I could help, thanks for commenting and have a good evening.
I love your post on the olive oil tree. I had no idea that olive oil was around since Jesus time. I do have a question though me and my sisters love putting olive oil in our hair but I hate the smell, do you have any ideas on how to get rid of the stinky olive oil smell?
Hello Tammy Olive oil is amazing but sad to say the smell is a turn of to many people. A suggestion is to apply a cup of apple vinegar to your hair or applying a small amount of dish liquid to hair will help to strip the hair of olive oil. Or rinse your hair with a cup of freshly squeeze lemon juice. The acid in the lemon with strip the hair of olive oil. Hope this helps, all the best to you.
Hello Norman,
Thank you for inviting me to visit you site !
Ok let’s talk about olive oil.
I’m from Italian origin and I daily use olive oil. I even hpicked my own olives and helped the local farmers to press the green gold !
It is a haevenly treat to finish a dish with a line of olive oil !
Norman you have a green thumb and you know what natural taste is. It is a pleasure to see that you dedicated a page to the olive oil in all her aspects.
Not only for cooking but also as a cosmetic !
The history and the ritual importance is also wel depicted!
It was a pleasure to comment your site
Greets,
Attila
Hello Attila it is so good to meet you and man I know that it must be awesome living in Italy, both my wife and I hope one day to visit Italy. Thanks a million for those kind words I am glad that I could help. All the best to you and have a good day.
I had no idea that olive oil was supposed to have so many beneficial characteristics, aside from tasting nice as a salad dressing!
I have been reading that, whilst olive oil is good when it is used cold in cooking, it is not so good when you heat it up. Is this true or just a myth?
Hello, Kristian it is so good to meet you, it is so amazing how beneficial olive oil is, as far as olive oil is concern, yes and no because it all depends on the individual. Thanks for commenting all the best to you.
Halo Nrichards
A nice resume for the olive tree. I love and use olive oil my self. I also like to eat olives. they are very nutritious and healthy. Did you know, the roman army in ancient times used to live of olives and bread when food was out. If you eat seven olives a day, you live longer.
Great subject, olives, a world for an olive haha.
I love organic gardening, permaculture. I live in Thailand and am learning to practice permacultuer.
Stay healthy and live long life my friend
see you Stefan
Hello stefan, Thanks a million for commenting and sharing that story about the roman army. Olives are a blessing and contains so much benefits. All the best to you my friend and have a good evening.
Hi Norman,
This is quite educative. And also I had not paid close attention as to realize that David was anointed upon the head by prophet Samuel using olive oil. Now I know better.
You mentioned Pomace. What variety is that? Also, can one make olive oil based cosmetics right in their own backyard?
Thanks, Boniface
Hello smileAfresh it is so good t o meet you, Pomace oil is taken from the the olive pomace by chemical process. Olive oil is taken from the olive tree without the use of chemicals. The answers to that question is yes. All the best to you and have a good day.
Olive Oil is great for the hair and it is the only thing I use on my hair. I do not want my skin to be oily so I do not use any kind of oil on my skin at all although it is healthy. I have not had the chance to cook with it yet. I do have a question, if I were to start using it directly on my skin, would it clog my pores?
Hello Kendrick it is so good to meet you and thanks for sharing. Olive oil is a must as has so many benefits. If you are apply to skin apply a small amount. Hope this helps. All the best to you.