Olive Oil

Scientific Name(S): Olea europaea (fruit), Oleum olivae Family:Oleaceae

Common Name(S): Olive oil, sweet oil, salad oil

Olive oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the Olive tree (Olea europaea L.), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It is used in cooking, cosmetics, soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps.

Olive oil in the Mediterranean diet
In the 1960s, it was found that the people of Greece (Crete) consumed a great deal of salt and fat (but also a lot of plant foods). They were living longer than the Japanese, who were also eating a lot of salt but whose diet was low in fat and lower in plant foods.

The people of Crete lived longer because they had lower rates of stroke, stomach cancer, heart disease and other cancers. Researchers also noticed that people living in countries around the Mediterranean had a lower incidence of heart disease, despite their high intake of mono-unsaturated fats, such as olive oil. This led to investigations into what is known as ‘the Mediterranean diet’, of which olive oil is a major part.

Uses of Olive Oil:

Olive oil is used for cooking, as a salad oil, and as a vehicle for oily suspensions for injections.

When part of a healthy diet, moderate amounts of olive oil may help to reduce excess body fat, especially around the abdomen.

Add several tablespoons of olive oil to your bath, along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, to soothe and nourish your skin.

Side Effects of Olive Oil:

Olive oil has caused temporary mild diarrhea and allergic reactions from external use.

Toxicology: Ingestion of excessive amounts of olive oil has resulted in temporary mild diarrhea. ln rare cases, topical use of olive oil has caused allergic reactions.

Summary: Olive oil has been used for centuries as a food and pharmacological agent. It is an ingredient in certain preparations such as ointments. It is used to soften skin and ear wax. Olive oil is useful as a laxative and may be useful for gall bladder ailments. It also is beneficial as a nutrient, especially in the Mediterranean diet. It plays an important role against heart disease as it lowers cholesterol levels. Olive oil does not promote certain cancers compared with other fats. Toxicities from olive oil include mild diarrhea and rare skin reactions.