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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
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Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Scientific View By
Deepa Sarkar
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Olive oil
Olive oil, also known as 'Jaitoon ka tel' is a pale yellow to dark green oil. It is extensively used in cooking and as a salad dressing.
Olive oil helps to reduce high cholesterol as it lowers total and bad cholesterol in the body. It also helps in controlling diabetes by lowering the blood sugar levels and helps manage constipation due to its laxative property. Apart from these, it might also be beneficial in managing high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis.
Olive oil is good for skin and hair. It helps control dryness and improves overall complexion of the skin when applied daily at night. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
According to Ayurveda, Olive oil helps in balancing Vata-Kapha and slightly Pitta dosha as well. It is good for massage in babies when used along with some essential oils.
Olive oil might lower blood sugar levels. Thus, it is advisable for diabetic patients to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly while taking Olive oil so as to avoid any sudden drop in sugar levels[2][23][35][43][44].
Olive oil helps to reduce high cholesterol as it lowers total and bad cholesterol in the body. It also helps in controlling diabetes by lowering the blood sugar levels and helps manage constipation due to its laxative property. Apart from these, it might also be beneficial in managing high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis.
Olive oil is good for skin and hair. It helps control dryness and improves overall complexion of the skin when applied daily at night. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
According to Ayurveda, Olive oil helps in balancing Vata-Kapha and slightly Pitta dosha as well. It is good for massage in babies when used along with some essential oils.
Olive oil might lower blood sugar levels. Thus, it is advisable for diabetic patients to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly while taking Olive oil so as to avoid any sudden drop in sugar levels[2][23][35][43][44].
What are the synonyms of Olive oil?
Olea europaea, Kaau, Zaitun, Jaitun ka tel, Kaan, Julipe, Olivu, Saidun, Kandeloto, Wild Olive, Oleaster, Zaytoon, Zaytun, Zeitun, Aliv Enney, Jeeta Tailam, Oliva tela, Aliv enne, Jalapai tela, Aliv nune
What is the source of Olive oil?
Plant Based
Benefits of Olive oil
What are the benefits of Olive oil for High cholesterol?
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Modern Science View
A substance known as Oleocanthal present in Olive oil has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers the level of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Also, the heart-healthy fats present in Olive oil improve the level of good cholesterol. This reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup)[10][11][14].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This leads to the build-up of ‘bad’ cholesterol. Daily use of Olive oil reduces bad cholesterol as it helps digest Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. These properties maintain good digestive fire and prevent the accumulation of bad cholesterol.
Tip:
1. Replace your regular vegetable oil with refined Olive oil for cooking purpose.
2. You can also use virgin Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons) as a salad dressing[27].
Tip:
1. Replace your regular vegetable oil with refined Olive oil for cooking purpose.
2. You can also use virgin Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons) as a salad dressing[27].
What are the benefits of Olive oil for Hypertension (high blood pressure)?
Modern Science View
Olive oil might help manage high blood pressure due to its antioxidant property. Olive oil can also reduce blood pressure by making nitric oxide more available in the blood. Nitric oxide relaxes narrowed blood vessels and lowers blood pressure[14].
Tip:
1. Replace your regular vegetable oil with refined Olive oil for cooking purpose.
2. You can also use virgin Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons) as a salad dressing[27].
Tip:
1. Replace your regular vegetable oil with refined Olive oil for cooking purpose.
2. You can also use virgin Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons) as a salad dressing[27].
What are the benefits of Olive oil for Constipation?
Modern Science View
Olive oil might be useful in managing constipation because of its laxative property. Olive oil lubricates the bowel and improves bowel movement. Studies suggest that Olive oil can also soften the stool, making it easier to pass through the colon[25][26].
Ayurvedic View
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Dietary and lifestyle imbalance may aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Regular intake of Olive oil helps to manage constipation because of its Vata balancing and Sara (mobility) properties. Because of these properties, Olive oil removes dryness of the intestine and helps in easy removal of stool from the body.
What are the benefits of Olive oil for Diabetes?
Modern Science View
Olive oil might help manage type 2 diabetes. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil reduces the breakdown of carbohydrate and lowers blood sugar levels. It also prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity. A study states that oleic acid in Olive oil helps reduce fasting glucose levels[30][43].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells. This impairs the function of insulin. Olive oil helps to maintain normal sugar levels because of its Vata balancing, Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps to reduce Ama and corrects impaired insulin function.
Tip:
1. Replace your regular vegetable oil with Olive oil for cooking purpose.
2. You can also use virgin Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons) as a salad dressing.
Tip:
1. Replace your regular vegetable oil with Olive oil for cooking purpose.
2. You can also use virgin Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons) as a salad dressing.
What are the benefits of Olive oil for Rheumatoid arthritis?
Modern Science View
Olive oil might help manage the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oleocanthal present in Olive oil inhibits the activity of an inflammatory protein. This reduces joint pain and swelling associated with Rheumatoid arthritis[15][33].
What are the benefits of Olive oil for Breast cancer?
Modern Science View
Olive oil might be useful as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment. Phenolic compounds present in Olive oil have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells while leaving the non-cancerous cells unharmed. It also has anti-proliferative property and reduces the growth of cancer cells[29][31][32][44].
What are the benefits of Olive oil for Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) infection?
Modern Science View
Olive oil might work against H. pylori bacteria. This is due to the presence of phenolic compounds in it. Olive oil also lowers the risk of stomach ulcer and stomach cancer[24].
How effective is Olive oil?
Likely effective
Breast cancer, Constipation, High cholesterol, Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Insufficient evidence
Diabetes, Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) infection, Rheumatoid arthritis
Precautions when using Olive oil
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Olive oil in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Olive oil supplements if you are breastfeeding[17].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Olive oil may lower blood glucose levels. So it is generally advisable to monitor your sugar levels if you are taking Olive oil supplements along with other anti-diabetic drugs[17].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Olive oil may lower blood pressure. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure if you are taking Olive oil supplements along with anti-hypertensive drugs[14][34].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Olive oil in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Olive oil supplements during pregnancy[17].
Recommended Dosage of Olive oil
- Olive oil Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Olive oil Oil - 1-2 teaspoons once a day or as directed by the doctor.
How to use Olive oil
1. Olive oil Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule of Olive oil capsule or as directed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water after lunch and dinner.
2. Olive oil with water
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Olive oil or as directed by the doctor.
b. Follow it by a glass of lukewarm water.
c. Take it preferably at night before going to sleep to manage constipation.
3. Olive oil in cooking
a. Use 5-6 teaspoons of Olive oil for cooking on a daily basis.
b. You can increase or decrease the quantity of oil consumption according to your diet and requirement[36].
4. Olive oil salad dressing
a. Take 2-3 cups of chopped vegetables like onion, carrot, cucumber, sweet corn, beetroot etc. in a large bowl.
b. Add 2-3 teaspoons of Olive oil to the chopped vegetables.
c. Also, add 1 teaspoon of Apple cider vinegar.
d. Add black pepper and salt as per your taste.
e. Mix all the ingredients well and have it before or during meals[8].
a. Take 1 capsule of Olive oil capsule or as directed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water after lunch and dinner.
2. Olive oil with water
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Olive oil or as directed by the doctor.
b. Follow it by a glass of lukewarm water.
c. Take it preferably at night before going to sleep to manage constipation.
3. Olive oil in cooking
a. Use 5-6 teaspoons of Olive oil for cooking on a daily basis.
b. You can increase or decrease the quantity of oil consumption according to your diet and requirement[36].
4. Olive oil salad dressing
a. Take 2-3 cups of chopped vegetables like onion, carrot, cucumber, sweet corn, beetroot etc. in a large bowl.
b. Add 2-3 teaspoons of Olive oil to the chopped vegetables.
c. Also, add 1 teaspoon of Apple cider vinegar.
d. Add black pepper and salt as per your taste.
e. Mix all the ingredients well and have it before or during meals[8].
Frequently asked questions
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Modern Science View
Olive oil can be stored at normal room temperature in a dry and dark place. However, it may deteriorate if kept in humid and hot conditions[21][23].
Modern Science View
Price of Olive oil may vary from brand to brand. The price for a 1 litre Olive oil bottle used for cooking is around Rs. 600. The price of Figaro Olive oil (1 litre) bottle is about Rs. 550 and extra virgin Olive oil (500 ml) is priced at about Rs. 400.
Modern Science View
Extra virgin Olive oil is produced by mechanical pressing instead of chemical mode. Its flavor is tasted before certification and its acidic content is less than 0.8%. Extra virgin Olive oil has several benefits and can be used for skin, hair as well as in cooking[22].
Modern Science View
Pomace Olive oil has several uses such as it is good for skin and hair. It is also useful for cooking purposes.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.