Olive Oil Benefits and Side Effects

If you take a look at any health magazine, or a weight loss diet plan, you will find the importance of olive oil mentioned in it. Nutritionists and dietitians all over the world advise people to replace their regular vegetable oil with olive oil.

We also find several face and hair masks containing olive oil. This is because there are several health benefits associated with olive oil. But, at the same time, one may wonder are there any side effects associated with this oil? Here, we will take a look at the benefits and side effects of olive oil in detail.

Virgin and the extra virgin are the two most prominent types of olive oil that are popularly used for various purposes (the others being pure and extra light olive oil). We all know that olive oil is used for cooking, as a salad dressing, or even as a dip in several recipes all over the world. It forms a prominent part of Italian cuisine.

The following are olive oil benefits which makes it one of the best foods or products to be used for consumption as well as external usage.

• Olive oil is considered as one of the best products for the heart. This is because it contains monounsaturated fats that help in reducing the levels of LDL or the bad cholesterol.

• Secondly, the antioxidants found in olive oil also help in prevention of heart diseases.

• As the oil helps in lowering the bad cholesterol, it indirectly also aids in lowering high blood pressure. This is another factor which makes it healthy for the heart.
• Another benefit of olive oil is that it helps in maintaining a proper digestive tract. Consuming olive oil in moderate amounts can help in getting rid of constipation.

• Another prominent use of olive oil is that it helps in keeping the skin moisturized, smooth and supple. A regular massage with olive oil or adding olive oil to face masks helps in having a flawless and soft skin.

• On the other hand, there are also several other uses or benefits of olive oil, like its usage for healthy hair. Using olive oil prevents hair loss and also helps in making hair soft and shiny.
• Olive oil also aids in lessening the severity of conditions like diabetes, arthritis, asthma, etc. It is also believed to prevent colon cancer.

• Lastly, applying some olive oil to nails while going to bed is also one of the best remedies to have healthy nails.

Due to its numerous benefits, olive oil is used in cooking, as a medicine, as well as for external usage. However, along with the properties and benefits of olive oil, one may wish to know whether there are any potential side effects associated with olive oil. Let us take a look at it in detail.

There are no severe side effects related to consumption of olive oil. However, there have been a few cases of minor disorders caused in some people. For e.g., it is mentioned above that only small amounts of olive oil should be consumed for the treatment of constipation. If it is consumed in excess amounts, one can suffer from diarrhea.

Secondly, if a person suffers from olive oil allergy, he may suffer from side effects like skin rash after using olive oil internally or externally.

Lastly, people taking prescription medications for diabetes and high blood pressure should also consume olive oil only after consulting a doctor. This is because, both, the medications and olive oil reduce blood sugar and blood pressure. Therefore, it is wise to consult before consuming; and also consume it in limited amounts.

Knowing about the olive oil benefits and side effects will be helpful if you are thinking of switching to this healthy oil for cooking as well as for medicinal purposes. As there are higher number of benefits than side effects, one can conclude that using olive oil is definitely a healthy option. So, if you are convinced with the same, look for genuine virgin or extra virgin olive oil and use it according to your doctor's instructions. Take care!