olive oil’s amazing health and beauty benefits

Olive oil is delicious both inside and out. Known as one of the best all natural moisturizers for the skin, recent studies have concluded that olive oil has many cancer combative properties. Revealing new and exciting findings for the health of our skin, olive oil is stepping up to the plate when it comes to skin cancer prevention. Here are some great tips and facts about olive oil and how it can be a powerful addition to your diet and skincare routine.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Recent research has now informed us that extra virgin olive oil contains a rich supply of polyphenols, which are amino acid derivatives that function as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that are capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation (free radical damage) of other molecules within our cells. We love antioxidants because they have the ability to neutralize damaging free radicals that can lead to skin aging and skin cancer. I am completely against animal testing, but recent studies have shown that mice who drink extra virgin olive oil tend to develop less skin cancer after exposure to UV light. When the olive oil was applied topically to the skin of each mouse after UV exposure, it was noted that it significantly decreased the number of skin cancers in these mice in comparison to the mice who did not receive the oil topically after exposure. How amazing to know that eating and applying olive oil to the skin can prevent and interfere with the development of skin cancer!

Moisturizer

While skin cancer prevention is a relatively new benefit of olive oil, its incredible moisturizing properties are renowned. The reason why olives and olive oil are so wonderful for hydrating our bodies inside and out is because it contains an omega-6 fatty acid compound called linoleic acid, an important component of the skin that helps prevent water loss or evaporation. So by adding olive oil to a body scrub, a warm bath or applying it directly to the skin as a moisturizer can help the skin stay smooth, hydrated and protected from further water loss.

Not All Olive Oil Is Created Equal

It is crucial to use organic “extra virgin” olive oil because it is made from the first press of the olives and has the highest amount of antioxidants. Bonappetit and enjoy!