OLIVE OIL: YOUR MULTI-PURPOSE OIL

You are probably aware of the health benefits of olive oil. Olive oil is one of the best sources of monosaturated fat. Monosaturated fat lowers your “bad cholesterol” also referred to as Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Olive oil contains antioxidants and is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K, which are said to slow ageing process. You are also probably aware that olive oil is a better alternative for cooking. There are however many other things you could do with olive oil. I have listed a few below.

Cooking: Olive oil is a healthier cooking oil choice. This does not mean it should be used excessively. Use it in your stir fries, and other cooking delights. Olive Oil can also be substituted for margarine in baking. 

Salad Dressing: Olive oil can be used as an alternative for other salad dressings. 

Hair Care: Olive oil can be used to condition and treat the hair. Warm up a small amount of olive oil in the microwave; massage it thoroughly into the hair. Wrap your hair with a warm towel for at least 30 minutes, or sit in a hair dryer for 15 minutes and then rinse off. For conditioning, mix one-two teaspoon of olive oil, egg white and a few drops of lemon. Massage into the hair, leave for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off. Research shows that olive oil can also be used to treat lice. 

Make-up Remover: Use olive oil to remove your eye make-up. Dab a little on a cotton pad and wipe off. It is safe and rid of chemicals which may be harmful to your skin. 

Diaper Rash relief: Are you looking for how to relieve your baby’s bottom from diaper rash? Try using olive oil on the affected area. 

Skin Care: Try using olive oil as a bath oil. Drop a few into your bath and soak yourself away. You could also use it as a moisturiser. You could add some drops to your body lotion, or use it alone. 

Nail Care: Olive oil can be used for your pedicures and manicures. Soak your fingertips in a bowl of warm olive oil for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off and push back your cuticles. 

Wood Furniture  & Leather Shoe Polish: Dab some olive oil on a cloth to polish your furniture. I've tried using vegetable oil, but, noticed it left my furniture greasy and attracted flies to my table. Olive oil gives your furniture the shine and keeps the flies away. I remember in boarding school, we would use Vaseline to polish our shoes. The shoes would look shiny and cute but when we walked out, it would gather so much sand because of the Vaseline. With olive oil, you get the shine only.

Medical Uses: Research shows that olive oil can be used to soothe ear aches and sore throats. To soothe ear aches, add a few drops to the aching ear. For sore throats, mix a few tablespoons of olive oil with some honey, lime/lemon, and water.