olive oil
Olive oil is obtained from pressing olives that grow abundantly in the Mediterranean basin. Olive oil is used primarily in human food because it contains very important nutritional elements for health, such as good fats, vitamins, and fatty acids. It is used in most Arab foods and salads. It also has other uses as an ointment that is applied to the body to get rid of many internal and skin diseases. It is also used in many industries, such as soap, hair oils, cosmetic and therapeutic creams. It is also used in pharmaceutical industries and in lighting oil stoves in the past.
Green and black olives are grown in many countries, most notably Spain, Italy, and some Maghreb countries (Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco). They are also grown in Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Olive oil contains a high percentage of antioxidants and unsaturated fats in large quantities, in addition to vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, carotene, oleic and palmitic acids, and flavonoids.
General health benefits of olives
- It helps regulate blood pressure because it contains good fats that expel harmful cholesterol from the body, the accumulation of which causes high blood pressure and sudden heart attacks and strokes resulting from the deposition of cholesterol in the vessels and arteries.
- Olive oil may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- It relieves the symptoms of gout and other diseases caused by inflammation in the body.
- It improves the health of the digestive system and regulates digestion processes.
- Maintains brain health.
- Mouthwash, antiseptic, and antibacterial that can cause tooth decay or gingivitis.
Health benefits of olive oil for teeth and mouth
Olive oil fights gum infections and ulcers, and is a tonic, removes bacteria and fungi, is an antibacterial, and a natural teeth whitener. Morning gargling with olive oil for no more than 10 minutes treats tooth infections and sensitivity, and is also beneficial in removing the blackening of the gums and lips that smokers often suffer from. However, it is preferable not to swallow olive oil after using it for gargling, because it is contaminated with oral germs.
