5 Surprisingly Powerful Medicinal uses for Olive Oil

Just ask Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek Doctor of Medicine; he used olive oil as a healing elixir, to cure hundreds of illnesses. Modern day doctors and scientists have proven and proven again Hippocrates’ centuries-old hypothesis: olive oil benefits are real, robust, and can keep you living a happy, healthy life. After all, why do you think the Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest in the world?!

So, let’s get to it. Here are 5 proven medicinal olive oil health benefits:

1.)    Olive oil as an anti-inflammatory

Give those ibuprofen pills a rest. Scientists have found that 3.4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil have the same anti-inflammatory power as 10% of an adult dosage of ibuprofen! (source) Chronic inflammation can lead to very serious conditions such as arthritis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, the list goes on. The good news is, by consuming a daily dose of extra virgin olive oil, its healing antioxidants can actually help prevent and even treat inflammation. (source)

2.) Olive oil as a heart hero

Did you know that heart disease is less prevalent in Mediterranean countries? Researchers got to the bottom of this and linked it to the Mediterranean, olive oil-based diet. Olive oil doesn’t only prevent heart disease, but it’s been proven to significantly lower blood pressure. In fact, in this study, they showed that those who consumed regular olive oil reduced the need for blood pressure medication by an impressive 48%!

3.) Olive Oil as constipation relief 

Nobody likes laxatives. But everybody loves olive oil! The fats in olive oil can actually “oil up” the insides of the bowel, enabling stools to move with more ease. So here’s the doc’s prescription: one tablespoon of olive first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Keep it up for a few days, and we bet you’ll be feeling better in no time.(source)

4. Olive Oil as an antibacterial

Take THAT nasty infection! Olive oil has just come to town. The oleuropein in olive oil has proven antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that may cure or prevent infection. In fact, studies show that it directly kills off the nasty bacterium  H. pylori, which can lead to ulcers and stomach cancer. (source)

5. Olive oil as a cancer preventer

Just when you thought the magical liquid couldn’t get any more magical. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, which protects cells from cancer-causing oxidation. (source) In fact, people in Mediterranean countries have a lower risk of certain cancers. Coincidence? Researchers think not.

So, in conclusion...a spoonful of olive oil a day keeps the doctor away! There might not be scientific proof that it is a magic elixir (although we believe it is), but research does show that daily consumption keeps you and your body healthy and happy.

Have you found medicinal effects in olive oil?