Top 5 Secret Benefits of Olive Oil

In these tough economic times, finding ways to cut expenses without sacrificing quality is on everybody's minds. The good news is that some ancient wisdoms still hold true; it's just a matter of find out which ones. For instance, Europeans have long known and touted the benefits of eating olive oil to lower cholesterol and maintain heart health. However, the Europeans also use it for myriad other health benefits, the Top 5 of which will now be revealed.

Olive oil as a moisturizer for the skin

It kind of sounds like a no-brainer to say that one can use oil to moisturize. However, there are other reasons Mediterranean women swear by olive oil specifically to keep their skin young, healthy, and glowing. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, which protect skin cells from free radicals, which gives it amazing anti-aging properties. In addition, the Vitamin E in olive oil helps repair the cells, while the oil protects them from UV rays and further damage. Simply rub a small amount on your face in neck morning and night, and immediately notice the firming and softening that happens before your very eyes. From personal experience, I can also vouch that it will surprisingly not look or feel greasy, nor will it clog your pores. It is truly a skin miracle.

Olive oil as a hair conditioner

This also sounds like a no-brainer, but it works much better than one might think. Simply apply some warm olive oil to the hair and scalp, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, and wash hair thoroughly. You will walk out of the shower with amazingly soft, well-conditioned, frizz-free hair every day.

Olive oil for kissable lips

In cold winter months, as well as dry summer days, it can be difficult to keep moisture in your lips. For those with sensitive lips especially, finding a lip balm that will work without becoming addictive may seem impossible. As one of those people, I can say that olive oil has worked even better than petroleum jelly at keeping my lips soft, but not greasy. To maximize the moisturizing properties, simply brush your lips lightly while brushing your teeth in the morning (to exfolliate), then apply a small amount of olive oil (while you're applying it to the rest of your face, for example). You will be amazed at how the day will pass without once having to scour your purse for your Carmex.

Olive oil for head lice

Anyone who's ever had or treated head lice know that the treatment is even more painful than the problem. Instead of nit-picking and chemical treatments, try olive oil for a gentle, effective solution. The olive oil will work to smother the lice, and has been found to be more effective, and easier to wash out, than petroleum jelly, butter, or mayonnaise. Simply apply a generous amount of olive oil to the effected hair and scalp, cover with a shower cap, and let sit overnight. In the morning, comb out the nits and wash the hair. The olive oil will have suffocated the lice, killing them, and will also make the hair much easier to comb through.

Olive oil for ear aches

Warm olive oil can soothe an aching ear. Simply warm the olive oil, then place a few drops in the canal of the infected ear. In a few minutes, the pain will be gone, and the patient (and "doctor") can finally get some rest.