Extracted by “pressing” a fruit belonging to the “Oleaceae” family is an essential oil known as Olive. This oil is obtained from a fruit of small tree belonging to “Olea europaea” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, there are several types of Olive oil available in the market, and they include the virgin, extra virgin, pure, and lampante. In addition, this essential oil has been used for centuries by the Greeks and the Egyptians in skincare products such as cleanser and moisturizer.
a. Chemical Constituents of Olive Oil:
“Oleic acid” is an organic compound that comprises of about 83% of Olive Oil. The other chemical components in this oil include fatty acids such as linoleic acid (about 21%), and palmitic acid (about 20%). It is the extra virgin Olive oil that contains about 0.8% of free acidity.
b. The uses and benefits of Olive Oil:
There are a number benefits to health that one can derive by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse effects or side effects reported from its use.
- Anticancerous:
This oil comprises of an “anticancerous” property, and thereby helps in the treatment of breast cancer.
- Antidiabetic:
This oil also consists of an “antidiabetic” property, and hence helps in the treatment of diabetes.
- Antidepressant:
This oil when used exhibits “antidepressant” property, and thereby helps in the treatment of depression.
- Diuretic:
This oil also when used exhibits a “diuretic” property, and hence helps in flushing out kidney stone from within the urinary system.
- Analgesic:
This oil serves as an “analgesic” and when used helps in providing relief from pain.
c. The adverse effects of Olive Oil:
The use of this oil may lead to a number of adverse effects. They are as follows:
- The excessive use of this oil at times may lead to acne formation.
- An increased use of Olive oil could also cause allergies such as contact dermatitis and eczema.
- This oil is unsuitable for baby skin, and hence must not be used on infants.
