Mediterranean Diet and Health Benefits of Olive Oil

For centuries the cosmetic, medicinal and nutritional benefits of olive oil have been recognized by people of the Mediterranean. Olive oil was used to heal abrasions, to maintain skin and muscle suppleness, and soothe the burning and drying effects of sun and water. Olive oil was administered both internally and externally for health and beauty.

Recent research has now provided proof that a Mediterranean Diet including olive oil, is not only generally healthy, but that consuming olive oil can actually help lower harmful LDL cholesterol. Olive oil contains antioxidants that discourage artery clogging and chronic diseases including cancer.

Olive oil is a friend to the intestine and the enemy of ulcers and gastritis. It acts as a mild laxative. It is a good tonic with specific benefits for people suffering from heart disease. 


Olive oil has been regarded as the "beauty oil". The body's cells incorporate the valuable fatty acids from the oil, making arteries more supple and skin more lustrous. The amount of oleic acid in olive oil is about the same as that found in mother's milk and is thus the best growth supplement for infants.

Mediterranean Diet and Health Benefits of Olive Oil