The Olive Oil Keeps the Heart Young

A diet rich in olive oil may be able to slow down the aging of the heart. It is a known fact that as we grow older the heart also goes through a normal aging process. The arteries may not function as well as they did and this can lead to a number of health problems. However, in a recent study, Spanish researchers from the Lipids and Atherosclerosis Research Unit of the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Cordoba, discovered that a diet rich in olive oil or other monounsaturated fats could improve the arterial function of elderly individuals.

The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared the effect of a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil with that of a low fat high carbohydrate diet and a diet rich in saturated fats and concluded that the diet rich in olive oil resulted in the reduction of endothelial damage and dysfunction. The endothelium is a layer of cells that line the inner walls of the arteries and help the blood circulate smoothly.

When the endothelium is damaged as occurs with aging, it releases endothelial microparticles. In this study the researchers measured the number of these microparticles as well as another type of cell, which replaces damaged endothelial cells. The results showed that when healthy elderly participants followed the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, they had a lower number of the damaging microparticles and higher concentrations of the cells that replace damaged endothelial cells compared with the other two diets.

According to Javier Delgado, one of the principal authors of the study, these measurements suggest that the endothelium of blood vessels are less affected by the deterioration associated with age when following a Mediterranean diet that is based on olive oil. “These findings are linked to increased protection against future cardiovascular events”, he added.

Although the study was fairly small — it involved 20 healthy elderly individuals — it is the first to obtain similar results associating the Mediterranean diet with the circulatory system of the elderly, according to a statement from the hospital. However, researchers from the unit of the hospital are planning a new larger study with more participants that will examine the same factors.

Source: Olive Oil Times

Top 12 Argan Oil Benefits

Here are 12 of the ways that you can incorporate this anti-aging, moisturizing, and all-natural oil into your daily beauty regimen.

1. Nighttime Moisturizer

Argan oil absorbs quickly, and does Nighttime Oil Treatmentnot leave an oily residue. After cleansing your skin with an all-natural cleanser, pour a single drop into your palm to warm. Apply in a circular motion to your face and neck.

In the winter months, or in dryer climates, you may need a second drop; but remember to use sparingly. This oil is gentle, and safe to use around your eyes.

Apply one drop to your face, using a tapping motion, from the bridge of your nose to your temple, and back again. Then apply a drop beneath your eyes with the same gentle tapping. The vitamin A and vitamin E can help to reduce fine wrinkles and keep this delicate area moisturized.

2. Skin Toner

Skin toning is an important step in your skin care routine. For an all-over glow, add 2-4 drops to 8 ounces of your favorite toner, or better yet, make your own chemical free, all natural toner at home!

Simply pour one cup of boiling water over a green tea bag and let steep for 7-10 minutes. Remove the tea bag and allow to come to room temperature. Add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil (orange, lemon or tea tree are great), and 2-4 drops of argan oil, and seal in a jar. Use morning and night after cleansing, and before moisturizing.

3. Exfoliating

Do-it-yourself exfoliators are not difficult to make, and are significantly less expensive than what you can purchase in the store, plus when you add argan oil, you get all the anti-aging effects too!

To experience the argan oil benefits while exfoliating, just mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with a couple of drops of argan oil in your hand. Rub into your face in a circular motion for 2-4 minutes; pay special attention to acne prone areas and areas that are dry. Rinse with warm water, and pat dry.

Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while giving you a younger fresher complexion. With the aid of the brown sugar, the argan oil’s nutrients are more readily absorbed into your skin.

Use this exfoliator for more than just your face! If you have dry elbows or heels (or during an at-home pedicure) mix up a bit more to massage the dry and dead skin away!

4. Acne

Great news for anyone that is suffering from acne – argan oil has been proven to reduce sebum levels in individuals with oily skin! (2) Women than have never had acne before are finding in that in their 30s and 40s this pesky condition arises, and it is often, difficult to treat.

Chemical creams can be expensive, and in the long run truly do more harm than good. Argan oil’s high linoleic acid content helps to reduce inflammation caused by acne, (not to mention rashes, infections and bug bites) while helping heal damaged skin cells.

If you are using argan oil as your moisturizer, but are still fighting acne, place a drop in the palm of your hand and lightly dab a bit extra into problem areas. To fight stubborn or persistent white heads, be sure to make the toner above, using a couple of drops of tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil compliments the argan oil benefits beautifully with its rich content of anti-oxidants and its inherent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties(3). Together, they can help fight stubborn acne while reducing the inflammation, and scarring.

5. Stretch Marks

Argan oil can help prevent stretch marks by improving the elasticity of the skin. Warm 2-3 drops of pure argan oil in the palm of your hands and gently rub your stomach, hips, thighs or any other potential problem areas.

The vitamin A and vitamin E will help to rejuvenate the skin while moisturizing, making stretch marks less likely to form. If you already have a stretch mark or two (or six), start by massaging argan oil and brown sugar into the affected areas before your next bath. Rinse well and apply the oil to the affected areas prior to dressing.

6. Razor Bumps and BurnSmooth Legs

Razor bumps and razor burn are uncomfortable and unsightly. Argan oil is an effective treatment to soothe and heal for men after shaving, as well as women for their legs and bikini line.

Warm a drop or two of the oil in your hands and lightly massage into the affected area. The healing power of the oil will astound you. Some individuals note a reduction in the number of ingrown hairs present as well.

7. Whole-Body Moisturizer

Once you see amazing ways that argan oil benefits your face, do not hesitate to use it as your whole-body moisturizer! Hopefully, you are currently using an all-natural moisturizer (like coconut oil) on your body and avoiding the harsh hidden chemicals that are present in most lotions and moisturizers.

Add just a couple of drops of argan oil to your food-grade carrier oil of choice (coconut, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, or sesame) to immediately reap all the benefits of this healing natural oil. If you have dry patches on your heals, elbows or other areas, massage an extra drop into those areas for relief.

8. Leave-In Conditioner & Styling Long Healthy Hair

Argan oil is not only beneficial to skin – it is also great for hair. This non-greasy oil makes for the perfect leave-in conditioner that makes your hair easier to style while repairing those pesky split ends! Argan oil helps to tame frizz and fly-aways, protect against the heat of hair dryers, curlers and flat irons, all the while promoting body, and a healthy shine.

There is some research that indicates argan oil can even promote hair growth, so be sure to rub it in to your scalp too. Depending on the thickness, texture, condition, and length of your hair, you may need anywhere from 1 drop to 3 drops.

Getting the right amount may take some practice. Start with a drop (or for short hair ½ drop may do) and warm in your palms before raking your fingers through your hair, paying special attention to your ends. Once complete, add ½ drop to your fingertips and massage into your scalp. Rub any excess into your face, neck or hands.

9. Overnight Deep Conditioning Treatment

If you have dry, brittle hair, once a week do an overnight deep conditioning treatment with argan oil. Warm 4-10 drops in your hands before massaging into your scalp. Continue applying all the way to the ends, twist, and place a shower cap on top. Your natural body heat retained in the shower cap will help the oil to penetrate, while keeping your pillowcase free of oil. In the morning, wash your hair as normal, rinsing until all residue is gone.

If you have dandruff or dry scalp, do an overnight treatment twice per week until dandruff is gone. Continue on with weekly treatments, or as needed.

healthy lips

10. Lip Conditioner

Argan oil benefits more than just your skin and hair; it makes for a wonderful lip treatment or chap stick substitute! Rub in 1-2 drops, and wipe away any excess.

This will not only heal any cracked lips, but also keep your lips soft, smooth and conditioned. Keep argan oil around in winter-time to prevent chapped lips.

11. Nails

Now, let’s talk about how this can help your nails! Argan oil’s non-greasy moisture is an ideal treatment for cuticles and nails. Remove all polish from fingernails and toenails, and rinse thoroughly.

Dot a fraction of a drop directly onto each nail, one at a time, and rub into the nail bed and cuticle. Leave on until all nails have been treated.

Wash and rinse thoroughly and then apply polish as desired. The oil will help to condition your nails, but also help keep your cuticles moisturized so you don’t develop painful hangnails.

care for beautiful woman legs

12. Dry Feet and Heels

If you have dry cracking skin on your feet or heels, rub 2 drops into your feet, paying special attention to the problem areas. Depending on the how dry your skin is, you may need to apply a couple of more drops to fully moisturize the area.

Cover with a pair of cozy socks to give the oil a chance to soak in. Leave the socks on for at least 20 minutes, and preferably overnight.

NOTE: Please use a warm washcloth to remove all of the residual oil from the bottom of your feet prior to bathing! We wouldn’t want you to slip and fall!

By Dr. Axe

Olive Oil Diet Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Traditionally a low fat diet has been prescribed to prevent various diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. While studies have shown that high fat diets may increase the risk of certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes, it appears that it is the type of fat that counts rather than the amount of fat. We now know that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats such as the ones found in olive oil, nuts and seeds actually protects from many of these chronic diseases.

A recent Spanish study published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care showed that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil reduces the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50 percent compared to a low fat diet. Type II diabetes is the most common and preventable form of diabetes.

Individuals who are obese or overweight and have metabolic syndrome are at highest risk for developing this form of diabetes. The study is part of PREDIMED, a long-term nutritional intervention study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and is composed of a multidisciplinary team of 16 groups distributed in 7 autonomous communities in Spain.

The study included 418 participants who did not have diabetes. Each participant was randomly assigned to either a low fat diet, a Mediterranean diet with olive oil (up to 1 liter a week) or a Mediterranean diet with nuts (30 grams a day). After 4 years 17.9 percent of the individuals following the low fat diet developed diabetes, while only 10 percent of the participants following the Mediterranean with olive oil diet developed the disease.

When the two MedDiet groups (olive oil and nut groups) were pooled and compared with the low fat group, diabetes incidence was reduced by 52 percent. It is important to note that the reduction of diabetes risk was independent of changes in body weight or physical activity and that the Mediterranean diets that were followed were not calorie restricted.

Previous studies have shown that a Mediterranean style diet rich in olive oil may prevent the appearance of type II diabetes by improving blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and blood lipid levels.

Source: Olive Oil Times

The Amazing Argan Oil Benefits

Imagine a fruit so nutritious that goats will climb trees just to eat them!

Inside that little fruit, is the little nut that gives us argan oil. For generations, natives of the Argan Forest in Morocco have pressed the nut to extract this precious oil, to use as a dietary supplement, for wound healing and rash relief, and to nourish skin and hair. These slow-growing trees are so revered that in 1998 the Argan Forest was declared a Biosphere Reserve By UNESCO.

Argan Oil Benefits Throughout HistoryGoats In An Argan Tree

Argan oil use was not just isolated to Morocco. People throughout the world have taken advantage of the many argan oil benefits to treat skin infections, bug bites, and skin rashes. And now it is used by men and women all over the world seeking an effective, all natural moisturizer for skin and hair.

One of the main reasons that argan oil is so healing, is that it is rich with vitamin A and vitamin E. However, argan oil is also packed with anti-oxidants, Omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to skin, it eases inflammation while moisturizing the skin. (1)

When applied externally, trocopherol from the vitamin E, helps to boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair. This is why cosmetic companies are including it in their high-end anti-aging, hair, and skin care products.

The good news, to get all of the benefits of this precious little nut, you don’t have to purchase luxury hair and skin care products. You can purchase just the oil, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine. True, 100% argan oil is expensive; but fortunately, just a drop or two will nourish hair and skin throughout the day.