People who eat a Mediterranean diet high in olive oil instead of spreads with saturated or trans-fatry acids have been shown to have a remarkable variety of health benefits. Studies have shown lower levels of heart attack and other cardiovascular disease; lower overall cancer rates, and, specifically, lower rates of breast cancer.

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the few oils which can be consumed without chemical processing, so it retains the natural vitamins, minerals, antioxi-dants and other healthy products of the olive fruit. Many health experts also feel that olive oil may have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Emollients containing olive oil are useful in psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis treatment; they slow the loss of water through the skin layers. The thicker the cream or lotion, the more effective it is likely to be. Maintaining adequate moisture can relieve the pain of dry skin and reduce scaling and inflammation, without causing any side effects. Regularly applying thick lotions and creams directly to the skin is sometimes very effective in clearing the symptoms.

Many people believe that Olive oil is nature's wonder drug. Olive oil contains up to 30mg of Vitamin E, contains provitamin A (carotene), has up to 83% monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic), contains up to 20% polyunsaturated unfatty acid (Linoleic), and also has up to 23.5% saturated fatty acids.

Olive oil is gluten-free. It is virtually salt-free and one teaspoon contributes 8% recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin E. According to medical findings, diets rich in olive oil promote good health and longevity. It also reduces unnecessary cholesterol and limits arteriosclerosis. Olive Oil is more or less the best way to prevent coronary disease.

Most people are not aware of the fact that Olive oil is beneficial when used as tanning oil. Rubbed on exposed areas, olive oil protects skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays and sunburns. Olive oil is also effective on peptic ulcers, bone development, nervous system development, and acts as antioxidants to keep the brain alert as we mature and grow older.

There are fewer incidences of certain cancers in the Mediterranean due to olive oil consumption as compared to the rest of the world. There are also claims that Olive oil is a natural mosquito repellent too. With all the great benefits of Olive Oil, it makes one want to go out and start experimenting.