Benefits of Olive Oil for Women’s Health

by Umm Halimah

Bismillah

Whether it is our digestive system or our hair, we women tend to worry and think of ways to improve our health. We want everyday steps that we can take to benefit our overall well-being. One such step that is spoken about in the Sunnah is the consumption and use of olive oil.

Olives and olive oil have a special place in Islamic tradition. In fact the olive and olive oil are mentioned in different places throughout the Qur’an and Sunnah. The famous scholar Ibn al-Qayyim spoke about the many types and uses of olive oil in his book Prophetic Medicine. 

Modern studies have shown that olive oil has health benefits if consumed internally and it also has external uses. The following are examples of many uses of the oil.

Heart and Cholesterol Health

Olive oil is a good fat and protects against “bad” LDL cholesterol. The polyphenols in olive oil aid in decreasing the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Consuming about two tablespoons of olive oil a day may help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Use it on salads or mix it with thyme and a bit of salt for a tasty bread dip.

Digestive Health 

Olive oil has proven to possess mild laxative properties if used as a stool softener, so try taking a tablespoon for regularity.

Cancer Prevention

Studies in mice have shown that olive oil may be effective in preventing tumors and skin cancer, so slather it on after sun exposure.

Hair and Skin Health 

Partly due to its antioxidant content, olive oil is an excellent way to moisturize and protect skin and hair. It makes a nice conditioner if applied to hair that is covered with a shower cap for about 30 minutes. Also, use it as a lip balm or mix it with an essential oil for skin moisturizing or an aromatic addition to a warm bath.

Things to Keep in Mind 

To get the best taste and the best enhancement of skin and hair, extra virgin olive oil is recommended over other types. Also, olive oil’s smoke point (the point at which oil becomes bad for consumption) of 410°F is high enough for use in stir frying. However, too much heat may diminish some of its health benefits. It is truly a blessing to have such a tasty and broadly useful natural product at our disposal.

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