Olives, a popular addition to several cuisines around the world, are commonly used to prepare salads, dips, and other dishes. Apart from being a delicious treat, they also have numerous health benefits.
Olives are high in fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for the body. In addition to the health benefits of consuming olives, researchers suggest that the oil extracted from olives can do wonders for your skin.
The Different Types of Olives
There are different types of olives. Basically, all olives are green, and as they ripen, they change colour to a deep red or purple. Olives are usually stuffed with pimentos and preserved in brine.
However, the difference in colour is due to the degree of ripeness at which they are harvested. The type of olive affects the flavours and colour of the oil extracted from it. Here are three main types of olives:.
1. Black Olives
Black Olives are the fully ripe fruits of the olive tree, made up of a thin layer of flesh that surrounds a single pit. Black olives are the ripest of the three types and typically have a higher oil content.
Their flavour is strong and sweet and can be used in various recipes.
2. Green Olives
Green olives are produced from under-ripe olives and are curiously preserved in a vinegar and salt solution. They have a more bitter taste than black or red olives and have a hard flesh.
They are also denser and have a robust flavour that blends well with many types of cuisines.
3. Red Olives
Red olives are a hybrid of ripe black olives and green olives that homeowners and chefs might not have tasted compared to the two previously discussed types.
The word “red” in the title refers to the tiny reddish tint that appears in the ripe olive pulp. These olives are halfway through the ripening process, which explains their reddish colour. They have a distinct, mild, yet tangy flavour and can offer a unique taste to a variety of meals.
The Benefits of Red Olives on the Skin
Extracts of red olives are good for various skin issues because they are high in natural antioxidants and vitamins that help nurture and rejuvenate the skin.
They can improve various skin conditions, including wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, dryness, oxidation, and flakiness. Here are other benefits of this unique olive:.
1. Anti-Aging Properties
The antioxidants in red olives protect the skin and repair the damage caused by free radicals, thus slowing down the ageing process. They moisturize and protect the skin, making it healthy and youthful.
Red olive oil contains oleic acid a fatty acid that assists the skin retaining moisture, preventing wrinkles and fine lines from forming.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Red olive oil is beneficial to skin cells due to the tocopherol content, which produces an anti-inflammatory impact. Every day, one’s skin is exposed to pollution, heat, and various other environmental factors.
The skin can become inflamed and damaged as a result of prolonged exposure. Red olive oil can provide quick relief and soothe inflammation from sunburn, insect bites, and other skin inflammations.
3. Skin Brightening Effects
Red olives are excellent at lightening the skin and making it more radiant. They remove dead skin cells and protect the skin’s natural complexion.
The antioxidants present in red olives protect the skin from the effects of sunlight and harmful UV rays.
4. Treatment of Acne
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of red olives make them an effective treatment for acne. They protect the skin and kill bacteria, resulting in a fast reduction in the size and number of acne outbreaks.
They also help to regulate sebum (oil) production, preventing acne, and other skin problems like blackheads, and cystic acne.
5. Treatment of Skin Diseases
Finally, red olives have an anti-inflammatory effect that helps heal skin diseases, including psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Their antioxidant properties help to soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
Conclusion
Olives are a true Mediterranean treasure that has been used since ancient times for their innumerable health benefits. Using red olives on the skin can help combat various skin issues, including acne, inflammation, dullness, and fine lines.
This wonderful fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and rejuvenate the skin, making it healthier, brighter and youthful.