Archive for June, 2011

Olive Oil Extraction

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Olive Oil Extraction

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Olive oil extraction is the process of extracting the oil present in the olive drupes for food use. The oil is produced in the mesocarp cells, and stored in a particular type of vacuole called a lipovacuole, i.e. every cell contains a tiny olive oil droplet. Olive oil extraction is the process of separating the oil from the other fruit contents (vegetative extract liqui

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4 Skin Tightening Oils Passed Down By Women For Centuries

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Women have been looking for effective skin tightening oils throughout recorded history and probably before that. Tribal healers were aware of effective moisturizers and salves.

They knew the benefits provided by the oil expressed from nuts and seeds. They were also aware of fruits and other plants that were beneficial for the skins health and appearance, when pounded into a salve or butter.

Modern-day research has proven that these ancient remedies are indeed effective. In some cases, they have even been able to explain why they are effective. Here are a few examples.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is a plant native to the southwestern United States and parts of Central America. The seeds are pressed for the oil that they contain, which is somewhat waxy in composition.

The molecular composition of the liquid wax is very similar to sebum, the oil produced by the skins sebaceous glands. It is also rich in vitamin E, which has been shown in separate studies to stimulate collagen production, prevent age spots and reduce wrinkles.

Jojoba has been used to reduce stretch marks and fade scars. It is one of the skin tightening oils found in the better body lotions.

Olive Oil

Many women swear that they owe their continued beauty to the regular use of olive oil. Scientific evaluations have shown that olive oil is close to the skins sebum and can easily be absorbed into it. So, it can improve the skins moisture content, which could also tighten it.

Like jojoba and other plant-based oil, it is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, necessary for the skins health and beauty. However, the better companies do not use straight olive oil, because it is too greasy. They use a lipid fraction of it, which is non-oily and can be used on any skin type.

Olive and other skin tightening oils are found in todays better anti-aging body lotions. They may cost a little more than the discount store varieties, but they feel luxurious.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is commonly found in anti-aging night creams for a number of reasons. It has been used historically throughout Africa, where the tree naturally grows, as a pharmaceutical, to help heal all kinds of skin problems.

A high grade of Shea butter can be expected to provide a transformation in the skins appearance in a relatively short period of time. Although it is not one of the skin tightening oils, it is an effective ingredient.

Kelp Extracts

Kelp extracts, particularly extracts from wakame, have been shown to inhibit the breakdown of one of the skins most important compounds, at least when it comes to firmness and smoothness. That compound is called hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid levels lower with age. Because of that, the skins surface begins to look less smooth and more wrinkled. Wakame kelp extracts can help reverse that problem by reducing the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. The ingredient is found in the better body and facial creams on the market, today.

As you can see, skin tightening oils are not the only effective ingredients. The ones mentioned here are only a few of the effective natural compounds to look for.

Valerie Rosenbaum has spent years searching for the best firming skin product available. The skin firming creams she dicovered uses a proprietary blend of all natural ingredients like Cynergy TK and Functional Keratin. To learn more visit her website http://www.DefendYourSkin.com


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Michael North, the Olive Oil Man on the Olive Trail in Portugal and Spain, history and museums, ancient olive presses and olive mills
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Know About Olive Oil

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What are the benefits of olive oil?

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, or oleic acids, which can assist to lower blood cholesterol instead. Thus olive oil is a better choice than saturated fats. For those suffering from constipation, take more olive oil often as it helps to lubricate the intestines and eliminate waste from our bodies, thereby curing your constipation.

Olive oil also provides natural antioxidants (called polyphenols) which help to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Why are there so many kinds of olive oil ?

The flavor of olive oil varies, depending on the source, the variety of olive, the soil conditions, weather, etc. Some of the primary sources come from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey Portugal, Tunisia, Morocco, and California. Some olive oils are from a single variety of oils, but others, like most Italian oils, are blends of oils from different types of olives and from different countries.

How to differentiate among “Virgin”, “Extra virgin”, “Fine” and “refined” olive oil?

Oil extracted from the first pressing of ripe olives is classified as virgin. Extra virgin simply means an oil from the first pressing that is particularly low in acid – less than 1%. Virgin olive oil may have as much as 4% acid. Fino or fine olive oil is a blend of extra virgin and virgin olive oils, with an acid content not above 3%.

After the first pressing, more oil is extracted in subsequent operations using a combination of pressure, heat, and chemical solvents. These refined oils may be blended with virgin oil to replace some of the flavor lost in the processing, and are sold as pure olive oil or just olive oil.

In some countries, you may also stumble upon light olive oil, which is not lower in calories, but which has been so finely filtered as to remove most of its color and fragrance (and flavor). It has a higher smoke point than the other types of olive oil, though, so it is well suited to high-temperature frying.

For the best qualities, we should go for the “Virgin” or “Extra virgin” olive oil because they have a fruity and rich flavour, wouldn’t turn rancid so fast and are more easily digestible than refined oil.

They have the same nutritional level. However, lower acidity oils, such as extra virgin, tend to have more antioxidants.

Where is olive oil used?

Olive oil is the only vegetable oil to substitute butter and margarine in terms of healthier selection due to its delicious taste. Because of its pure state, extra virgin oil is often used as a dressing in salads or as a dip for breads.

Refined or light olive oil is suitable for deep frying. It may seem pricey to use it to fry food but the fact that such oil is four to five times more heat resistant than vegetable oil would mean you can reuse it to fry foods many more times before the oil begins to break down.

Will olive oil loses its nutritional value when heated ?

Olive oil, when heated at high temperature, will cause its alcohols and esters to evaporate. The esters are what make up the olive oil delicate taste and fragrance. So heat will only change the flavor of olive oil but not its nutritional contents. We recommend you use a cheaper olive oil like refined/light oil for frying and then add a more flavorful olive oil after cooking.

Will cooking in olive oil reduces the nutritional value of the food when heated ?

Heating food will break down its nutritional value. High heat such as frying is worse than moderate heat such as steaming, which is worse than eating vegetables raw. It is not the cooking oil per se, but the high heat of frying.

Most nutritionists recommend lightly steaming vegetables or eating them raw. A touch of a flavorsome olive oil added at the table will add taste and healthful anti-oxidants. This is what “Mediterranean diet” is about, which has been shown to help prevent coronary disease and have other health benefits.

How to store Olive oil ?

Keep away from heat, ie the stove, to prevent ageing of the oil. Better to keep a large container in a dark, cool cupboard and pour a small amount into a dispenser for everyday use. The container can be made of plastic, stainless or tinted glass.

Alternatively, you can store oil in the refrigerator or freezer, which will greatly extend its shelf life. Do not worry about the crystallized waxes in the oil when chilled. All you have to do is to warm the oil back to room temperature to melt it.

Laura Ng urges you to start eating healthy today!

Want to reduce your risk to heart diseases, cancer and diabetes ?

She has more to offer at her website http://www.iOneHealth.com . Visit it now.


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Varieties Of Gourmet Olives

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The history of olives and olive oil can be traced back to at the least biblical times. When the waters of the great flood subsided and Noah sent forth a dove it was an olive leaf she returned carrying in her mouth. It is known that as long as 6000 years ago olive oil was used as fuel in lamps. Maybe it was this olive oil that created such a beautiful Genie for Major Anthony Nelson to rescue in the popular television sitcom I Dream of Genie.

Today in modern grocery stores there are dozens of gourmet olives widely available. Gone are the days of canned black olives and green olives with pimentos as the only choices. For those of us who remember the days of opening a can of black olives and placing one on each finger then systematically biting them off here is the new olive.

Nicoises: Is a earthy rich olive commonly used in salad. The curing of this olive in red-wine vinegar gives it a distinctive taste.

Green olives with herbs de Provence: This vibrant citrus flavored olive is a delightful blend of herbs de Provence spices and large green olives. It is an excellent choice to use in surf dishes and with sweet spices.

Mount Athos green with Sicilian herbs: This is a second olive that utilizes herbs to dominate the pallet. Rosemary, garlic, mustard seed, and red pepper flakes give this olive a spicy appeal.

Mount Athos green stuffed with garlic: For a modern twist on the martini this olive is an excellent choice. It is stuffed with rich flavorful garlic and lends itself well to pizza as well as martinis.

Mount Athos green olives with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes give this heavy olive an intense flavor that is sophisticated and ideal for snacking.

Sun-dried olives: The drying of this olive gives it a rich flavor that blends wonderfully in sauces for serving over pasta.

Kalamatas: A tangy black olive cured in red-wine vinegar that can be from Italy or California. The California variety is denoted with a ‘c’ spelling rather than a ‘k’.

Alfonsos: This robust winey tasting olive is soft and similar to the kalamata. It is a popular choice in antipasto salads.

Halkididis: Very similar in flavor to the kalamatas this olive is excellent blended with cream cheese and garlic for a flavorful dip.

Lucques: This meaty buttery olive contains pits but is still a wonderful choice with provolone cheese and bruchetta.

Dominic Milner is a well known cyber chef with over ten years experience in the catering industry. Learn how to cook today with his top collection of online free recipes! Whether you want to cook up a meal for the family or bake with the kids he has the recipes for you.


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Health Benefits of Olive Oil

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Olive oil is a traditional cooking fat that’s been in use in the Mediterranean regions since Biblical times, and probably dates back to earlier than that. Above and beyond traditional cooking, it also has a number of health benefits.

It’s a blood sugar controller. One of the leading trends in human dietary science is learning how our blood sugar regulation interplays with so many other factors. Olive oil turns out to be a great ‘brake’ for high glycemic index foods, regulating how quickly your body takes them up. While this used to be considered a benefit for people with diabetes, it’s become much more mainstream with diets like The Zone and the GCI diet becoming popular. It is a Triglyceride regulator. Olive oil is also a monounsaturated fat, which your body can process more readily, without the intermediate steps of triglycerides. Studies have shown that olive oil cuts your the risk for coronary heart disease. Olive oil is cholesterol free. Now, this is a bit less of a miracle than many people make it out as – the vast majority of vegetable fats are cholesterol free. However, because olive oil receives so little processing (it’s pretty much the only vegetable derived oil that goes straight from the fruit to the press, and then from the press to bottling) that it doesn’t build up the other fats and triglycerides that become precursors to cholesterol in your body. It’s full of vitamins. While not quite as rich in vitamins as most whole fruits or vegetables, olive oil manages to keep most of its nutritional value from pressing to bottling; this is another side effect of how little processing it takes to get from the tree to your tabletop. It’s rich in vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E and K, iron and Omega-9 (oleic acid). It is great for skin health. Even in the Classical era, topically applied olive oil was used as a beauty agent, where it nourishes the skin, and helps provide a smooth complexion and that healthy glow. It’s also been used to heal dry and brittle nails. The fatty acids in olive oil are readily absorbed by the body. Your stomach will thank you. One of the sovereign remedies of classical Greece (drinking a cup of olive oil before eating a spicy meal) has been proven by modern science – it actually coats the stomach and helps prevent gastritis and ulcer formation. It also helps your body’s pancreas function, and actually put some drugs off the market after clinical trials for getting the pancreatic functions to come back. It is rich in antioxidants. Yes, this claim is being made by every food out there, from wine to dark chocolate, and now olive oil. It also has some of the phytochemicals that may improve longevity, though studies are still on going on that. It’s tasty. Don’t underestimate the importance of ‘tasty’ when it comes to the health benefits of olive oil. When oat bran was the miracle food in the 1990s, and everyone was avoiding all dietary fats, remember how miserable the diets were? They were miserable because fat provokes the satiation response, and they were stripping all fats out of the diet. Finally, a healthy food that actually makes other foods taste better.

Courtney Park wants to share the many benefits of olive oil at http://www.health-benefits-of-olive-oil.com/olive-oil-health-benefits.html. Discover more uses for olive oil at her site http://www.health-benefits-of-olive-oil.com.


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Misto M100S Gourmet Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer

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Misto M100S Gourmet Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer

  • To clean, fill with hot water and a drop of mild detergent, and spray.
  • 7-5/8-Inch high by 1-7/8-inch in diameter
  • Satin-finish aluminum
  • Spread olive oil on focaccia or spray muffin pans
  • Pumps up to spray any vegetable oil

Simply fill this beautiful high quality sprayer with your best olive oil. Pump the cap to pressurize. No chemicals or propellants. Spray with fingertip ease on salads, veggies, pasta, pizza, chicken, seafood, meats, kabobs… keeps juices in and helps brown food evenly. Perfect for Low Fat/High Flavor Cooking, Grilling, Sautéing, Roasting and Basting. Basting with out the brush eliminates the chance of contaminates and enjoy nonstick cooking without the additives. Buy one for your favorite oi

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Benefits Of Taking Olive Leaf Extract

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Olive Leaf extract has been well documented to have very beneficial elements for the body and the Mediterranean diet is world reknown for its health giving properties. The fruit and the oil pressed from the fruit have been used as an important food source throughout recorded history and the olive leaf itself has also been used as a medicine throughout recorded history. It has recently been discovered that the olive leaf extract properties have a dramatic effect in killing viruses and pathogens.

Research has been proven and demonstrated that olive leaf extract has antimicrobial properties that can affect viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast and protozoa. The active ingredient oleuropein is a compound found in the fruit, leaves and bark of olive trees.

There are several polyphenols in olive leaf and olive fruit that are biologically active. Many of the polyphenols are removed from the fruit and oil during processing because they impart a bitter taste. The polyphenol most researched with respect to olive leaf extract’s therapeutic properties is oleuropein. The more oleuropein in a particular product, the more effective it is likely to be.

Oleuropein is metabolized into elenolic acid by the digestive process. Elenolic acid in turn has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial effects. Clinical trials of olive leaf extract in the treatment of particular diseases have not been done. It is, therefore, not an approved drug or treatment for any particular disease. Nevertheless, it has been widely used as a common treatment for numerous infectious conditions.

Some viruses inhibited by OLE in vitro include rhinovirus, myxoviruses, Herpes simplex type I, Herpes simplex type II, Herpes zoster, Encephalomyocarditis, Polio 1, 2, and 3. It also kills many strains of influenza and para- influenza viruses and of course the common cold.

It has as also been traditionally used as a malaria treatment. Some of the old references claim that it is superior to quinine in effectiveness.

Leaf Extract in Chronic Fatigue.

As an antifungal and antiviral agent, OLE is currently used as a supportive agent in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It is hypothesized that the antimicrobial action of olive leaf extract enables it to kill infectious organisms that are believed to contribute to fatigue, low energy and chronic fatigue. One of the most reported benefits for users taking olive leaf extract is the increase in energy and well being.

Olive leaf extract has been widley reported to reduce blood pressure and increase longevity as demonstrated by the Mediterranean diet. OLE protects the blood vessels in the heart from damage, and has been shown to be effective in protecting the heart.

Precautions and side effects, safety, danger. To date there have not been any side effects reported yet with OLE as a supplement, but it also has to be said that few human studies are available.

The extract will likely lower blood pressure. Therefore, anyone with hypotension or taking blood pressure lowering medications should consult their physician and use caution. It will most likely lower blood sugar. Therefore, anyone with hypoglycemia or taking insulin or diabetic medications should consult their physician and use caution. Most likely it will reduce blood clotting. Therefore, anyone with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications should consult their physician and use caution.

It may conflict with some antibiotics therefore always consult your doctor and pharmacist before taking the two together.

Olive Leaf Extracts And good Health go to http://olive-leaf-extracts.com


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Olive Oil Facial Cleansers – 8 Expert Tips For A Young And Beautiful Skin

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You can find olive oil facial cleansers in the market. While olive oil is an effective moisturizer, it’s presence in facial cleansers does not make any sense. Find out the scientific reality of olive oil facial cleansers on your skin health in this article.

Here are 8 expert tips on Olive oil facial cleansers that would make you an expert on choosing the best skin care for yourself -

1) Cleansing plays very important role in skin health. For effective cleansing, you need natural ingredients that help in loosening dirt and remove excess oils. Olive oil facial cleansers will not help you do that.

2) Skin cleansing prevents infection and blemishes that can cause scarring on the face. An olive oil facial cleanser does not prevent infection, because it does not have anti-septic or antibacterial properties.

3) Besides that, it is very hard to remove an olive oil facial cleanser from the skin, no matter how much you rinse. The remaining oil on the face attracts dust and dirt from the air. In fact, this makes the face duller and dirtier than before.

4) There are many other natural ingredients that have amazing antibacterial and anti-septic properties. Witch hazel, active Manuka honey and tea tree extracts are some of them. They are much preferable alternatives than olive oil facial cleansers.

5) If you have in oily skin, you should use facial cleansers which contain natural ingredients such as macadamia oil and avocado oil. They balance the sebum (natural oils secreted by the skin) production and make the skin soft, supple and radiant. You should totally avoid an olive oil facial cleanser, if you have an oily skin.

You should also consider using a deep cleansing mask once or twice a month. It will help in extracting the dirt and grime that is lying deep in the skin pores.

6) Maracuja oil is an amazing natural ingredient that you should look out for. It has a composition very similar to your skin’s sebum. It balances the production of sebum. It slows down sebum production in oily areas such as the nose and forehead and improves the moisture in drier areas. It makes the skin young and vibrant.

7) Men should look for witch hazel extract in the best facial cleansers. It has amazing antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It soothes razor burns; this makes it excellent as an aftershave application. It reduces skin redness and prevents infection due to cuts and shaving nicks.

8) Capuacu butter is an excellent moisturizer. It does not leave an oily or greasy feeling as an olive oil facial cleanser does. It revitalizes the skin with essential nutrients and makes it smooth and naturally glowing.

Visit my website to find out better alternatives than olive oil facial cleansers. Find out more of such amazing natural ingredients that you should look for in the best facial cleansers, so that you can achieve a young, beautiful and naturally glowing skin.

Vijay Raisinghani is a Natural Healthcare Expert and a passionate advocate of natural skin care. His website http://www.beautiful-healthy-skin.com provides a wealth of information on what works and what doesn’t work in Anti-aging skincare to achieve a young, beautiful and vibrant skin.


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Olive Oil Desserts: Delicious and Healthy Heart Smart Baking

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Olive Oil Desserts: Delicious and Healthy Heart Smart Baking

Those yearning to create more healthy treats will learn how to bake without the fats and hydrogenated oils found in common dessert recipes with this lavishly illustrated cookbook. Designed specifically for baking with olive oil, the recipes eliminate key ingredients—butter, hydrogenated oils, margarine, and shortening—that are staples in many traditional desserts. In addition to household favorites such as toll cookies, brownies, and apple pie, the cookbook features instructions for making m

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Mediterranean Diet : is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Key?

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The research carried out on olive oil over the last few years by respected institutions such as Harvard and Oxford Universities has had very positive results.  It has been found that the most beneficial olive oil is ‘extra-virgin’ olive oil – the oil created by the first pressing of the olives. Choosing ‘extra-virgin’ olive oil as your main source of dietary fat is a prime factor in maintaining good health as this type of oil can actually lower the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats increase both blood pressure levels and the risk of heart disease.

This was proved by a recent study involving people suffering from ‘hypertension’ whose dietary intake of olive oil was purposely increased. After a period of 2 months, the effect that the increased intake had was significant enough to decrease their anti-hypertensive drug dosage by 50%!! Another study concluded that a person’s risk of a fatal heart attack is halved in just 2 to 4 years if they switch to a diet with a higher olive oil consumption such as the Mediterranean diet

Research has also found that olive oil may influence body fat distribution meaning less fat is stored around the stomach and waist. This is significant as those who store their body fat around the waist also have a higher risk of heart disease. Consumption of olive oil is also thought to lead to a reduced risk of some cancers and even diabetes. 

The most recent findings to date were reported in the ‘Daily Telegraph’ newspaper in the United Kingdom.   Scientists from the ‘Morell Chemical Senses Center’ in Philadelphia found that extra-virgin olive oil relieves pain in the same way as some ‘pain-killers’ such as Ibuprofen. They discovered that the oil contains an anti-inflammatory compound called ‘oleocanthal’ which suppresses the same pain pathway as the ‘painkillers’ do.   This is extremely important as it is the inflammation in the body that is believed to play a key role in causing some chronic diseases like cancer.

The difference between the various olive oils is in their acidity level. The acidity level affects only the taste of the olive oil that you purchase; it has virtually no impact on the nutritional content. For all cooking purposes buy a medium priced ‘extra virgin’ olive oil from either Spain or Italy. Be sure to use only low to moderate heat when cooking with olive oil.

For more information regarding the Mediterranean diet you may visit www.mediterraneandietsecrets.com


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