While the benefits of including good quality Olive Oil in your diet is well documented, you may be surprised to learn just how many different ways you can incorporate Olive Oil into your beauty and health routines. By looking at the olive oil in the pantry cupboard with a slightly more opportunistic eye, you will discover countless ways to include more of this hydrating and antioxidant filled oil, avoid a lot of silly commercial beauty products with their wasteful packaging and questionable ingredient lists filled with toxic chemicals.
Warm a little olive oil (to thin it) and apply it to the ends of your hair to help nourish dry ends. Let the oil soak into your hair for about 15 minutes and then shampoo and condition as usual.
Did you know you can achieve longer and stronger nails while you cook? When cooking any dish with olive oil, just take a moment to work a little bit of the oil into your cuticles to leave them soft and nourished.
To prevent the razor bumps and dry skin that are a pesky side effect of shaving, grab some olive oil from the kitchen and use it in place of your old shaving cream. As Olive Oil is a natural moisturizer and lubricant it will ensure your shave leaves you with smooth and sleek legs.
To wake up with soft and hydrated feet, exfoliate with a pumice stone and then apply Olive Oil before bed. Sleep in socks to lock in the moisture and keep your sheets clean. (For a natural olive oil foot scrub see: DIY Olive Oil and Salt Natural Foot Scrub.)
When you are cooking with olive oil, rub a little into your hands, arms and face if you're up for it. If you find yourself with leftover olive oil on your hands while making salad or dough, rub it in, don't wash it down the sink! Your skin will thank you for it!
There have been many reports done on the horrors of what's really in cheap olive oil. Make sure you buy unrefined oil. There are many many excellent Australian producers of olive oil, including organic oils and the prices are really reasonable.
If you ever want tips on thrifting or on good practical use of pantry items, go to a website that is in the business of supporting retirees. They have the best tips. Here are 16 Health benefits of olive oil from the Stocklands Retirement Village blog.