Extra virgin olive oil for hair growth

Source :New health guide

Do you have thinning hair? There are many reasons for hair loss in both men and women. Sometimes it is simply genetics or hereditary reasons, but often it can be caused by pollution, the misuse of hair care products, frequent coloring, poor diet, certain medications or over processing of the hair. These causes of hair loss can sometimes be reversed.

One way to help preserve your hair and make it thicker, fuller and more lustrous is the use of olive oil. Olive oil for hair growth has been used for centuries, and there are many happy people who say it definitely works. Olive oil, especially when heated, can provide deep conditioning for the hair, and that can lead to a healthier scalp and more hair on your head.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair Growth

Olive oil has long been used as a great way to promote skin health. It also helps the skin of your scalp, and that can in turn boost the health of your hair. Olive oil, as part of a regular hair care regimen, can help your hair and scalp reach their healthiest potential. Make olive oil for hair growth a regular priority in your hair care. Here are just a few things that olive oil can do:

Prevent DTH Hormones Production. A hormone called DTH is the culprit in many cases of hair loss, as it causes the hair follicle shaft to narrow. Olive oil actually stops this from happening, which means you can hold onto your hair for longer.

Promote Scalp Health. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, which can keep the skin of your scalp in better shape. It can even reduce the damage done by hair care products or overuse of styling products.

Naturally Condition the Hair. Olive oil can make your hair shiny and soft. That's why it has been used for centuries as a natural hair conditioner.

Fight off Fungi and Bacteria. Dandruff, head lice and other adverse conditions can contribute to hair loss. Fortunately, olive oil fights off all of these things, helping keep your hair healthier.

Improve Blood Circulation. Olive oil massages can improve the blood circulation in your scalp. This increased blood flow can stimulate the follicles, which then produce thicker strands.

Keep in mind that olive oil used alone is an excellent way to prevent or slow hair loss. But if you add other ingredients to the olive oil, such as almond oil, rosemary, castor oil or cayenne pepper, you can see even better results.

How to Use Olive Oil for Hair Growth

Start by choosing a very high quality virgin or extra virgin olive oil to apply to your hair and scalp. These types of olive oil have been processed without chemicals.

Hot Oil Treatment. Mix together half olive oil and half castor oil. You can also add hibiscus petals for a good smell if you wish. Heat up the oil to lukewarm, then apply it to your scalp and hair. Massage the oil generously for ten minutes, then wrap your hair in a steaming hot towel. This will help lock in the moisture. When done, wash your hair thoroughly.

Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil. For every three tablespoons of olive oil, add 7 to 10 drops of tea tree oil. Blend well, apply it to your scalp, and then cover your head with a shower cap or towel. Leave this on overnight, then shampoo your hair like normal in the morning. This is especially effective against dandruff, and it smells wonderful.

Olive Oil Hair Mask. Combine half a cup of olive oil with one well-beaten egg yolk and several drops of lemon juice. You can also add lavender if you want a better scent. Put this mask on your head, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it out. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

Cinnamon-Honey Mixture. Create a paste to put on your head that helps reduce hair loss. Heat up two tablespoons of olive oil, then add one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon. You can double or triple this recipe if you have longer hair. Apply it to your hair, leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse it thoroughly before you shampoo your hair.

Taking Olive Oil Orally. You can also use olive oil when cooking to bring health benefits, including prevention of hair loss. Olive oil has many, many health benefits that can be captured by using it as cooking oil, or drinking olive oil mixed with water and a dash of lemon. Olive oil helps improve digestion, makes your teeth and hair stronger and even makes your skin clearer.

More Tips for Hair Growth.

Keep in mind that even though olive oil can work wonders for your hair, you must complement the olive oil treatments with other lifestyle changes before it will truly work well for you. Enriching your diet with good foods, such as almonds, seafood and Greek yogurt, can help your hair become healthier.

You should also focus on relaxation, as stress has been proven to lead to some hair loss.

Hide your hair from the damaging effects of the sun by covering it with a scarf or hat when you go out - but make sure the covering it's too tight, as that can cause problems too!

Finally, look for hair products that are organic or very gentle on your hair, and don't use too many of them. It also pays to avoid styling products or procedures that use heat, as that can damage your hair even further.

Olive Oil Reduces Arthritis Inflammation

Monday, January 25  |  Arthritis Today Magazine

While tasting extra-virgin olive oils in Sicily, Gary Beauchamp, PhD, director of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, noticed a ticklish, peppery sensation in the back of his throat. It was nearly identical to the “sting” he’d felt when swallowing a liquid form of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, during previous sensory studies. Beauchamp detected a connection between the olive oil and inflammation.

Further studies revealed that a compound in the oil, called oleocanthal, prevents the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes – the same way ibuprofen works.

“By inhibiting these enzymes, inflammation and the increase in pain sensitivity associated with them is dampened,” says Paul Breslin, PhD, co-author of the 2011 study. Researchers found the intensity of the “throaty bite” in oil is directly related to the amount of oleocanthal it contains. “Virgin olive oils from Tuscany, or other regions that have the same variety of olives, have the highest oleocanthal levels,” says Breslin.

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in 2015 looked specifically at the benefits of oleocanthal for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that this compound had a significant impact not only on chronic inflammation but also on acute inflammatory processes.

More Than Inflammation

Extra-virgin olive oil has benefits beyond stemming inflammation. Several studies have shown benefits for heart health, bone loss and neurological diseases (affecting the brain, spine, muscles and connecting nerves). A study published in Molecules in 2014 discussed the effect of a component of the oil, called hydroxytyrosol, which had a protective effect on the neurological system.  In an animal study published in the peer-reviewed journal, PLOSOne in 2014, researchers showed that when virgin olive oil was combined with vitamin D, it protected against bone loss. Another study, led by Dr. Francisco Perez-Jimenez of the University of Cordoba, Spain in 2005 showed that a compound found in the oil, called polyphenol, promoted heart health.

Getting The Full Benefits of Virgin Olive Oil

Researchers say that about 3 1/2 Tbsp. of the oil is equal to a 200-mg tablet of ibuprofen.  Ibuprofen is widely used to help control pain and inflammation. But serious side effects can occur if it’s used for more than 10 days. Virgin olive oil may lessen how much you need to take, but talk to your doctor before changing your medication regimen.

Be aware that 3 1/2 Tbsp. of the oil has more than 400 calories. So, it’s a good idea to use in moderation so that excess calories don’t lead to weight gain.

Do not heat olive oil to high temperatures (about 410 degrees), because this kills some of the beneficial properties. At lower temperatures, you can sauté vegetables (300 degrees) or fry breaded items (340 degrees), and reap the benefits of switching out butter for olive oil.  You can also use it at room temperature in salad dressings, as a dip for bread, or for tossing pasta or veggies.

Protect the oil’s healthful properties by keeping it in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry, but you can store in the fridge too.  Don’t keep next to the stove. At the grocery store, choose the dark bottles and one that at the back of the shelf – it’s been shielded from the fluorescent light.