Jaitun is the Hindi name for olive. Olives are native to the regions around the Mediterranean Sea. Olive shrubs are also found in South Africa, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Its scientific name is Olea europaea, which translates to “European Olive” in Latin. Olive is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. It is usually brined as raw olives by themselves are extremely bitter and difficult to consume. This process also helps in storing the fruit for longer.
There are two distinct colors of olives – black and green. Black olives are smaller in size, and consist of less sodium, making them less salty than green olives. Green olives are bigger, and have more sodium, giving them a stronger flavor as compared to black olives. Their harvesting time also varies.
Black olives are green in color when they are raw and unripened. These unripened black and green olives are used to make olive oil. These olives however are not supposed to be completely raw, as raw olives have a very bitter and almost pungent taste that will carry in the oil.
The oil extraction process then is pretty simple. The fruits are pressed and crushed to extract the fats from them which makes the oil. Most high-quality olive oils are made by crushing these olives only once, but some low-quality ones process the olives multiple times.
Several types of olive oils are available in the market as well, they include extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, refined olive oil and olive pomace oil.
Extra virgin olive oil is the purest form of olive oil. “Virgin” when talking about oil refers to the oil that is extracted by pressing the respective fruit to extract the fat that makes the oil. In olive oil, it is considered to be an extra virgin when the oil is extracted from the very first press itself. After the oil is produced, it is tested and checked for free acidity. If the acidity is less than 0.8%, then it is considered to be extra virgin. If the acidity is between 0.8% to 2.0%, then the oil is virgin oil. These oils can be consumed uncooked in salads as dressings, or just topped on any dish for a tinge of flavor.
Refined oil is when there are solvents added to the fruit to extract the oil from it. And olive pomace oil is the oil extracted from the second or more pressings of olive. These two do not contain as many benefits as extra virgin and virgin olive oil do. They are mostly used in cooking and baking specifically as it does not have any taste, and have a higher smoking point, making them ideal for hot ovens and sweet baked goods.
Health Benefits of Jaitun /Olive Oil/ Jaitun ka tel
Heart Health
Jaitun oil has been proven to improve heart health drastically as compared to other fat alternatives. According to a study, replacing other oil and oil consisting ingredients, like mayonnaise, butter, etc with olive oil reduced the chances of getting heart problems by 5% to 7%. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which it contains around 85% of, which have been shown to help lower harmful cholesterol, or bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Weight Loss
As mentioned earlier, jaitun oil consists of monounsaturated fats, which also makes it good for heart health. This same ingredient helps people feel full or gives them the feeling of satiety. This helps prevent the overconsumption of food and other fats and assists in weight loss. Olive oil may have similar amounts of fats as other oils, but it also provides many other nutritional benefits that make it a better alternative.
Diabetes management
Jaitun oil consists mostly of fats, saturated fats and vitamins E and K. It has no amounts of sugar content at all. This along with the nutrients it consists of helps improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes and it may also reduce the risk of developing diabetes. It is a good fat alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes. It also consists of antioxidants, that help reduce the stress that is caused by diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory
Jaitun oil contains antioxidants that help prevent inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to more significant problems such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, etc. The oleic acid that is present in olive oil is one of the components that help reduce inflammatory markers as well.
Skin Health
Jaitun oil is often used as a natural moisturizer for the skin and may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may also have antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In India, it is also used to massage children at a very young age.
May prevent cancer
Olive oil is known for its health benefits, and one of the most important is preventing cancer. Recent studies have shown that consuming olive oil may decrease the risk of colon and bowel cancer.
The active ingredient in olive oil, Oleocanthal, has an anti-inflammatory effect on cells which reduces their ability to replicate and become cancerous. This helps reduce the risk of developing cancer in the body. Additionally, Oleocanthal can help reduce the growth of existing tumors and even stop them from spreading further.
Research has also found that those who consume more olive oil are at a lower risk of developing certain types of cancers such as prostate and breast cancer. All these findings suggest that using olive oil regularly can be beneficial in preventing cancer and maintaining good health overall.
Maintains blood pressure
The polyphenols found in jaitun ka tel, including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, can help reduce diastolic and systolic pressure. Nitric acid is also produced when consuming olive oil, which helps relax the walls of the arteries to allow for better blood flow. Additionally, the antioxidants found in olive oil help reduce inflammation in the body, which can also aid in keeping blood pressure under control.
Furthermore, research has shown that regular consumption of olive oil can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and prevent the hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup; both of these factors can significantly affect your blood pressure. All in all, the consumption of olive oil can be helpful for those looking to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
May prevent depression and anxiety
Olive oil is an incredible source of monounsaturates and polyunsaturates, which help to prevent depression and anxiety by reducing oxidative stress. It also helps to regulate sugar levels in the body, avoiding any sudden spikes in sugar that could lead to mood swings.
This is because of the natural fatty acids that are found in olive oil, which help to maintain balance and avoid any sudden changes in blood sugar levels. In addition, olive oil has been found to be beneficial for mental health due to its anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation from stress hormones and improve overall mood. Finally, it may also be beneficial for those suffering from depression or anxiety as its omega-3 fatty acids can help to balance neurotransmitters in the brain which are responsible for regulating mood.
Packed up with antioxidants
Extra virgin jaitun oil is an excellent source of antioxidants and provides many health benefits. The antioxidants present in jaitun oil help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as some cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. It is especially rich in two major antioxidants, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Vitamin E helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, while Vitamin K helps keep bones strong and healthy. Additionally, olive oil may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, which can lead to a variety of chronic illnesses. Overall, consuming extra virgin olive oil on a regular basis can provide numerous health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.
May treat Alzheimer’s disease
Olive oil has recently been found to potentially have a positive impact on Alzheimer’s disease, with studies showing that it may help reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. This is an important factor in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s, as these plaques are known to be associated with mental decline and memory loss. Additionally, olive oil contains polyphenols which can help protect neurons in the brain from damage and inflammation, while also improving communication between them. It has also been found to improve the functioning of mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy within cells and are notably damaged in people with Alzheimer’s. Taken together, these findings suggest that consuming olive oil may be beneficial for those suffering from this disease.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of jaitun oil and to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use. As with any dietary supplement or natural remedy, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before using jaitun oil.
There is also a risk of allergy involved, and some people also tend to take longer to adjust to newer things, hence, it is better to start out small and then slowly incorporate this oil into your diet. It is also to note that the quality of the oil that you are buying will also affect the benefits you receive for it.
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