Olive oil is an extremely popular variety of oil that is extracted from olives native to the Mediterranean Basin. It is commonly used in cooking and has even made a significant impact in the cosmeceutical industry because of its many benefits on the skin, face, and hair. However, not everything is perfect.
When used in large quantities or applied improperly, olive oil can have certain drawbacks. Let’s see what are the side effects of applying and consuming too much olive oil.
Side effects of olive oil on the skin
Nonnas around Southern Europe and the Mediterranean Basin swear by the benefits of olive oil on the skin. For centuries, in many cultures, olive oil was used on the skin as a natural exfoliate that protects the skin against the sun’s UV rays, reduces inflammation, hydrates the skin, and even reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, olive oil is not suitable for all skin types and can cause a myriad of problems.
Olive oil can cause allergies in the form of irritation, contact dermatitis, eczema, and even respiratory allergies. People with extremely oily skin can develop a rash after using olive oil because it can result in uncontrollable sebum secretion when combined with naturally greasy skin.
Side effects of olive oil on your face
As we all know, face skin is more sensitive and open to exposure than normal skin. Therefore, in many ways, it reacts differently to olive oil. Olive oil is high in antioxidants which are known for preventing premature aging. When applied on the face before significant sun exposure, olive oil also helps fight off cancer-causing cell growth.
People with normal skin can even use olive oil as a natural makeup remover because not only is olive oil non-abrasive but it also moisturizes their skin along the way. However, olive oil is a heavy oil that doesn’t absorb into your skin instantly, like coconut oil, and this can create a lot of problems for your face skin.
When olive oil doesn’t absorb into your skin and forms a thick layer on it, then it ends up trapping all the dirt, dust, and sebum in your pores. Therefore, olive oil can not only clog your pores but can also pave the way for acne, pimples, and blackheads.
Contrary to popular belief, our skin produces oil to compensate for the lack of moisture on our face. Therefore, our skin produces oil from time to time. The reason why olive oil is not suitable for people with dry skin is that it hinders the skin’s natural ability to moisturize itself.
Side effects of olive oil on hair
Along with being rich in antioxidants, olive oil also contains large amounts of vitamins E and K which prevent hair damage and reduce breakage while washing. Olive oil also has an abundance of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene, which provides a lot of goodness to hair follicles.
On the flip side, olive oil is not suitable for treating dandruff. Other than oily, irritated, and dry skin, dandruff can also be caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. If your dandruff is caused due to this yeast-like fungus, then applying olive oil to your scalp is like feeding the yeast which will only make the dandruff worst.
Side effects of olive oil on your physical health
Many studies show that a healthy consumption of olive oil helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, protects the liver from oxidative stress, relieves constipation, strengthens the bones, and improves the cardiovascular system. Indulging in too much olive oil on a daily basis can cause a massive dip in your blood pressure, which can decline your health by making you prone to dizziness, stroke, and lightheadedness.
The high-fat content of olive oil can trigger gastrointestinal problems. Our digestive system is unable to digest large amounts of olive oil and this can cause diarrhea. Regular consumption of either unprocessed or too much olive oil also increases the risks of colon cancer, heart attack, dangerously low blood sugar levels, and excessive trembling and sweating.
The recommended intake of olive oil per day
Even though olive oil has serious benefits for your skin, hair, and physical health thanks to it being loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids and high levels of antioxidants. It is a staple of the Mediterranean diet because it is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood sugar, and improving cholesterol levels.
However, olive is still an oil that also has several side effects, especially when consumed in large quantities. The right quantity of olive oil per day depends on many factors such as your weight, height, age, how active you are, and the way you are consuming the oil. It also depends on the type of olive oil you are consuming as well.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, our daily fat intake shouldn’t exceed more than 20-35% of our daily calories. Therefore, if you want to reap the health benefits of olive oil, the best strategy is to replace it in place of the other fats you are currently eating rather than adding to it. So, if you are consuming 2,000 calories every day, then your total fat intake can be at least 700 calories (1 tbsp of olive is approx. 119 calories).
