Olive oil and lemon: what is it for and what are its benefits?

Two basics in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil and lemon are ingredients recognized for their multiple nutritional properties and health benefits, which are present in countless dishes and are also consumed raw.

In fact, the combination of olive oil and lemon is an effective natural remedy to improve well-being in various ways, which has been used for centuries.

Because, separately they provide nutritional properties, but, when combined, the properties of olive oil and lemon enhance each other, offering a truly beneficial mix for our body.

What is olive oil and lemon used for?

The mixture of olive oil and lemon is a natural remedy to promote health and prevent various conditions that allows you to take advantage of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing properties of both ingredients, taking care of the body from within.

These are some of the uses of olive oil and lemon that stand out:

• Improve digestion: it has been shown to help stimulate the digestive system and relieve issues such as constipation.
• Detoxify the body: this combination promotes the elimination of toxins and supports liver health.
• Strengthen the immune system: thanks to its high content of vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Care for skin and hair: nourishes from within, improving the appearance of skin and hair.

Benefits of olive oil and lemon

Once we know what it consists of, we are going to show you the main health benefits of olive oil and lemon:

Improve cardiovascular health

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, which help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. For its part, lemon provides flavonoids and vitamin C, which improve the elasticity of blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.

Together, these ingredients help maintain a strong and healthy heart.

Facilitates digestion

It has been shown that taking a tablespoon of olive oil with lemon on an empty stomach can stimulate bile production, which aids in the digestion of fats and prevents issues such as indigestion or constipation.

Furthermore, lemon has alkalizing properties that balance the pH of the stomach.

Cleanses the liver

This mixture acts as a natural detoxifier, helping the liver eliminate toxins and accumulated fats. Lemon stimulates the production of liver enzymes, while olive oil lubricates the intestinal walls, facilitating the expulsion of waste.

Strengthens the immune system

Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for strengthening the body's defenses. Combined with the antioxidants in olive oil, this mixture helps combat free radicals and prevent diseases.

Nourishes the skin and hair

"Olive oil and lemon are also good for the skin, as the fatty acids in olive oil hydrate the skin from the inside, while the vitamin C in lemon promotes collagen production, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Additionally, this mixture strengthens the hair and gives it a shinier appearance."

Helps to lose weight

Although it is not a miracle remedy, olive oil with lemon can be a useful supplement in weight loss diets, as olive oil provides a feeling of fullness, while lemon acts as a natural diuretic, helping to eliminate retained fluids.

How to prepare the olive oil and lemon mixture

As we will see, preparing a mixture of olive oil and lemon is very simple, and you only need two ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil: Make sure to choose a high-quality oil, as it better preserves its nutritional properties.

At Olivarte, we offer you a wide selection of extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality, obtained from the best olives through mechanical processes, all with an acidity level below 0.8%, which gives them a unique color, aroma, and flavor.

We have the best AOVE brands on the market, such as Oro Bailén, Rincón de la Subbética, or Verde Esmeralda, among many others, which you can purchase through our online store and receive it anywhere in the Peninsula in just 24 hours.

• The juice of half a lemon: Preferably, use fresh and organic lemons, as they will have a higher amount of nutrients and a more potent flavor.

Instructions to combine lemon and olive oil:

1. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Mix the mixture well until both ingredients are combined.
3. Take the mixture of olive oil and lemon on an empty stomach, preferably 20-30 minutes before breakfast, to fully enjoy all its benefits.

If you prefer, you can also take olive oil and lemon at night, before going to bed, as during the night the body undergoes repair and detoxification processes that can be enhanced by this mixture.

As you can see, the mixture of olive oil and lemon is a versatile and effective natural remedy that offers multiple health benefits; from improving digestion and detoxifying the body, to strengthening the immune system and caring for the skin.