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It's not necessarily known as a thirst-quencher, but drinking olive oil is not something completely unheard of. By doing a quick search on the world wide web, you can learn about the many benefits that drinking just a small amount of olive oil can offer.

The health benefits of olive oil are extensive. From antioxidants that protect cells from damage, to cardiovascular benefits it has plenty of positives to offer no matter how you consume it. Drinking olive oil is also widely known for being an aid in losing weight. It can also help the body dramatically during old age.

Lots of people in the Mediterranean drink about one-fourth of a cup of extra-virgin olive oil every morning. This helps cleanse the body, and provides the body a kick-start for the day. Usually, the small cup of olive oil is followed by a small glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Some people even suggest that a tablespoon or two of olive oil may be all you want to fully reap its benefits. The use of olive oil involves a healthier digestive process as well.

Mixing olive oil with lemon helps maintain lubricant for digestive mucus that then activates the functions of the gall bladder and alive. It is a process that can help rid the body of constipation. Drinking olive oil at the daytime also helps detoxify the body from habits of a bad diet.

The discomfort from the entire body being toxified can lead to morning discomfort, and there's no better treatment for that than taking a fast drink of olive oil in the evenings. The body has subtle ways of signaling that it is in need of a detox. Signs of this include headaches, slower digestion, and dry mouth.

Olive oil is another great tool for taking care of the skin and hair. Taking a small drink of olive oil is proven to help boost hair growth. The vitamin D and vitamin E contents found in olive oil can help moisturize dry skin. While helping to enhance the skin cosmetically, it can also help prevent skin cancer.

The antioxidant properties of olive oil counter the oxidation of rays from the sun. Studies indicate that in the Mediterranean region where drinking olive oil is common, just three in every 100,000 inhabitants there get cancer.

Like anything, moderation is essential. Fortunately, it only takes a small amount of extra virgin olive oil a day to help your body function more efficiently and fight off an array of ailments. A small drink of olive oil is all it takes to reduce Alzheimer's, heart disease, stroke, and several different types of cancer. With all of its healing powers, it's no wonder the ancient Greeks referred to as gold!

Pour a glass of vino and break out the Parmesan as we take you on a tour of new ways to use Italian extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). EVOO is cold pressed within 24 hours of harvesting olives.

It's perfect for salads, pasta, grilled meats and seafood, and can be utilized in many other ways!

Utilize Olive Oil into Toast Sandwiches

For a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, try using olive oil instead of butter. It's a tasty way to get mono‑unsaturated fats into your diet and has a delicate flavor.

The olives are grown on the Asaro estate in southwestern Sicily, handpicked and pressed within a few hours of harvest. The sweet green olive taste makes this an fantastic oil to serve with crusty bread. Hint: Because this oil is unfiltered, maintain the pan over medium‑low heat to prevent it from burning.

Step 1: Heat skillet over medium-low heat and add EVOO.

Step 2: While oil is heating, spread two pieces of Italian bread (attempt Pane Luciane) using pesto.

Step 3: Place bread slices in hot pan to toast. Top one with sliced tomatoes and the other with sliced mozzarella.

Step 4: Heat until cheese begins to melt. With a spatula, carefully flip the side with cheese (the melted cheese can help it stay in place) within the piece with tomatoes.

Step 5: Gradually press using a spatula and toast for your own liking.
Use Olive Oil to Make Homemade Pesto

Many call Tuscan olive oil the finest in the entire world. It is full-bodied using a fresh aroma and hints of honey, almond and has a slightly spicy finish. See

Traditional Tuscan Pesto Recipe.

Step 1: Toast pine nuts and walnuts in the oven.

Step 2: Use a food processor to combine basil, pine nuts, walnuts, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice and Parmesan.

Step 3: Finish with fresh Pecorino Romano cheese and Tuscan extra virgin olive oil.

Step 4: Serve as an appetizer on bruschetta, as a sandwich spread or toss with pasta.

Use in Baking - How to Make an Olive Oil Cake

The rich flavor of Organic EVOO makes it great to use for baking. We replaced vegetable oil with Ottavio Private Reserve Olive Oil in boxed yellow cake mix. For extra zing, we added citrus zest to the batter.

For extra citrus flavor, we finished the cake using Central Market Lemon Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The aromatic oil is cold extracted and crafted by Italian artisans.

Step 1: Prepare box of yellow cake mix as directed, but substitute EVOO for regular vegetable oil.
Step 2: Add citrus zest (lemon, orange, tangerine or grapefruit) into the batter.
Step 3: Bake the olive oil cake in a loaf pan.
Step 4: Finish with a drizzle of lemon infused olive oil.

Serve Over Ice Cream for an Italian Sundae

For a decadent Italian sundae, try drizzling over ice cream! Use a high quality olive oil using a strong, fruity flavor. Drizzle EVOO over ice cream and berries. Garnish with fresh basil and a pinch of coarse sea salt.

Step 1: Slice fresh strawberries and fresh basil.

Step 2: Scoop ice cream into bowls and top with sliced strawberries and basil.

Step 3: Drizzle with EVOO.

We love the versatility of olive oil in the kitchen and the numerous researched health benefits that come along with it. But were you aware that extra virgin olive oil has lots of amazing uses out of the kitchen as well?

Here are 15 ways that the team at The Olive Press utilizes olive oil outside of the kitchen.

Super Smooth Shave -- The perfect two for 1 solution! Like we mentioned above, olive oil is a fantastic moisturizer and it enables the razor effortlessly glide over skin.

Furniture Polish -- Mix olive oil with a bit of lemon juice, shake in a spray bottle, spritz on your furniture and wipe away with a soft fabric. A wonderful natural and safe furniture or wood polish!

Eye Makeup Remover -- Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and wash away the day's makeup. Another natural solution that can help moisturize your luscious lashes!

Remove Paint & Grease from Skin -- Add a bit of salt or sugar to get those extra tough stains out.

Leather Polish -- A light olive oil rub can help reestablish hardened leather. Work into leather with a soft cloth, let sit for half an hour, and then wipe off any excess oil.

Soothe Diaper Rash -- Use olive oil in place of baby oil to treat and prevent diaper rash

Nail Care -- soak a Q-tip in olive oil and apply to nails to moisturize cuticles and encourage nail growth!

Shine Up Brass -- Apply a small amount of olive oil into a soft cloth and rub brass hardware for a shine like new!

Sunburn Treatment -- Rub olive oil lightly sunburned skin. The healthy fats from olive oil get rid of free radicals and can help repair short-term skin damage due to UV light exposure.

Grease Squeaky Hinges -- Place a few drops of olive oil onto squeaky door hinges to lubricate and get rid of annoying squeaks.

Massage Oil -- A perfect natural massage oil that leaves skin healthy and glowing!

Water Resistant -- Wipe a bit of olive oil leather boots, gloves, belts or bags to help them resist water, preserve quality and condition!

Free a Stuck Zipper -- Dab on a few drops of olive oil, let sit for a minute or two, then zip as usual.

Sooth a Scratchy Throat -- A spoonful of olive oil will do the trick!

Reduce the Frizz and Static -- Rub a small amount of olive oil on your hands (and reap the moisturizing benefits!) , then run your fingers through your hair, followed by a stroke or two from a natural brush.