The evolution of health-giving oils

11:26am Monday 27th March 2006

There was a time, not so very long ago, when olive oil was only available in little bottles from chemist shops to be used to relieve mild skin complaints. Although it was always widely used throughout the Mediterranean, in Britain it was virtually unheard of to actually eat it, let alone accept that it was good for us. Cooking was generally done in plain vegetable oil or in animal fat such as lard.

Today, as you may have noticed, supermarket shelves are groaning under the weight of all the different types of oil and although we know that some types contain high levels of potentially harmful saturated fats, many can be good for us both inside and out.

Oils that we eat, either through cooking or in capsule form, can have a beneficial effect on our general health, as well as relieving some specific medical conditions.

One type of oil that has stood the test of time is fish oil, and cod liver oil in particular. Many people will remember their parents giving them a nasty spoonful of cod liver oil to take as a child and although it now, thankfully, comes in easy to swallow capsules, it is clinically proven to have a protective effect on the joints as well as relieving the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Fish oils are also high in omega 3 fatty acids which can help prevent a number of conditions including heart disease.

Western diets have traditionally lacked these essential fatty acids and although symptoms of deficiency vary they can include everything from dry skin and high blood pressure to irritability, memory problems and joint pain, so making sure you get enough omega 3 and 6 can help prevent problems at all stages of life.

Women in particular may benefit from taking regular supplements of evening primrose oil which are available in capsule form. Studies suggest that it may be of help to women who suffer from pre-menstrual stress as well as those who are going through the menopause.

And, like fish oil, it is also rich in essential fatty acids so evening primrose oil may help people with a range of other symptoms including those with inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatism.

The health benefits of oils are not just restricted to those oils you can eat.

Some oils are best used externally, either as a skin treatment or inhaled, usually through steam. Oils such as coconut and olive can be used to moisturise skin and hair, while almond oil is often used in cosmetics as it contains skin-friendly vitamin E.

Aromatherapy is another example of external use and is based around the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

These highly concentrated essences are extremely powerful and usually need to be diluted in carrier oils before they can be either inhaled or applied to the skin.

Other oils can relieve minor ailments, with tea tree oil having powerful antiseptic properties while eucalyptus and peppermint oils are often used to relieve bronchial congestion or to clear a blocked nose. For more information on healthy eating and essential fatty acids visit www.eatwell.gov.uk.

A quick guide to a few healthy oils
Olive oil Low in saturated fat.
Can help protect against heart disease.

Sunflower oil High in Vitamin E.
High in monosaturates and polyunsaturates.

Fish oils (including cod liver oil) High in omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Protects joints, promotes good brain function, protects bones, keeps skin, hair and nails healthy.

Evening primrose oil high in essential fatty acids.
Relieves pre-menstrual symptoms and can help improve skin disorders such as eczema.

Coconut oil High in saturated fat if eaten. Used externally as an effective moisturiser for skin and hair.

Flaxseed (linseed) oil High in omega 3 essential fatty acids.
An excellent vegetarian alternative to fish oils.