Olive Oil Benefits and Uses in Your Daily Life

Olive oil has long been a cornerstone of Mediterranean culture—a symbol of health, vitality, and luxury. Beyond its renowned benefits for heart health, digestion, and glowing skin, this “liquid gold” enriches every aspect of daily life—from invigorating your morning salad to soothing your skin after a long day. But one of its most powerful secrets lies in its high polyphenol content—especially in Greek extra virgin olive oil, which contains some of the highest levels globally thanks to the island’s unique microclimate of Crete. This combination of dry summers, cool nights, and nutrient-rich limestone soil creates olives with a higher concentration of bioactive compounds, including oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol—three of the most potent polyphenols in nature.

What Are Polyphenols—and Why Should You Care?

Polyphenols are natural plant compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In olive oil, they act as defenders—protecting both the oil itself and your body from oxidative stress. Dozens of scientific studies have shown that polyphenols can:

• Reduce inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer
  
• Protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  
• Support brain function and memory, with research linking polyphenol-rich olive oil to a lower risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s
  
• Balance gut microbiota, feeding beneficial bacteria and improving digestion and immunity
  
• Promote youthful skin, thanks to their ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent premature aging
  

In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) officially recognized the health claim that olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress, as long as the oil contains at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g—a level that premium Greek olive oils easily surpass.

From Ancient Olive Trees to Modern Skin Rituals

With roots dating back millennia—including ancient varieties like the 2,000–4,000‑year‑old Olive Tree of Vouves —Greek olive oil has been prized in religious ceremonies, wellness traditions, and skincare. Aristocrats and athletes alike relied on olive oil for its healing, anti‑inflammatory and softening effects. Today, science confirms what tradition long knew: these oils are rich in vitamin E, K, and natural saponins that balance, hydrate, and protect skin.

Why Greek Olive Oil Stands Above the Rest

• Microclimate advantage: Crete offers over 3,200 hours of sunshine annually and coastal winds that preserve olive quality.
  
• The Koroneiki variety: Small but potent, these olives offer high yield with intense taste and up to 60% coverage in Greek groves.
  
• Pure, cold-pressed tradition: Greek producers often harvest by hand and press olives the same day—retaining flavour, nutrients, and that peppery finish dieters crave .
  

The Mythical Gift of the Olive Tree

'Painting by Giovanni Battista Cipriani, 18th century'

According to Greek mythology, the olive tree was not just a plant—it was a divine gift. The myth goes that the city of Athens was named after the goddess Athena, who won the favor of the people over Poseidon in a legendary contest. Each god was to offer a gift to the city; Poseidon struck the ground and created a saltwater spring (or a horse, depending on the version), symbolizing strength and war. But Athena planted the first olive tree on the sacred hill of the Acropolis—an enduring symbol of peace, prosperity, and nourishment.

The people of Athens chose Athena's gift, and ever since, the olive tree has been cherished not only as a sacred symbol but also as a pillar of Greek culture, diet, and beauty rituals. The very same olive oil that once anointed kings, lit temple lamps, and nourished the skin of philosophers and warriors now finds new life in modern wellness—and in every bar of DEOS Co. soap. 

Our soaps carry this mythical legacy, crafted with the same Cretan olive oil that grows under the same sun and winds once believed to be blessed by the gods. When you cleanse with DEOS Co., you’re not just nourishing your skin—you’re participating in a story that began thousands of years ago.

Introducing DEOS Co. Soaps: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Wellness

It’s not enough to talk about olive oil without celebrating how you experience it—on your skin. That’s where DEOS Co. soaps enter: handcrafted in small batches using 100% organic, cold‑pressed Cretan olive oil, each bar delivers that legendary nourishment in a daily ritual:

• Athena’s Essence – Pure olive oil, sodium hydroxide. Minimalist yet luxurious; moisturises deeply and lathers softly.
  
  
• Hellenic Harmony – Combines olive, coconut, rice‑bran, shea butter, aloe and botanical extracts for hydration, anti‑aging and skin repair .
  
  
• Thera Vitalis (Basil) – Olive oil plus basil, avocado, shea & coconut oils for gentle exfoliation, freshness, and antioxidant action .
  

These bars bring the microclimate’s richness directly to your skin, showcasing olive oil’s full spectrum—from antioxidant protection to elasticity support.

Why Choose DEOS Co.?

✅ Traceable Greek heritage	Made with ingredients sourced from Greece, celebrating the purity and power of its legendary olive oil and botanicals.
✅ Clean, no-nasties formula	Free from artificial fragrances, dyes, or fillers—just olive oil and pure botanicals
✅ Ritual meets results	Each soap bar is a sensory embrace—soft foam, herbal accents, and a moisture-boost that lasts

Blend Greek Tradition into Modern Wellness

Integrate these soaps into your lifestyle by:

• Replacing harsh cleansers with olive oil-based foam to maintain your skin’s pH and natural oils.
  
• Pairing your daily kitchen drizzle of Greek EVOO with your skincare ritual—for inner and outer nourishment.
  
• Seeing skincare not as routine, but as a ritual—elevated by scent, texture, and intentional ingredients.
  

 

 

Sources & Further Reading

1. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Journal – “Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to polyphenols in olive”
   
2. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – “Olive Oil”
   
3. Olive Oil Times – “Why Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Among the Best in the World”
   
4. Stamsons Greek Olive Oil – “Why Greek Olive Oil Is Healthier Than Other Varieties”
   
5. PubMed (NIH) – “Health effects of olive oil polyphenols: recent advances and possibilities for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases”
   
6. OliveOil.com – “Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil from Greece”