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<pre>Olive oil has been used for skin and hair for thousands of years. Like
other oils even EMU oil olive acts as an emollient, softening and
protecting skin. Most cosmetics however do not use olive oil, but use
oils like avocado, almond. I have not seen any scientific studies that
olive oil is better than other oils. However Castor Oil has mild
fungicidal properties and is often used in the elderly with dry skin.
The Polyphenols also have antibiotic effects particularly in regard to
microorganisms that cause food deterioration. For example coating
cheeses and fish with olive oil preserves them lfor longer periods than
without olive oil. What I have seen in the literature are a few papers
where olive oil applied to the skin has caused allergic type reactions.
In relation to allergies olive pollen is allergenic and so with all the
new plantings particlarly in new areas, with alot of windblown pollen
around incidence of allergies could increase.

Stan Kailis
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