While natural olive oil is already one of the champions of Mediterranean foods, a new star enters the stage of healthy plant oils with ozonated olive oil, a refined, oxygen-rich variant. Ozonated olive oil is produced through a chemical treatment that enriches the health-promoting character of olive oil with additional valuable components. Interesting, yes – but does the energetic newcomer live up to its promise? Let's take a look behind the scenes.
Production and types of ozonated olive oil
While oxygen in our atmosphere usually appears in the diatomic form (O2), ozone consists of three oxygen atoms (O3) and is thus a highly reactive form of oxygen. Ozone is mainly known for its occurrence in higher layers of the Earth's atmosphere. There, it has a protective effect against the harmful UV radiation of the sun.
To obtain ozonated olive oil, olive oil undergoes an additional production step – ozonation:
First, ozone is artificially produced using an ozonator. This is achieved either by using electrical discharges or UV light to split oxygen molecules into two oxygen atoms. Subsequently, three oxygen atoms combine to form an energy-rich ozone molecule.
The obtained ozone gas is then introduced into the olive oil via a hose. As soon as the gas and oil come into contact, the ozone enters into various chemical reactions with the components of the olive oil. This partly multistage process can take up to 72 hours.
Depending on the duration of ozone enrichment, which also affects the effectiveness and color of the oil, ozonated olive oil is classified into different types:
- 18 hours of ozonation: lightly ozonated (green-brown color)
- 36 hours of ozonation: medium-strong ozonated (yellow-brown color)
- 72 hours of ozonation: heavily ozonated (almost white color)
In addition, the more olive oil is ozonated, the more viscous the end product becomes.
In addition to the conventional liquid form, ozonated olive oil is also available in the form of capsules, creams, and ointments.
Effects of ozonated olive oil
During ozonation, numerous ozoneides and peroxides are formed in the olive oil. These cause ozonated olive oil to have a particularly oxygen-rich character. Thus, ozonated olive oil has additional positive properties in addition to its already healthy features.
Ozonated olive oil is supposed to...
- disinfectant,
- anti-inflammatory,
- antibacterial, and
- antifungal (against fungi and lichens) effect.
However, further studies are needed in this area, as there are currently only a few pieces of evidence for the broad spectrum of effects of ozonated olive oil.
In addition, due to the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids such as caproic acid and pelargonic acid are among the newly formed compounds. They also influence the aromatic properties of the oil.
Good to know: Usually, no toxic residues remain from the used ozone gas because the chemical reactions with the unstable and therefore reactive ozone occur very quickly and neutralize the gas completely.
Applications of ozonated olive oil
Ozonated olive oil enriched with ozoneides and peroxides is said to alleviate various ailments and prevent health problems. It is used both externally and internally.
External Application
Ozonated olive oil has gained great popularity for the following external applications, either used alone or as a salve or cream:
- Wounds and inflamed skin: In addition to sunburn and insect bites, chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are often accompanied by inflammation. Irritated and injured skin areas provide entry points for pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Topically applied ozonated olive oil is said to stimulate wound healing and relieve inflammation on the painful skin areas.
- Problematic skin: Regular use of ozonated olive oil is said to provide relief for small skin blemishes or acne and help prevent skin problems in general.
- Daily care and anti-aging: Wrinkles and cellulite are classic accompanying symptoms of damaged connective tissue and too much or too strong UV radiation. Daily application of ozonated olive oil is said to improve the regenerative capacity of skin cells and contribute to general tissue tightening.
Internal Application
The most sustainable internal effect of ozonated olive oil is achieved when it is taken diluted in water before a meal. Although only a few possible side effects have been reported so far, due to the highly effective ingredients, it is recommended to use ozonated olive oil cautiously. Newcomers should start with a small amount and increase it gradually over several weeks.
Possible areas of application for internal use of ozonated olive oil include:
- Mouth and dental hygiene: Gum inflammation and bacterial infestation can be a real problem for the oral cavity. Ozonated olive oil is said to flush out waste products and disinfect the oral cavity. In addition, the so-called oil pulling with olive oil is a widely used method that is said to be even more effective with ozonated olive oil. Note that especially strongly ozonated olive oil has an unusual smell and taste.
- Stomach and intestinal problems: Intestinal parasites and fungi can trigger various diseases with unpleasant symptoms. Stomach or intestinal ulcers are also common diseases that often have an infection as their cause. Ozonated olive oil is said to play out its antimicrobial properties in these areas and can help alleviate symptoms of the disease. Tip: Even without ozonation, olive oil benefits a healthy gut flora and can help against constipation, among other things.
- Cleansing the liver: Olive oil-based detoxification and cleansing of the central metabolic organ, including the bile ducts, is said to improve digestion. A particularly popular combination is grapefruit juice, Epsom salt, and ozonated olive oil.
Ozonated Olive Oil as a Leader Among Olive Oils?
Although ozonated olive oil is attributed with a multitude of positive properties, it should be consumed with caution. After all, ozonation is a process that chemically alters some of the components in the olive oil. The specific effects of such a process have only been researched to a certain extent. In addition, ozone generation is extremely energy-consuming and therefore potentially detrimental to the climate.
In contrast, the organic olive oils produced by MANI combine naturalness with ecological sustainability. Both in the kitchen and for skin and body care, MANI relies on the power of natural and high-quality olive oil ingredients.
Although ozonated olive oil is derived from a natural product, it undergoes a chemical process.
FAQ
Is ozonated olive oil dangerous?
While ozone itself is considered an unhealthy gas, there are no such concerns for ozonated olive oil. Thanks to the highly reactive nature of ozone, it reacts very quickly with the components of olive oil and is "rendered harmless" in this way.
How long does ozonated olive oil last?
The shelf life of ozonated olive oils is usually stated as 18 to 24 months - just like "conventional" olive oil. Opened products should ideally be used up within six to seven months. As with any olive oil, ozonated olive oil should always be stored tightly closed, protected from light, and kept cool.
