Allah gives mankind what we need even before we know that we need it. The Holy Quran which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) a millennium and a half ago teaches us of a tree that Allah has created that is beneficial to humanity – the olive tree. In Chapter 24 Surah An-Nur ayah 35 it reads:
And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained this ayah even further by giving instruction as to what to do with the oil and food from this tree. It was narrated from ‘Umar (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: ‘Season (your food) with olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 3319
Consuming olive oil both internally and on our bodies has been examined by scientists worldwide. Scientists have learned that the oil from olives is multifaceted in its benefit. For example, scientists have found that olives contain Vitamin E, reduce the risk of major diseases even some that cause cognitive decline, reduce inflammation in the body and booster the overall immune system. Olive oil is especially valuable for expectant mothers and new babies.
Vitamins & Fetal development
- Olive oil has Vitamin E vital to the development of the nervous system and connective tissue in the growing feus.
- Vitamin E also helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, while strengthening the body’s immune system with a natural defense against illness and infection.
- Olive oil contains vitamin K, vital to bone health. It helps in the absorption of calcium and other minerals necessary for strong and healthy bones.
- Vitamins K and E and can help post-surgery scarring, especially for babies delivered via cesarean section. This is because Vitamin K aids the body’s process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery. If expectant moms apply Vitamin E on the skin, it protects skin from damage.
Monounsaturated fats & Maternal and Fetal health
- Olive oil is predominantly made up of monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats.
- For expectant moms, monounsaturated fats can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, which is important for the mother's health during pregnancy.
- Studies suggest that olive oil consumption may lower the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia which are major pregnancy complications
- Olive oil reduces the risk of stroke. When the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted by a blood clot or bleeding, this is considered a stroke. Pregnant women are three times more likely to have a stroke than non-pregnant women.
- The omega 3 fatty acids in olive oil is also beneficial to the baby’s heart development both in the womb and after birth.
- Studies point to olive oil consumption reducing the incidences of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants.
- The monounsaturated fats in olive oil contribute to healthy brain development, supporting memory, concentration, and overall cognitive abilities.
Antioxidants
- Olive oil contains antioxidants that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases that affect cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
- Olive oil is a strong anti-inflammatory.
- Chronic inflammation leads to cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and even obesity which all have higher incidences during pregnancy.
- Although not related to pregnancy, but to overall health, studies of the impact of antioxidants contained in olive oil show that it may serve as a prevention or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Moisturizer Lubricant
- In the reports during the prophet age, Muslims were advised to anoint their bodies with olive oil.
- Olive oil applied to the abdomen and hips of an expectant mom makes the skin more supple and resistant to stretch marks made as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing baby.
- Olive oil reduces discomfort from a diaper rash.
- Since olive oil is a both a moisturizer and lubricant it can be used to smooth parched lips or dry skin on the pregnant mom and keep baby’s skin soft and supple.
- Using small amounts of olive oil can help loosen ear wax in a baby’s ear (or mother’s).
Consumption benefits
- Some studies suggest that olive oil intake during pregnancy and lactation can influence breast milk composition, potentially impacting infant health.
- A study indicated a protective effect against wheezing during the first year of life in infants of mothers who consumed olive oil during pregnancy.
- Seasoning and preparing food with olive oil helps with digestions which is of particular concern to women during pregnancy who often experience heartburn and stomach upset.
Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision. She holds a Master in English Writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade. Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays. She currently has a screenplay script under consideration.
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