Olives are rich in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. They are beneficial for the heart and may help prevent osteoporosis or cancer. Olive oil is made from the healthy fats found in olives. This is the reason olives are one of the key components of a healthy Mediterranean diet.
Olives are frequently used and enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, and tapenades. The average weight of olive is about 3-5 grams (1Trusted Source).
Some olives that are still immature turn black when they reach maturity. Some olives remain green even after they are fully mature and ripe.
90% of olives of the Mediterranean region are used to make olive oil.
This article will tell you about some of the health benefits of eating olives.
Cardiovascular benefits
Free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and cause damage to blood vessels. This could lead to a heart attack. Black olives contain antioxidant nutrients that prevent cholesterol oxidation, which can help to prevent heart disease. Although olives do contain fat, it is the healthy monounsaturated type that has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Prevention of cancer
Black olives are rich in vitamin E. This is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals found in body fat. Vitamin E can help make cells safer, especially when combined with the monounsaturated fats in olives. If these processes, such as mitochondrial energy generation, aren’t well protected, the free radicals created can cause oxidation. This can damage a cell’s mitochondria and prevent it from producing enough energy. A damaged cell’s DNA can cause it to mutate or become cancerous. Research has shown that eating olive oil supplements your risk of developing colon cancer. This is almost the same risk as eating fish oil.
The health of the skin and hair
Black olives are high in antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish, hydrate, and protect. Vitamin E is the most important of these antioxidants. It can be applied topically to the skin or ingested. This protects skin against ultraviolet radiation and prevents skin cancer. Warm water can be used to give your skin a radiant, healthy glow. After that, you should rinse off the oil and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You can even use olive oil to moisturize your hair before you take a bath.
Connective and bone tissue
Monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, as well as the polyphenols found in black olives, may help to reduce the severity of osteoarthritis, asthma, and rheumatoid. High levels of free radicals are responsible for most of the pain and suffering of these bone diseases. Oleocanthal is a chemical found in olive oil that acts as a painkiller. Researchers have found that oleocanthal can inhibit inflammation in the same way as drugs like Ibuprofen.
Digestive tract health
A lower rate of colon cancer is associated with frequent consumption of vitamin E and monounsaturated oils in black olives. These nutrients neutralize free radicals and help prevent colon cancer. Olive oil’s protective effect also benefits gastritis and ulcers. Olive oil triggers pancreatic and bile hormone secretion more naturally than prescribed drugs. This helps to lower the risk of gallstone formation. Black olives contain 17% of the daily allowance for fibre. This promotes healthy digestion by allowing food to flow more efficiently. This helps keep any part of your digestive tract from being too busy and supports the optimal balance of chemicals and microorganisms needed for a healthy digestive system.
Good source of Iron
Iron is high in black olives. Iron in the blood is what allows red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. When iron is low, tissues suffer from a lack of oxygen and may feel weak or cold. The production of energy is also dependent on iron. Iron is an essential component of many enzymes, including iron catalase and iron peroxidase. It is also necessary to produce carnitine (an essential amino acid important for fat utilization). Iron is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Eye health
Ten percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A is found in one cup of black olives. This vitamin is essential for healthy eyes when it’s converted to the retinal form. Vitamin A helps the eye distinguish between light and darkness, which improves night vision. Vitamin A is also believed to be effective against macular degeneration, cataracts, and other age-related ocular conditions.
Some of the good options of olive oil and olive related products for better health:-
