Olives are a nutritious and versatile food. They’re commonly used as a tasty topping on pizzas and salads or served as an appetizer with drinks.
Olives can be eaten raw or cooked, whole or chopped, as an olive tapenade or olive oil. There are many different types of these small, green stone fruits: black, green, purple, Gaeta, pimiento-stuffed green, kalamata and more. And whether you like them salty or sweet-and-savory, there’s an olive for every taste.
We take a closer look at the health benefits of olives and why you should eat them every day.
They’re rich in vitamins and minerals.
Olives are a great source of B vitamins, including vitamins B2, B3 and B6. They also contain vitamin E, folic acid, iron, copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
The minerals in olives are particularly good for your skin, nails and hair. It’s not just the vitamins and minerals that make olives a healthy food.
They also have high levels of oleic acid, the same healthy fat found in olive oil. This is where their anti-inflammatory properties come from.
They’re a good source of fiber.
The fiber in olives is great for your digestive system. It helps to keep your bowel movements regular and regulates your blood sugar levels.
It also helps to delay the absorption of sugar in your blood, which is particularly useful if you have high blood sugar levels.
They have anti-inflammatory benefits.
As we mentioned above, olives are high in oleic acid. This is also one of their main health benefits.
Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid that’s also present in many other healthy foods like avocado, macadamia nuts, almonds and peanuts.
Oleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s been suggested that people with arthritis may see a reduction in joint pain from consuming foods rich in oleic acid.
They have unique antioxidants.
Olives are a good source of polyphenols and other antioxidants that protect cells against damage.
They have higher levels of polyphenols than most other fruits and vegetables, which is why they have such high anti-oxidant levels.
These antioxidants are believed to protect against many chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. They’re also thought to have anti-aging properties, as they reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
They may help prevent heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Luckily, many of the foods associated with a reduced risk of heart disease are also healthy foods. This includes olives, as they are rich in polyphenols.
These are the same antioxidants that fight against inflammation. Eating plenty of polyphenol-rich foods has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 40%.
They may help protect your eyes.
The same antioxidants that fight against heart disease may also protect your eyes from certain diseases. The antioxidants in olives may help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults, while cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world.
They’re a great, healthy fat.
The oleic acid in olives is a healthy fat. It’s a monounsaturated fatty acid that’s been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
It’s also an important part of a balanced diet for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. It’s often difficult to get the right amount of healthy fats in your diet, so olives make a great addition.
Conclusion
Olives are a nutritious and versatile food. They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, and have high levels of oleic acid, which is a healthy fat.
They also have high levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect against many diseases. Compared to other fruits and vegetables, olives are particularly rich in antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for your everyday diet.
Do eat them every day to reap the benefits of these healthy fruits!