The 8 Health Benefits of Olives
The health benefits of olives are varied. Well, olives have a lot of nutrients that are essential for the general health of the body. In addition, Olive , also known as Oleá European, which means oil of Europe, is a species of a small tree. Olives are one of the oldest foods in the world and are believed to have originated on Crete, an island in Greece, 3000 years ago. They are often mentioned in the Bible, portrayed in ancient Egyptian books, and are featured heavily in Greek mythology.
Olives come in a variety of colors, such as green, black, and purple, and various sizes, such as large, small, round, oval, and round. Considered a symbol of peace and wisdom, the olive tree has provided food, fuel, wood, medicine since ancient times.
Olives are rich in fat, especially omega 9 fat , minerals such as potassium , calcium , phosphorus, zinc, iron, Vitamin E , Vitamin D and Vitamin K. It also contains moderate amounts of flavonoid phytonutrients, fiber and has high levels of sodium . So, check out the 8 Health Benefits of Olives:
Benefits of Olives to Control Cholesterol: The main benefit of Olives is its action against cholesterol . When free radicals oxidize cholesterol , blood vessels become damaged and fat builds up in the arteries. The monounsaturated fats and polyphenols found in olives help prevent cholesterol oxidation and protect against atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular related diseases such as heart attacks. The monounsaturated fats in olives have been found to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and increase good cholesterol .
Olives Prevent Cancer: Polyphenol antioxidants fight free radicals and prevent cancer , premature aging and many other chronic problems. Frequent consumption of Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats present in black olives lowers the rate of colon cancer by neutralizing free radicals. The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence.
Benefits of Olives for Bone Health: Olives are rich in Vitamin D , Calcium and Phosphorus , which improves overall bone health and improves bone mineralization and calcification. The anti-inflammatory abilities of monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E and polyphenols found in black olives prevent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Prevents bone problems such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
Benefits of Olives for Digestive Health: Olives improve liver and bowel function. Due to its high fiber content, it helps to cleanse the colon and fights constipation . All these effects result in a better detoxification and excretion of toxins from the body with the consequent better functioning of the whole body. Olive oil also has beneficial effects on gastritis and ulcers. The high levels of polyphenols protect against eight strains of ulcer-causing bacteria, three of which are resistant to some antibiotics. Olives activate thesecretion of bile and pancreatic hormones and reduce the formation of stones in the gallbladder.
Benefits of Olives for Skin Health: The antioxidant properties present in Olives work wonders for the skin . It prevents skin damage caused by free radicals. Olives also contain high amounts of- carotene , the precursor to Vitamin A and Vitamin E , which play an important role in stimulating skin regeneration and providing protection from harmful sun rays. All these benefits collectively help to maintain youthful skin .
Benefits of Olives to Fight Stress: Olives area good source of antioxidants, Vitamin E and also contain small amounts of antioxidant minerals such as selenium and zinc. These antioxidant properties in Olives help to prevent unwanted problems due to “oxidative stress”. “Oxidative stress” is a situation in which our cells are not protected from the potential damage of oxygen, which leads to an insufficient supply of antioxidant nutrients . A diet rich in olives is the best defense.
Benefits of Olives to Improve Vision: The Vitamin A present in Olives when converted into retinal form is beneficial for healthy eyes. It improves night vision and helps distinguish between light and dark. Vitamin A iseffective against cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other age-related eye diseases.
Benefits of Olives to Fight Inflammation: The health benefits of Olives also include its antihistamine action. Olive extractshave been shown to work as antihistamines at cellular levels by blocking special histamine receptors. Olive consumptionincreases the level of glutathione, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Olives and olive oilare hypoallergenic due to their high content of Vitamin E , which is akey antiallergic nutrient .