You may be a fan of olives due to their taste but have you ever wondered, “Are olives good for you?” Olives are a tasty fruit used in Mediterranean meals such as salads. Naturally, olives are high in sodium and low in carbs due to their preparation method before eating. The preparation involves soaking in a mix of salt and water. At Spatz3 we think that you should be on the lookout if you have medical conditions such as hypertension. However, olives remain to have numerous benefits and nutritional value.
Nutritional Composition of Olives
“Are olives healthy?” When seeking answers to this, you must consider the vital nutrient it composes:
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin A.
- Monounsaturated fat.
- Dietary Fiber.
- Iron.
- Polyphenols.
Different Variants of Olives
Olives exhibit themselves in different types and forms, which include:
- Green olives.
- Black olives.
- Kalamata olives.
Green Olives
Green olives are harvested before they are fully ripe. To enhance the flavour of green olives, they are soaked in a lye solution before bringing them to reduce their bitter taste. They contain monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that prevent oxidation of cholesterol. So, green olives effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases.
However, you should note that green olives have high sodium content, more calories, fat, and vitamins compared to black olives. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you should monitor the amount of green olives you consume.
Black Olives
Black olives are ripe when harvested, making them richer in antioxidants. Them are a good source of iron which delivers oxygen to your body. Black olives are packed with polyunsaturated fats, lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Black olives also curb the growth of cancer cells and can be used in treating arthritis and even asthma.
Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are a variant of black olives that only grow in Greece, are dark purple and have an almond shape. These olives are added to dishes such as salads, pasta, fish, and pizza. When you ask yourself, “Are kalamata olives good for you?” the answer is yes, as they are rich in antioxidants and have numerous health benefits.
Kalamata olives reduce the risk of heart disease as they contain hydroxytyrosol, which reduces your body’s LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of acquiring cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Health Benefits Of Olives
The numerous health benefits of olives include:
- Anti-inflammatory – Olives give your body access to polyphenols such as oleuropein, which has anti-inflammatory properties that protect you from illnesses and can heal your body.
- Antioxidants –polyphenol has antioxidant properties that reduce brain oxidative stress and boosts memory. So, you won’t risk getting diseases that alter your memory, including Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- Support your heart health – the monounsaturated fat in olives boosts good cholesterol levels in the body and reduces the risk of hardening of the arteries. Also, the fat contains oleic acid that lowers your blood pressure.
- Maintain Skin and Eye Health –Vitamin A in olives protects the cornea and you from eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration and can also prevent wrinkles on your skin. It also has Vitamin E that has antioxidants supporting eye and skin health.
- Aid in weight loss – the monosaturated fats help you curb your appetite and stimulate satiety hormones which will help you control your caloric intake.
- Boost your brain functioning as healthy fats can improve your concentration and focus.
- Strengthen bones – Studies reveal that those who ate a Mediterranean diet filled with olives had higher levels of osteoblasts, which are your body’s bone-building cells.
- Enhances blood circulation – Olives contain vitamin E, which prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes higher iron levels that lead to good blood circulation in your body.
- Olives contain oleocanthal, which can reduce the risks of cancers.
- Olives boost the fiber in your diet, which helps you maintain good digestion and keeps you full.
Olives offer numerous health benefits and are a tasty addition to the Mediterranean diet. Black, green, and Kalamata olives can nourish your taste buds while promoting health and well-being. So, when you ask yourself, “Are olives good for you?” be sure they are because you gain so much nutritional value from them.
