The Greeks consider olives as a symbol of goodness and nobility. Even today, the branches of the olive tree are a symbol of peace. Olive tree has been cultivated since ages. All parts of olive tree are used for its benefits; olives, olive oil, fine wood, and even the useful olive leaf. It is now cultivated in subtropical areas in the United States, Latin America, and the Mediterranean.
Olive is a green fleshy fruit that turns blackish-purple when it is fully ripe, although exceptions are the ones that remain green when ripe and some turn a shade of copper brown. When the olives become ripe, oils are extracted from them. From a health point of view, the black olives are superior to green olive as they have increased mineral content.
Nutritional Facts of Olives
- Olives contain very little carbohydrate and is a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid).
- Sodium content in olive is high.
- Good source of vitamin E, as olives contain mixed tocopherols.
- Olives are rich in minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
- Olive oil contains many unique phenolic and aromatic compounds, such as oleuropein and flavonoids. Other nutrients, such as protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and methionine are present in small amounts in olive oil.
Health Benefits of Olive Fruit
- Olive fruit contains linoleic acid that is very beneficial for breastfeeding infants. Deficiency of this is linked to some skin diseases and growth problems in infants. Breastfeeding mothers can include olive fruit in their diet.
- Chlorine present in olive fruit can improve the liver functions, enabling the body to effectively eliminate waste from the body.
- Vitamin A, D, E, and K helps with the growth of bone in children and adults alike. These vitamins are present in olive fruit.
- The characteristic taste and aroma of olives come from the presence of polyphenols. Polyphenols are found to be beneficial against cancer and also has good anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin E and other antioxidants in olives lower the risk of cell damage and inflammation.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
- Apart from being an antioxidant, this monounsaturated oil has positive effects on the cholesterol levels. Extra virgin olive oil lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL (good cholesterol).
- Oleic acid, the main monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, affects the expression of the tumor-causing oncogene, HER-2/neu, the gene responsible for the development of breast cancer tumors.
- Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that work well in conditions like asthma and RA (rheumatoid arthritis). Experts at the Arthritis Foundation found that there are some ingredients in olive oil that has the same effects of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- The magnesium, squalene, and cycloartenol present in olive oils aid in decreasing the acidity.
- Researchers have found that a natural compound found in olive oil, oleocanthal, may be helpful in preventing and even treating Alzheimer's disease.
- The American Diabetes Association and the European Food Information Council both recommend the intake of olive oil by diabetics because the healthy, monounsaturated fat of olive oils can help reduce blood glucose levels.
- Studies indicate that the micronutrients present in black olives are beneficial in treating osteoporosis and preventing bone loss, especially in the femurs.
- Maslinic and oleanolic acids present in olive oil help inhibit the growth and proliferation of human colon cancer cells.
- The hot flashes experienced during menopause can be greatly reduced by the intake of olive or olive oil.
- Olive oil contains a natural chemical that can reduce pain.
- Olive oil is good for the scalp and hair. It helps fix damaged hair follicles as well as provides moisture to the hair that makes them soft, silky, and lustrous.
- Application of olive oil helps with foot care. It makes the soles of foot soft and smooth, and makes the nails stronger.
- Olive oil is added to many skin care products, because it improves skin elasticity and prevents wrinkling and dry skin.
Health Benefits of Olive Leaves
Olive leaves have many beneficial properties that are beneficial for health in general and in eradicating illnesses.
- Oleuropein, an active compound in olive leaves is beneficial in bringing down the blood pressure levels and dilating the blood vessels in order to improve the blood circulation.
- Flavonoids present in olive leaf extract has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive leaf extract has the ability of stopping the replication of harmful bacteria and viruses.
- The olive leaf has antibiotic, antiviral, bactericidal, and antifungal properties. According to certain studies, the oleuropein present in olive leaf helps inactivate the bacteria by dissolving their outer lining. It has shown success in treating colds and fever and even in the treatment of malaria.
- Olive leaves have been found to be effective against venereal diseases such as herpes and gonorrhea as well as dental infections because of their antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Olive leaves have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals as well as prevent damage to the blood vessels.
Caution: People who are on low-sodium diets (especially hypertensive people) should exercise caution while having olives, as these are high in sodium content. Stay particularly away from pickled varieties, as some brine may contain very high sodium levels. Check the labels before use.
Legend has it that ancient Egyptians used olive leaf oil to mummify their kings. In modern days, when "mummification" has gone out of fashion, let us make use of olives to beautify our skin and hair as well as to lead a healthier life!
