Benefits of Olives
Olives are fruits that grow on a tree that has a similar name and it is native to the coastal region of the Mediterranean region. The fruits of olive tree can be eaten or used for producing olive oil. Olives have high nutritional worth and offer various benefits such as the ones listed below.
1. Vitamin E
Olives have high vitamin E levels providing about 25% of the recommended amount per day. Vitamin E has powerful antioxidant effects that neutralize free radicals. Tests show that high vitamin E intake might guard the body from cardiovascular diseases, while enhancing the immune function. Olives make great snacks as well and make salads more interesting.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
These anti-inflammatory properties of olive fruits are caused by the high monounsaturated fat, polyphenols and vitamin E content. It assists to lower the symptoms of various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and asthma. Furthermore, vitamin E also assists to lower intensity and frequency of menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
3. Boosts gastrointestinal health
When free radicals oxidize and then damage DNA in the colon cells, they can easily mutate into cancerous cells. Through eliminating free radicals, nutrients present in olives assist to prevent colon cancer. High consumption of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E found in olives is linked to reduced colon cancer rates.
4. Heart disease protection
Aside from cancer, damage from free radicals also leads to heart complications. For instance, cholesterol oxidation due to free radicals damages the blood vessels and accumulates in arteries. By preventing cholesterol oxidation, nutrients found in olives prevent heart complications.
The shortcoming of consuming olive fruits is that they contain oleic fatty acid that is known for promoting blood clotting. In fact, the excessive intake of olive oil may lead to poor blood flow in the body.
