How often do you eat olives? We all know that olive oil is good for us, but did you know that eating whole olives can also do a lot of good for your body? Why? We are happy to tell you!
Olives — both green and black — are full of vitamin E and polyphenols, both strong antioxidants. These are particles that attack free radicals in your body to protect your cells and prevent the development of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, antioxidants help protect your immune system, making you less likely to get sick and allow you to age healthily. Vitamin E is fat soluble, meaning it is better absorbed into your bloodstream when combined with fat. Exactly, just like in olives!
Olives are full of mono-unsaturated fats, also known as the healthy fats that can reduce the risk of heart disease and potential inflammation in the body. These fats are extracted to make olive oil, one of the oils that can make a healthy contribution to a tasty salad or pasta.
Black olives in particular contain a lot of iron. Iron is an essential nutrient that helps carry oxygen to the blood. Iron deficiency is a common condition in women and can cause fatigue, dizziness or cold hands and feet. Just 100 grams of olives can provide you with 16 percent of the daily prescribed amount of iron per day - keep on with those olives!
The advantage of eating the whole olive and not just the oil is the extra portion of fiber it gives you. Not only does this keep you full for longer, it also keeps your gastrointestinal system going smoothly. It is not an unwise amount, but of course we use every excuse to process some olives in our meal every day…
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