Olive is a tree that is amazingly beneficial to mankind. It is native to the Mediterranean basin. Greeks consume about 25 kg of olive oil in a year while the consumption of North America is 5 kilos a year. Greek's increased consumption of this healthy fat clearly shows the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It has been linked to reduced risk of cardio vascular diseases and also a lower risk of cancer. Here is a much closer look into the health benefits of this oval shaped fruit.
Cholesterol gets oxidized by free radicals and that causes damage of blood vessels and deposit of fats in arteries leading to heart diseases. Olives contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that prevents inflammation and protects the heart, brain and nervous systems. It also contains antioxidant nutrients which prevents oxidation of cholesterol and prevents risk of heart diseases. Olives contain what is called as "Good Fat" that minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis. Daily consumption of olives is also good as it replaces the damaged lining of the arteries of the heart better and thereby slows down the aging of heart.
Olives are also known for its abundance in vitamin E. Oxidation stress and chronic inflammation can lead to cancers. Olives contain phenolic antioxidants and high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids which lowers the risk of excessive inflammation. Olives are also believed to contain significant quantities of anti cancer compounds such as squalene and terpenoid. Because of the oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids it also lowers the risk of high blood pressure.
Osteoporosis is a condition of bones caused by hormonal imbalance and inflammation of joints. Olives help breakdown of calcium in the body thereby supplying calcium to be stored in the bones and as said earlier olives are also rich in monounsaturated fats that prevents fat from being deposited in bone marrows and increases the absorption of calcium to the bones reducing the risk of osteoporosis and also arthritis.
A significant amount of iron is present in olives that is responsible for formation of hemoglobin which carries oxygen through blood in our body. It also has enzymes responsible for increasing immunity in our body and the proper immunity of our body depends on sufficient amount of iron in our body. Olives is also used for the treatment of constipation and as a pain killer, in ears, for minor burns, wounds and also to protect skin from UV damage after sun exposure.
It is also known to have anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, one cup of olives constitute 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which when converted into the retinal form is crucial for healthy eyes, vitamin A is also effective against cataracts, glaucoma, muscular degeneration and other age related diseases. It is also beneficial against ulcers and gastritis. Leaf of olives is known to be used for the treatment of pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria,blood poisoning and other infections as well.
Olive oil with all it's nourishing effects has known to be a beauty staple of women for ages. It is used both for skin care and also hair care. The vitamins E, K, potent oxidants and chlorophyll helps in the repair and feeds the skin cells, along with deep moisturizing. A serving of seven to eight olives or two tablespoons of olive oil per day can you keep healthy.
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