We’ve talked more than once about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Taking care of yourself with olive juice is relatively easy. It fits perfectly everywhere!
Perhaps less known are the benefits of the olive as a fruit, whether as an accompaniment to all kinds of recipes, sauces, or even as a snack… If you want a little treat between meals, a few olives are a delicious solution. But what exactly are the health benefits of olives? This article from Time magazine highlights several.
1- Olives have a high nutrient density
Olives are one of the fruits with the highest nutrient density for our bodies. In addition to being a source of monounsaturated fats, which benefit our cardiovascular system, these fats are also good for the brain. Now that “neurofoods” or “brain foods” are trending, there’s no need for complicated strategies: just a small plate of olives. As delicious as it is smart.
2- Olives are rich in antioxidants
Olives are very rich in polyphenols and help prevent oxidation and the buildup of bad cholesterol in the arteries. Could this be why olive trees live so long? We’re not scientists, but just look at the life expectancy in countries that grow olives. Some of the highest in the world!
However, this property is even more pronounced in early-harvest oils, such as Yo, Verde or MO Premium, than in table olives.
3- Olives boost your resistance to disease
Those same polyphenols are wonderful compounds: they are also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. So with a diet rich in olives and their oil, you are less likely to contract bacterial infections, and inflammatory processes will be milder.
4- A 100% vegan fermented food
This benefit is probably little known and is just starting to be promoted. A quick reminder: about two kilograms of our body are bacteria, mainly gut flora, which help process certain nutrients and keep some diseases at bay. That’s why consuming yogurt or other lightly fermented dairy is always a good idea.
However, table olives are also fermented before they can be consumed. A freshly harvested olive tastes too intense, and through fermentation, olives gain beneficial bacteria for our bodies, making them an excellent vegan alternative to dairy probiotics. Keep in mind that most packaged olives are pasteurized, so they no longer contain bacteria. Always buy olives in bulk to ensure they retain beneficial bacteria for your health.
5- They can help you reduce salt intake
The main drawback of olives is their high salt content from fermentation. However, according to Dr. David Katz from the Yale University Preventive Medicine Center, this can actually help reduce overall salt consumption. If a recipe calls for olives, simply skip adding salt—they will still be delicious. And if you usually snack on salty foods, opt for olives instead. That’s it—easy!
We were surprised to learn some of these benefits, but in reality, knowing the incredible properties of extra virgin olive oil, how could the fruit that produces it not be healthy?
