The Olea europaea is a small tree of family Oleaceae. It is mainly grown for its fruit called olive which is widely used in eatables. Olive products are one of those which are consumed by nearly all of us, in pizzas, sandwiches as olive oil etc because of their various benefits. Let’s have a look how it helps us in keeping healthy.
Protection against Cancer
Cancer has become one of the major causes of deaths today. And one definitely cannot cut out something from one’s diet which protects against cancer. Olives are something which are quite beneficial from this point of view.
According to a research performed in Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, it was reported that extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleic acid and also several bio-active compounds like anti-oxidants which perform a protective role against formation of tumors.
Also olives are a storehouse of anti-cancer compounds, squalene and terpenoid which help in elimination of free radicals and suppressing their harmful effects which lead to tumor formation.
Protection against Heart Diseases
Black olives contain antioxidant nutrients like biophenol which helps in suppressing the synthesis of bad cholesterol or LDL and hence help in elimination of the various heart diseases. Also the fat contained in olives is the monosaturated one which helps in increasing good cholesterol and elimination of atherosclerosis.
Storehouse of Iron
Iron is present in large amounts in olives which help in proper functioning of the body. It is the major macro nutrient required for the formation of haemoglobin and we know how important haemoglobin is, for our body. It is the protein which carries oxygen in our body and deficiency of iron would indirectly cause a lack in oxygen absorption in various tissues. Also iron is a major component of enymes which regulate all the vital functions of the body. It even helps in keeping the immune system healthy.
Beneficial for skin, hair and eyes
Olives are a chief source of Vitamin E which protects the skin against ultraviolet radiations, thus protecting against skin cancer. Vitamin E is an important compound which helps in keeping the skin healthy and glowing reduces premature ageing and also helps in reducing hairfall. One can also apply few drops of olive oil on the skin for moisturizing it.
Olives also contain in Vitamin A in abundance which is important for maintaining healthy eyes.
Painkillers
A compound called oleocanthal is a phenylethanoid which is found in olives. It has anti-inflammatory properties. About 50 grams of extra virgin olive oil contains that much of oleocanthal which is equivalent to one tenth of adult ibuprofen dose. Hence olives can even act as painkillers.
Maintains a Healthy Digestive Tract
Olives have a good amount of fibre and fibre as we know is quite important for maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Olives also have anti-microbial properties which protect against formation of stomach ulcers. Presence of Vitamin E and monosaturated fats in olives help protect against colon cancer.
So, if you haven’t made olives an important part of your diet till now, think over it. With a bag full of benefits, they surely can’t be ignored.
