Olives
Although we generally think of olives as a zesty vegetable, they are technically classified as a fruit. Olives are nothing short of astounding. Few high-fat foods offer such a diverse range of valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Olives provide almost three-quarters of their fat as oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fatty acid, and offer us dozens of protective health benefits.
Bone Loss
Hydroxytyrosol is a phytonutrient in olive oil has been found to have the potential to help us prevent bone loss. Several studies have found increased depositing of calcium in bone and decreased loss of total bone mass following consumption of this olive phytonutrient.
Cancer
Olives are a great source of vitamin E and monounsaturated fat, which have the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body. If our cells get overwhelmed by oxidative stress cause by free radicals and chronic excessive inflammation, our risk of cell cancer is increased. By providing us with rich supplies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, olives can help us avoid this dangerous combination of chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Studies have shown that olive oil exerts a protective effect against certain malignant tumors in the breast, prostate, and digestive tract. Studies have also shown that consuming olives or olive oil leads to a lower risk of colon cancer. Olive oil rich diets have been shown to reduce the number of cancerous lesions, result in less aggressive tumors and a better prognosis.
Heart Disease
Oleuropein is found exclusively in olives and has been shown to decrease oxidation of LDL cholesterol. In addition, the high monounsaturated fat content of olives has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and decreased blood pressure. The oleic acid found in olives affects changes at cell membrane levels which result in decreased blood pressure.
Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory abilities of the monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and polyphenols in Olive oil also contains a chemical called oleocanthal, which acts as a painkiller and inhibits inflammation by the same means that drugs like Ibuprofen do.