Whether you love them or hate them, one thing is for sure: olives are not only nutritious but they protect the heart and should not be missing from your table.
Tourists are frantically looking for olives, and even if they have never tried them, they will surely do so when they find themselves in a tavern and order village salad. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, olives offer several benefits to the body, including protection from cardiovascular disease.
Unlike fruit, olives are higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates. Only five olives have 88 calories while containing 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fibre and 6 grams of fat. At the same time, with this amount, you have covered 53% of your daily sodium intake.
They may be rich in fat, but 75% of these fats are monounsaturated fatty acids that are considered beneficial for heart health by preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Also, olives are an excellent source of iron, calcium and copper. Their intake reduces the chances of anemia while they strengthen the bones and improve the functioning of the heart.
Vitamins A and E are also beneficial for the body as vitamin A helps to keep our eyesight healthy, while vitamin E improves heart health.
Among the antioxidants contained in olives are polyphenols, specifically oleoeuropein, responsible for its bitter taste, and hydroxytyrosol. Both of these substances have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against heart disease and can even prevent DNA damage caused by cancer.
Finally, they can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
According to research, cited by Ygeia Mou, monounsaturated fatty acids reduce the inflammation associated with obesity and the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to hypertension and an increased risk of stroke.
They also inhibit the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol, a process associated with the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque.
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