12 Health Benefits of Olives
Olives’ existence on Earth has been for around 8000 years, when they were discovered in the Mediterranean region. Olives come from the Olea europea tree which is known to live for many years. We typically use olives in salads, dressings, pizzas and meat dishes for their lovely taste. But there are various health benefits of olives too, apart from the sensory delight that they provide. Continue reading to know more about them.
1. They prevent various types of cancer
Olives contain an antioxidant and carotenoid called lutein. Lutein helps in destroying the free radicals in the body which are responsible for causing cancer. Olives are useful in preventing various types of cancer like colon, breast, bowel, gastric, stomach and prostate cancer.
2. They prevent premature aging
Their antioxidant nature helps to prevent the harmful effects of the sun on the skin by preventing sunburn or skin darkening. Its long term effect is that it will prevent premature aging, formation of wrinkles and lines on your face and also provide resistance against skin cancer.
3. They are beneficial for the stomach
Olives have various advantages for a proper and healthy digestive system. Firstly, they are easy to digest and also help in your digestion process, thus avoiding constipation. Olives also play a role in preventing ulcers and gastritis. They secrete more bile and pancreatic hormones which lead to an efficient digestive system. Gallstone formation can also be avoided by consuming olives.
4. They are good for the skin
Olives and olive oil are essentially beneficial for your skin. Due to the amount of fatty acids in them, they are natural moisturizers. They also play a role in nourishing, hydrating and protecting your skin. This is because the vitamin E in olives leads to a natural glow in your skin.
5. They prevent heart diseases
Olives are known to promote cardiovascular health and prevent heart attacks and strokes. They actually help in reducing the bad cholesterol level in the body and increase HDL – the good cholesterol. The flavonoids and antioxidant agents present in olives cause this reaction in your body.
6. They relieve effects of menopause
Menopause brings many kinds of troubles with it. One of them is hot flashes. Consuming olives or olive oil helps in decreasing the intensity or occurrence of these hot flashes.
