Olives, Amazing Fruit with High Nutritional Value

Olives named Olea Europea is the most widely used fruit all over the world. Olives are not grouped only as fruit but as a fresh vegetable which increases its demand. Olives are available all over the year to improve the flavor of different salads, dishes, and the most loving Pizza. It is only harvested in September but you can enjoy its preserved forms anytime. Olives are bitter in taste, easily made them eatable after processing which differs with the diversity, area, and necessities of the place. The color of olives depends on the variety, different from each other before ripening and after ripening. Different processing techniques conducted to change the color of olives. In the United States olives are harvested in an immature condition, got treatment processes and changed their color also affect the nutritional value of the olives.

Olives belong to a group of fruits called Drupes, mangoes, cherries, apricot, and almond also belongs to the same group as of olives. These types of fruits have an outer fleshy portion which is very juicy and nutritious. There are a number of varieties of olives but all belong to the same scientific group Olea Europea. Different varieties of Olives have different color, shape, and size categorized under the same group Olea Europea. Olives have high oil content and its name Olea means “oil” which is a Latin word also reveal its quality. Olives can live hundreds of years, as one tree detected to be present of almost 2000 years ago. Best place for Olive Trees is hilly and mountainous areas in Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Olives are grown at a larger scale in Syria and Crete more than 5000 years ago. In Spain, some Olives have been discovered at an age of 6000-8000 years. This antiquated and amazing tree was likewise local to parts of Asia and Africa.

Olives are the largest natural crop all over the world. Spain is the biggest single maker of olives at roughly 6 million tons for each year. Italy is second at around 3.5 million tons, trailed by Greece at 2.5 million. Turkey and Syria are the following significant olive makers.

Olives helps in reduction of cancer:

Olives have phytonutrients Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein which helps in reducing cancer risks and reduces osteoporosis.

Olives have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits which support quality of food. It was used in herbal medicines, obtained from olives leaves and olives used in decreasing inflammation. Allergy problems produce a molecule Histamine in a larger amount which triggers inflammation, olives have qualities works against histamine production, in turn, reduces inflammation. Oxidative stress is the condition in which our cells cannot get enough oxygen, olives provide antioxidative nutrients to the cells and also helps to improve the nervous system which decreases stress levels.

Olives contain almost 80-85% fats but the quality of fats is divided into a larger amount of oleic acid, the smaller amount of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. The presence of mono saturated fats lessens the risk of heart diseases. Despite the presence of high amount of fat when olives are added to any diet there is a decrease in cholesterol levels which in turn reduces heart attacks. In short, Olives have the quality of usable fats.

Olives are whole useful, their pulps are treated to get olive oil if eaten directly increases the production of glutathione levels in the blood which improves oxidation level in the body.

Olive oil, popularly called “liquid gold” in the ancient world, has been used by human for thousands of years.

It is a monounsaturated fatty acid extracted from the olive fruit, which is a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean region. Olive oil has many health-related benefits.

TYPES OF OLIVE OIL

Though olive oil is beneficial for health, it is equally important to understand that there are many grades of olive oil and each grade comes with its own share of pros and cons.

- Extra virgin olive oil: Made by cold pressing olive fruit, this oil is considered best for our body.

- Virgin olive oil: produced by second pressing after extra virgin is created. While extra virgin is the ideal type, this is still considered good quality.

- Pure olive oil: Unlike its name, pure olive oil is an amalgamation of either extra virgin or virgin olive oil and olive oils that are refined. Due to its high acid content, it is unsuitable for use.

- Lampante oil: It is used as a fuel and is not recommended for cooking purposes.

Over the last 50 years, there have been thousands of studies exploring the benefits of olive oil. Below are some examples:

Olive oil lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, raises HDL cholesterol, and thus plays an important role in protecting heart and blood vessels. Researchers at the Autonomous The University of Madrid in Spain reported in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) People who regularly eat foods fried in olive oil do not have a higher risk of heart disease or premature death.

Obesity is the major problem that further leads to many health problems. Although high in calories, olive oil has always shown to help reduce levels of obesity and prevents the chance of getting obese again.

One of the important benefits of olive oil is that it keeps blood sugar under control. Consuming olive oil regularly can help stabilize blood sugar levels and regulate insulin.

Olive oil improves brain to focus and memory. It helps fight age-related memory decline because it protects against inflammation and oxidative stress that can trigger dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the amazing benefits of olive oil is that it can be used to treat depression. It has some effects which are like those of anti-depressants. According to a research conducted at The University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a diet rich in olive oil can protect from mental illness.

Olive oil is a high source of Vitamin E and other antioxidants. It hydrates skin, speeds up wound healing and protects from ultraviolet rays. Olive oil can also be used as a remedy for the treatment of acne and eczema.

Due to the presence of antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and group B and D vitamins, olive oil when applied topically, not only prevents the appearance of new wrinkles but also contributes to the smoothing of existing wrinkles.

Olive oil strengthens hair from the root. The vitamin E found in olive oil helps fight hair loss, reduces dandruff, aids hair growth and moisturizes hair.

Olive oil, when applied, penetrates the skin and nails. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which help repair damage and soften nails and cuticles, which leads to nail strength and health.

Take away: Olive oil has a great impact on human life. Many unrivaled health benefits of olive oil are being revealed by research nearly every day. In fact, olive oil is a vitaldietary backbone for the world’s longest-living cultures