Why You Should Not Pick Olives Off Your Next Pizza

Photo Credit: Epicure & Culture

Olives are commonly disliked by many. Not everybody is a fan of the saltiness or the texture. But you have definitely heard of olive-infused beauty products in the current market, thanks to the many benefits that it can offer the skin.

Eating it also does plenty of good for your body. In fact, olives are one of the main components of a healthy Mediterranean diet! No, trust us. Here’s Why You Should Not Pick Olives Off Your Next Pizza.

#1 IT AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS

Yes, the monounsaturated fats found in olives actually encourage weight loss. It breaks down fats inside the fat cells, and reduces belly fat and insulin insensitivity.

It has been proven that the people with the highest olive consumption consume lesser calories overall, and are seldom overweight. Their blood tests also return with higher levels of serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel full.

Photo Credit: Feasting At Home

#2 IT PREVENTS HEART DISEASES

Black olives come with antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, therefore preventing heart diseases. The monounsaturated fat in olives contributes to healthy cholesterol, and decreases blood pressure.

#3 IT BENEFITS THE SKIN AND HAIR

Olives are commonly used in a myriad of beauty products in today’s market. This is because of its prized fatty acids that nourish, hydrate and protect.

Olives are also rich in Vitamin E, which shields the skin from ultraviolet radiation, preventing skin cancer and premature ageing. It is considered a natural sun screen!

#4 IT IS A GOOD SOURCE OF IRON

Olives contain a high amount of iron, which replenishes the red blood cells in the body that carry oxygen. Lack of iron can result in feeling cold or weak, so it is best to always keep your iron levels maintained.

With a sufficient amount of iron, your body’s immune system will also be a lot stronger.

Photo Credit: Veg Kitchen

#5 IT PROMOTES BETTER EYE HEALTH

The Vitamin A found in olives is great for eye health. It allows eyes to better distinguish light from dark, hence improving night vision. Vitamin A is also great against cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other age-related eye diseases.

#6 IT KEEPS INFLAMMATION IN CHECK

Green olives in particular provide good amounts of different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients that acts as a natural Ibuprofen. The oleocanthal substance found in the olives’ oils contain anti-inflammatory agents.

Photo Credit: BBC Good Food

#7 IT IMPROVES DIGESTIVE TRACT HEALTH

Both the Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats in black olives lower rates of colon cancer. They also carry beneficial effects on ulcers and gastritis. A single cup of black olives also contains 17% of the daily fiber needs, promoting a healthy digestive tract, and allowing food to move through the system much smoother.

#8 INCREASES THE BLOOD LEVELS OF GLUTATHIONE

Olives have also been proven to increase blood levels of gluthione, which is one of the body’s premier antioxidant nutrients. Gluthione cleans the body of toxins, free radicals and other things that can be damaging to our health.

#9 IT PREVENTS LIVER DAMAGE

Besides keeping inflammation in check, the oleonalic acid in olives also helps to prevent liver damage, and regulates blood fats.