Eating olives whole or using olive oil for certain meals may help protect against various health problems. The vitamins and antioxidants found in olives may provide important health benefits. For example, some studies have shown that olives may protect against osteoporosis, in which bones become brittle or weak. Olives are also rich in vitamin E, which can improve skin health and help your immune system.
Benefits of Olives
Heart health
Numerous studies have shown that consuming olive oil, especially the extra-virgin variety, may reduce the risk of heart disease and death in people who have a high risk of this condition.
Cancer risk reduction
Olives contain the compound oleocanthal, which researchers have shown can kill cancer cells in petri dish experiments. Other studies in humans have shown a link between consuming olive oil and reducing the risk of cancers, including breast cancer.
Lower risk and treatment of cognitive diseases
The oleocanthal in olives and olive oil is also linked to a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other brain-related diseases. This compound also increases the activity of the drug donepezil, which is used to treat dementia.
Diabetes prevention
Research shows a link between consuming olive oil and preventing type 2 diabetes by helping the body regulate glucose (sugar). Unregulated glucose can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Reduce chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation plays a key role in many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Olives are packed with antioxidants, which have been shown to help with chronic inflammation.
Two kinds of antioxidants found in olives, hydroxytyrosol, and oleanolic acid, have been effective in reducing inflammation in animals. Animal studies have also shown oleanolic acid’s health benefits in promoting liver health and regulating fat levels in the blood.