Olives (olives): benefits and harm to the body

In olive fruits, a high concentration of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals is concentrated. The branch of this tree was a symbol of peace. Since ancient times, rulers sent an olive branch as a sign of reconciliation and further cooperation. In addition, such a plant was used as a decoration on the head of the champions who took part in the Olympic Games, which was a symbol of fair sports competition.

Such a culture can grow hundreds or even thousands of years, but the first fruits can only be harvested from a tree, whose age is 10-15 years. The fruits vary in color and size. The color of the fruit depends on the variety and maturity. Large olives are always more expensive. They are not eaten fresh, as they have a bitter aftertaste. To eliminate this bitterness, it is necessary to process the raw material by acting on it with oxygen or pickling it. This product is recommended for both women and men, because it has a number of healing properties.

Where and how to grow

European olive is a thermophilic culture that grows in the southern regions, in the countries of the Mediterranean Sea - in Greece, Turkey, Italy. Spain is considered the main supplier of such fruits in the world market.

Olive fruits grow on a tree that is no more than 1 m high, but grows in breadth, so if you do not take care of this crop, it soon dies. The tree is able to withstand low temperatures, up to 10 degrees below zero.

The collection is carried out manually if it is necessary to collect unripe fruits. And ripened olives themselves crumble, so in this case they only hang the nets under each plant.

Varieties

1. Gordal - Spanish olives, rather fleshy, collected in green, used for stuffing.
2. Manzanilla - olives, the producer of which is also Spain. The fruits are small, similar in shape to an apple, from where they got this name (apples). Collect both unripe and already blackened.
3. Hojiblanca is also a Spanish product. Most often, these olives are served with white meat or a fish dish. This variety is used to produce oil.
4. Picholine - French olives with a slightly salty flavor. They are used for the preparation of canned food.
5. LeCailletier - another French olive variety, is a medium-sized fruit with a large stone. Go on sale in olive oil along with a stone.
6. Kalamata - large, almond-shaped fruits with a purple color. They grow in Greece. They are often pickled in wine vinegar or in oil.
7. BlackGaeta is an Italian variety of olives that is usually dried, resulting in a wrinkled surface.

What is the difference between olives and olives

In stores today you can find only two varieties - olives and olives. These types of olive fruits differ only in the degree of ripening. So, blackened olives are just ripe olives, which in turn are unripe fruits of green color.During heat treatment, both types of product retain all their beneficial qualities.

Which olives are healthier: green or black

These products vary in chemical composition. So, in olives there is ascorbic acid, which is not found in unripe fruits. In addition, they differ in caloric value - blacks are less calorie, contain more calcium and retinol. Otherwise, olives are considered much more useful, since their composition is characterized by a wide variety of vitamins, a variety of fatty acids, micro and macro elements. But still it is recommended to use both varieties of fruits.

Composition and calorie content

Olives are characterized by a high level of valuable substances, they contain carbohydrates, proteins, as well as dietary fiber. Of the minerals, Na, Ca, K, Mg, P, and others were found.

The fruits of olive include vitamin E or tocopherol, which is considered an important antioxidant substance that prevents aging. In addition, they found folic acid and the entire complex of vitamin B group, which makes the product very necessary for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Calcium strengthens the skeletal system, teeth and nail plates, is a prevention of osteoporosis. Polyphenols contribute to blood thinning, protecting against blood clots. In addition, these substances reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Potassium is also present here in sufficient quantity, which ensures the healthy activity of CVS. Regular inclusion of olives in the menu leads to a decrease in cholesterol, the regulation of blood pressure. Vitamin C and tocopherol have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

The energy value of 100 g of olives is more than 100 kcal. This indicator is not very high, but in large quantities, following a diet, it should not be used.

Why olives and olives are useful

General benefit

1. In the composition of this plant, pectin was found, which cleanses the body of decay elements, toxins and toxic compounds. Consequently, the product is useful for smokers and people who live in areas contaminated by industrial smoke.
2. Dietary fiber and fiber provide the intestines with healthy microflora. These substances regulate the digestive tract, accelerating metabolic processes and stimulating weight loss.
3. A vitamin B-group is required for a person to normalize the central nervous system. So, even a small portion of olives can normalize the psyche, relieving feelings of fear and anxiety.
4. The use of olives leads to the compaction of the walls of blood vessels, ensures their expansion and enhances blood circulation. This is the prevention of varicose veins and blood clots.
5. Olives also strengthen the protective membrane of the body. With seasonal colds, it is recommended to eat olives with a stone. This will help increase the body's resistance to various viruses that cause SARS, as well as influenza.

In the course of scientific research, it was proved that the vitamin-mineral composition of olive prevents the development of neoplasms, and also blocks the flow of blood to an existing tumor.

For women

1. Vitamin C, selenium and tocopherol slow down natural aging and reduce the likelihood of cancer.
2. Retinol and B vitamins strengthen the hair and improve the condition of the dermis. The product eliminates small wrinkles, provides hair growth and makes them shiny.
3. Monounsaturated fats in olives increase the likelihood of conception in women.
4. Due to the low calorie content, olives can be included in the diet, but in small quantities.
5. Such Mediterranean fruits are useful not only for internal use: the fruits and oil obtained by pressing are recommended to be used externally for the preparation of various masks.

For men

1. Tocopherol restores blood circulation in the human body, which makes it possible to eliminate problems with male impotence.In addition, this element improves sperm quality.
2. Fatty acids contained in olive fruits cleanse blood vessels, provide blood flow to all organs, including genitalia.
3. Vitamin B9 protects against premature baldness and even contributes to the appearance of new hair.
4. As you know, it is representatives of the stronger sex that most often suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system. For this reason, olives must be present in the diet of a man, because their composition allows you to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as prevent the development of pathologies.
5. Zinc in olives increases the level of testosterone in the bloodstream.
6. To eliminate the problem with erectile dysfunction, it is enough to eat 10-12 fruits of the olive tree.

During pregnancy

Olives have folic acid. This substance is necessary for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. This substance reduces the likelihood of fetal abnormalities, therefore it is recommended to eat olives not only in the early stages of pregnancy, but also at the stage of its planning.

In addition, a high iron content was found in this product, which is responsible for blood formation in the body. Regular consumption of such fruits will protect the woman from iron deficiency anemia. Consuming olives eliminates the risk of congenital anemia in a child.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, it is also recommended to eat olives. However, such a treat can be introduced into food only a month after the birth of the baby. In addition, due to the high level of fat, you should not eat more than 10 fruits per day.

For kids

Often, olives used in the diet are canned, with a high amount of salt, which is harmful to the child's body. Such products can trigger the development of diseases of the digestive tract. It is best to give your child olives aged five years and above, as they are quite heavy food for digesting a fragile stomach. Regularly, you can eat olives only after the child reaches the age of ten.

When losing weight

To date, there are many products that are recommended for use in the process of losing weight. These products include olives. Juicy and fairly nutritious fruits of the olive plant are characterized by low calorie content. So, for example, about 12 kcal per berry.

In olives, there are almost 80 percent fatty acids, which provide a decrease in cholesterol in the body. Therefore, such a product not only does not harm the figure, but also helps to eliminate excess weight.

Are canned olives healthy?

When purchasing canned olive fruits, one must take into account their healing and harmful characteristics for humans. The benefit of this product is to cleanse the body of dangerous elements, ensuring the normal functioning of the digestive tract. Also, canned olives prevent the occurrence of stones in the organs of the excretory system, are the prevention of prostatitis and impotence. In addition, it is known that canned olive berries restore the functions of the nervous system, reduce the likelihood of developing heart and blood vessel diseases, and provide the body cells with oxygen.

Such olives are often used in the culinary field. They are used as a separate dish, but you can also include them in some salads. The ability of such a product to neutralize the effects of alcohol on the body is also known. All these properties are possessed only by quality products.

It is not recommended to use such fruits in food with inflammation of the gallbladder due to the choleretic effect of olives, with pathologies of the kidneys and hypertension.

It is important to choose only high-quality goods when buying. If the composition of canned products contains iron gluconate, monosodium glutamate or aromatic substances and various preservatives, it is better to refuse such a purchase.Long-term consumption of such preservation can lead to an allergic reaction, dizziness, and pain in the stomach.

The benefits and harms of olive seeds

Valuable is not only the flesh of the olive, but also its bone. Usually this part of the fetus is first crushed, and then taken orally. But you can use it in its entirety.

Olive cores are shown in the presence of sand or stones in the kidneys and bladder. To crush them, you should eat 12 olives twice a day on an empty stomach, along with the core.

Tartar can also be cured with crushed bones. For the male half of humanity, this part of the fetus is recommended for the prevention of the prostate.

Few people know that this part of the olive is digested faster than the pulp itself. Therefore, it should be taken with intestinal atony, as well as treat it with constipation.

It is recommended to use an olive kernel for the treatment of osteochondrosis that occurs when a nerve is pinched and if the ligaments are damaged. You can also prepare face powders from powdered powders.

Olive oil: benefits and harms

Benefit

1. Squeeze from olives must be taken by those who have undergone surgery, as well as people with a tendency to develop cancer. The composition of this substance has elements that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
2. Such raw materials are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, in addition, the oil can improve intestinal motility and enhance the digestion of food.
3. Vegetable oil helps to improve a person’s psycho-emotional state, eliminate insomnia and cope with stress.
4. Olive oil also has healing properties in relation to the brain. It can improve memory, vision and concentration. In childhood, the product improves hand motility and promotes the development of intelligence.
5. This substance is useful for smokers and those who abuse alcohol. The oil helps clear the airways of mucus and reduce the negative effects of nicotine on the health of internal organs.

Harm

Despite the many useful properties, it must be remembered that the oily liquid has some contraindications. For example, the product is characterized by a high degree of calorie content, so it is important to comply with the norm when taking. You should also exclude the plant component from the children's diet. In addition, oil is contraindicated in allergies, diabetes, obesity, intestinal disorders.

Olives (olives) in medicine

Olives for many positive characteristics are widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Such a product is part of various recipes of traditional medicine.

With diabetes

People with sugar illness are advised to include olives in their food. This is one of the suitable products for patients in this category due to the low glycemic index, which is equal to only 15 units. Therefore, when using such a treat for food, the blood sugar index will not change. However, you should not consume olive fruits in significant quantities, it is important to observe the measure.

With pancreatitis

Since the fruits of the olive tree contribute to improving intestinal motility, they provide the digestive tract with beneficial microflora, stimulate digestion processes and accelerate metabolism. All this greatly reduces the load on the pancreas. In olives there is oleic acid, which envelops the mucous membrane of the organ and protects it from the influence of irritating factors.

With an exacerbation of this disease, it is better to refuse the use of olives.Preservation of the product involves the addition of various spices and additives that can only harm patients with pancreatitis, causing an exacerbation of the pathology.

With gastritis

Of course, if gastritis is in an acute stage, you will have to refuse the Mediterranean delicacies. This is due to a greater extent to the fact that often people buy canned goods. And, as you know, any canned product in case of gastritis is contraindicated.

With prolonged remission, olives can be used, but occasionally in a small amount. It is important to observe the measure, otherwise the patient's condition will only worsen.

For constipation

If a person suffers from persistent or chronic constipation, 40 ml of olive extracts should be consumed every day on an empty stomach. This helps to envelop the mucous membranes of the internal organs, cleanses the body of feces, toxic substances and toxins.

With gout

Olives are also useful in detecting arthritis, gout, arthrosis. This is due to the fact that the composition of such a plant contains calcium with phosphorus, which can strengthen the skeletal system and joints.

With hemorrhoids

The use of olives is shown for people suffering from hemorrhoids. Such berries are useful in view of a number of properties. For example, olives in this case have a regenerative effect, allowing you to speed up the healing process of anal fissures, and a laxative effect that helps soften feces and eliminate constipation. In addition, the product is characterized by anti-inflammatory action, resulting in reduced swelling, and venoprotective ability, therefore, olives stimulate blood circulation, strengthen blood vessels and eliminate blood stasis.

To cure hemorrhoids, you should eat 2-3 fetuses daily on an empty stomach for 10 days. You can also use olive oil every day on an empty stomach for 2 tbsp.

Application in cosmetology

Due to the rich vitamin and mineral composition, olives, or rather squeezed ones, are widely used in the field of cosmetology. They are the main component of many cosmetics of factory production and home cooking.

For face

1. To prepare a nourishing mask that is suitable for dry skin types, you need to mix 1 tbsp. honey and olive oil. Apply the resulting mixture to the face for 30 minutes. Such a tool will help smooth wrinkles, and also relieve peeling.
2. With oily skin, you can use a mask for the manufacture of which 1 tablespoon is required. vegetable oil, one egg yolk and 1 tsp. cognac. Such a cosmetic product should work for 15-20 minutes. This mask nourishes all the cells of the dermis and also helps to smooth out irregularities.
3. To make a tonic, you should prepare 1 tbsp. squeezed olives, some raspberries or cherries and 10 drops of vodka. Grind the berries in a blender, after which the remaining components should be added to the resulting slurry. Keep this mask for a quarter of an hour, and then remove it with a damp cloth.
4. For sensitive skin care, a mask recipe consisting of 1 tablespoon is suitable. butter and the same amount of cottage cheese. Mix these substances thoroughly and apply on face for 15 minutes. Such a composition will remove redness.

For hair

1. To give the hair a healthy shine, strength and silkiness, it is enough to warm the olive oil in a water bath to 35 degrees and evenly distribute the mass through the hair. After that, wrap your head and wash it thoroughly in half an hour.
2. To prepare a firming mask, mix the squeeze of olives and vinegar in equal amounts. Preheat the oil. Apply the finished mass to the strands, after which it is recommended to put on a special shower cap or regular bag, wrap it with a towel and enjoy the effect of the healing composition for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this procedure once a week.
3. A mask will help from hair loss, for the preparation of which you will need to mix lemon juice and olive oil in equal parts. First mix the substances, and then send the mixture to a steam bath, but not for long, so that the destruction of ascorbic acid in the citrus component does not occur. Rub this mask into the scalp, then put on a hat and warm your head with a towel. The mask should stay on all night. Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo in the morning.

Cooking Application

At present, olives are so widely used in the culinary field that it is difficult to imagine any feast without them. But olives are not only an original way to decorate a festive table. To get the maximum benefit from the use of such a product, experts recommend including such berries in the daily diet. Nutritionists claim that five fruits are enough to maintain health and beauty. Such a product is used as not only an independent snack, but also an ingredient in various dishes.

For example, you can make a salad with black olives. To get such a tasty and healthy dish, you need to take a few olives, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, lettuce and oil from the oil tree. Dice vegetables, add olives, lettuce and olive squeeze to them. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and put on a plate. Salting such a salad is not required, as in olives such a substance is enough.

This dish will turn out to be hearty and at the same time light, so do not worry about the fact that it will harm health or the waist.

Harm and contraindications

As you know, everything is useful in moderation. The same statement applies to olives. Any product is characterized by contraindications, and olives in this case are no exception.

To begin with, it should be noted that it is optimal to consume 5-6 fruits per day. Such an amount of olives will improve metabolism and saturate the body with nutrients. If you exceed the specified amount, it will negatively affect the figure.

If there are stones in the kidneys or bladder, it is better to refuse such a treat, otherwise the product due to the diuretic property can provoke the movement of stones.

On olives, individual intolerance may be observed. If vomiting or indigestion occurs after consuming the Mediterranean fetus, such food should be excluded from the diet. An allergy to olive oil can be observed with its external use. In this case, skin rashes, redness may appear.

Canned foods should be used with caution, as they contain a lot of salt, as well as acids.

How to choose and store

To choose a quality product, you need to consider some points. To begin with, you should study the information on the label relating to the manufacturer and exporter. Next, you need to pay attention to the date of manufacture and the shelf life of the product.

Fresh olives are stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for about a week. For canned fruits, there is a shelf life, which is indicated on the package. After opening the primary packaging, it is recommended to pour the olives with the brine into ceramic or glass dishes, and then send them to the refrigerator for storage. Such a product must be consumed within 3 days from the moment of opening.

Is it possible to freeze

To extend the shelf life of olives, they can be frozen. It is very easy to do. First you need to shift the berries in a colander and rinse them a bit under a stream of warm water. Next, cut into rings and put in a plastic bag. Then release air from the bag and tie. Now olives can be sent to the freezer.

How to eat olives

There are several rules regarding the proper use of olives, depending on the situation. Olives are a product that you can take with your hands. If they are served with a snack in the form of a side dish that they eat with their hands, you can take them with your fingers. Small fruits are eaten whole, larger ones - in two bites.

If olives are served with a cocktail, you should first drink a drink, and then, tilting a glass, get an olive. You can then use a toothpick.

If the olive is in the dish, then you can eat it, as well as the dish itself. So, if it is an ingredient in a salad, you can eat it with a fork.

How much can you eat per day

For a person who does not have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, 7-10 small fruits are considered the optimal norm. For children and people with chronic pathologies, this amount is halved.

Can I eat at night and on an empty stomach

Experts say that in the morning, the human body best absorbs useful elements from the product. Therefore, olive is recommended to be eaten on an empty stomach with a number of diseases. Such a delicacy is also used for preventive purposes. Such a product should not be eaten at night.

Can I eat with bones

As mentioned above, olives are very healthy. They contain as many useful substances as in the pulp itself. It is inconvenient to swallow them whole, therefore they must first be crushed.

With a stomach ulcer, pancreatitis and other diseases of the digestive tract, one should not eat the core of the olive, otherwise it may aggravate the existing pathologies.

What to eat with

Olives or olives are an ingredient in various dishes, and are also used as decorations for them. Small olives are usually used in the preparation of salads, larger fruits are used to make pizza, and the largest are usually stuffed. The fruits of the olive tree are used as a snack for fish and meat dishes, they are added to soups.

Often olives are served as a separate snack, they are great for wine.

Is it possible for animals to give olives (olives)

Despite the rich vitamin and mineral composition, olives are still not very useful for pets. The canned product contains many spices and various additives, which give a load on the pet's heart system and kidneys. On the one hand, they contain a lot of vitamin E, C, fiber, which is so necessary for a pet, but on the other hand, an animal may develop urolithiasis, especially for castrated individuals.

Excess iron in canned olives can trigger the development of coronary heart disease in animals.

Interesting Facts

1. An olive is a fruit. It can have a purple, green, brown and even pink color.
2. The olive tree is considered evergreen and can live up to 2 thousand years. One of the oldest such trees is in Crete. Its age is approximately 4 thousand years, but it still bears fruit.
3. Currently, there are about 800 million olive trees. They grow only on plantations, there are no wild crops.
4. According to the Bible, or rather the story of the flood, the dove, which was released from the ark, returned with a sprig of olive tree. This meant that the water receded and the land was somewhere nearby.
5. The olive tree branch symbolizes the world. It has long been used by people to declare a truce.
6. Spain takes the first place in the production of squeezed olives all over the world, Italy takes the second place in this list.

Photo of olives and olives