Are Olives Healthy to Eat?

Olives entice their consumers with their variety of colors that range from green to purple to black. They can be eaten in salads, on pizza or even by themselves as a snack. The majority of an olive is composed of fat, which leaves some to wonder whether they truly are healthy to eat. However, the type of fat in olives is actually healthy for you. Olives also pack in other beneficial nutrients that help the body's defense against chronic illnesses and even cancers

The Facts

Olives are a type of fruit that are made up of 75 percent monounsaturated fat, also known as oleic acid. However, this type of fat is healthy for you in moderate doses, as it helps to protect the body from various diseases and illnesses. Olives are also a source of lutein, beta-carotene (Reference 2), copper, fiber, iron and vitamin E. Approximately 154 calories are in one cup of olives.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Vitamin E in olives can alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. The frequency of hot flashes may also be reduced. Monounsaturated fats, polyphenols and vitamin E in olives help to protect the body from severe flare-ups of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The symptoms of asthma are originally caused by inflammation of the lungs, while osteoporosis is attributed to bone loss and inflammation in the joints.

Free Radicals

Free radicals damage cells in the body, which can lead to chronic illnesses. Olives protect your cells against free radicals with the combination of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats. Vitamin E naturally neutralizes fat-soluble free radicals and combines with monounsaturated fats to ensure that healthy cells produce energy as they are supposed to do. When cells no longer produce energy as a result of free radical interference, they die and can even turn cancerous.

Colon Cancer

Olives help to neutralize free radicals in the cells of the colon that can otherwise turn into cancer cells. This is due to the fact that consuming monounsaturated fats and vitamin E has been shown to lower the risk of colon cancer, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website.

Heart Disease

The natural nutrition of olives helps to prevent stroke and heart attacks. This is accomplished by an olive's ability to protect the arteries against the effects of free radicals. Such free radicals aid in the build up of cholesterol and cause blood-vessel damage that can lead to heart disease.

Other Benefits

According to the Genius Cook website, olives also contain lutein, which improves your eyesight and may fight against premature aging of your skin. Also, beta-carotene in olives may help protect you from lung tumors, if you smoke, as well as help maintain your skin and teeth.