The Richest Gift of Heaven- Olives
When Adam was suffering from pain, God sent Gabriel from heaven with an olive tree and told Adam “plant it, then pick the fruit and press out its oil. It will cure your pain and suffering.” Indeed, the fruit is believed to cure every illness except death. No wonder, to escape the wrath of lifestyle diseases today, olive oil is replacing other types of fatty oils. Let’s learn the health benefits, of olives which can make our lives so much fitter. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Prevents Breast Cancer
A study at the Houston Methodist hospital in Texas found that a major component of olive oil, hydroxytyrosol has potential to prevent breast cancer. Hydroxytyrosol's properties have already been studied both humans and in laboratory experiments showing it to be a powerful antioxidant with low toxicity, even at high doses. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Forestalls Colon Cancer
Researchers claim that including olive oil in diet can help prevent colon cancer. It has been noticed that oleic acid in olives, when combined with drug therapy, can encourage in self-destruction of all the aggressive cancerous cells. The presence of antioxidants in olive oil can reduce risks related to cancer. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Reduces Heart Disease Risk
Olives are a native of the Mediterranean region. Studies on the populations of Mediterranean region have indicated that, compared to North Americans and North Europeans, they have longer life expectancies and fewer incidences of heart disease, hypertension and stroke, and olive oil is thought to contribute to these positive health benefits. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Ensures Overall Health
A review of numerous studies that focused on the biological and clinical effects of olive oil was carried out by Maria-Isabel Covas, at the Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona found that regular consumption of olive oil was likely to reduce an individual's risk of cardiovascular diseases and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and it also determined that the oil could improve carbohydrate metabolism, endothelial dysfunction and reduce inflammation. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Controls Sugar Levels
Olive oil is recommended for diabetics and pre-diabetics. Research studies indicate that diabetic patients should eat healthy food cooked using olive oil and avoid meals with low fat. Diabetic patients are highly prone to heart disorders as well due to Triglyceride. However, olive oil can reduce the levels of triglyceride effectively. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Reduces Pain
Oleocanthal- a compound found in olives has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, mimicking the action of ibuprofen. Olive oil naturally reduces the pain of chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and can be added to a daily diet to aid in pain reduction. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Protects Against Stomach Ulcers
Olives have antimicrobial properties which help combat the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Studies have shown their high levels of polyphenols protect against eight strains of ulcer-causing bacteria, three of which are resistant to some antibiotics. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Helps Body to Form Haemoglobin
Olives contain a substantial amount of iron, a key factor in the formation of haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body via the bloodstream. Iron also helps to build the enzymes responsible for regulating immune function and cognitive development. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Fights Premature Ageing
The fatty acids and antioxidants in black olives nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin. It is especially rich in vitamin E. Whether applied topically or ingested, vitamin E has been shown to protect skin from ultraviolet radiation, thus guarding against skin cancer and premature aging. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
