Pizza is truly the ultimate comfort food. It is easy, tasty, and caters to food cravings of many. What makes pizza all the more appealing is that it is customisable. For some, those black, briny circles of goodness called olives are the favourite but for others it is the first to get picked off and tossed aside. If you're one of those olive skeptics, it might be time to reconsider your approach.
Our expert Varsha Sharma, Dietician - Sharda Hospital - Noida, explained why you shouldn't be so quick to ditch those olives on your pizza. Here is what she shared with us.
Why You Should Not Pick Olives From Your Pizza
Here are some health benefits of consuming olives with or without pizza:
1. Olives Are Nutritional Powerhouses
Olives are packed with health benefits. They're a great source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are heart-friendly and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels. They're also rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which can combat inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Moreover, olives provide a dose of essential minerals like iron and copper, which are important for maintaining energy levels and healthy blood cells. So, leaving olives on your pizza means you're adding a bit of nutrition to an otherwise indulgent meal.
Also Read: How Much Olive Oil Is Good For Your Heart Health
2. They Elevate the Flavour Profile
Olives are a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine for a reason: their unique, tangy flavour enhances the taste of countless dishes, including pizza. When baked, olives become slightly caramelized, which adds a subtle sweetness to their briny bite. Combined with the savory notes of melted cheese and the sweetness of tomato sauce, olives create a well-rounded taste explosion.
Even if olives aren’t your favourite on their own, they work harmoniously with other toppings, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavour. Your pizza deserves to be a symphony of tastes, and olives play a key instrument in that symphony.
3. Olives Are Low in Calories but Big on Satisfaction
If you're watching your waistline, olives are a smart addition to your diet. Despite their rich flavour, they’re relatively low in calories—about 10-15 calories per olive—and their healthy fats can promote feelings of satiety. Leaving them on your pizza means you’re more likely to feel satisfied with a smaller portion, which might help you avoid overindulging.
Also Read: From Enhancing Bone Health To Heart Health, Here Are Health Benefits Of Olives
4. They Add Texture to Your Bite
A great pizza is not just about flavour; it’s about texture. Olives provide a soft, chewy element that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust and gooey cheese. Their texture can break up the monotony of a bite, giving your pizza a more dynamic and enjoyable eating experience.
5. Try New Things
Tastes change over time. If you’ve avoided olives in the past, now is the perfect time to give them another shot. Your palate evolves as you age, and flavours you once disliked might become your new favorites. Start with milder varieties like black olives before experimenting with stronger types like Kalamata or green olives.
Tips For Olive Lovers In The Making
If the idea of eating olives still feels daunting, here are some strategies our expert shared to ease into it:
1. Go Light
Start with a few olives on your pizza rather than an overwhelming amount.
2. Pair with Complementary Toppings
Olives pair well with mushrooms, onions, feta cheese, and even spicy meats like pepperoni.
3. Try Different Types
Not all olives taste the same or equal. Experiment with various kinds to find one you like.
Bottomline
The next time you order a pizza, resist the urge to pick off the olives. Instead, consume them for their nutritional benefits, their ability to enhance flavour and texture. After all, a pizza without olives is a missed chance to savor one of nature’s most delicious little gifts.