Olives are long-lived trees of the olive family, which grow in the Mediterranean countries and in many other regions of the world. They are sources of vitamins, trace elements, acids and other substances useful for the normal functioning of the body. Due to its composition, olives improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, and have antioxidant properties. Fresh olives are part of diets for weight loss. The product can be used by pregnant women and children.

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The difference between olives and olives

The term "olives" took root only in Russia and Ukraine. It is believed that green fruits are olives, and black ones are olives. Moreover, the color of the product is associated with the degree of maturity of the former. This statement is erroneous, there is only one correct name - olives - these are the fruits of the same tree, but collected at different times. The color indicates the trait of the plant variety. Olives can be pink, yellow, light green and purple.

The composition and calorie content of olives

Olive fruits contain many useful substances necessary for a person:

The pulp of olives contains a number of vitamins and minerals:

Useful material	Quantity
Fats and oils
Cellulose
vitamins:
Trace elements:
Fats:
Monounsaturated fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Saturated fatty acids



The benefits of olives

The benefits of black olives for blood vessels are much greater than those of green fruits, because they contain many useful substances necessary for the body.



Cleans blood vessels, improves blood counts

Thanks to fatty acids, blood glucose levels decrease, the formation of blood clots decreases and the high elasticity of the walls of blood vessels is maintained.

Reduce cholesterol levels

This is facilitated by omega-9 fatty acid. Its main advantage is that the acid cannot destroy the existing cholesterol plaques, but at the same time it does not allow new ones to form.

Contribute to the choleretic effect

Due to a sedentary lifestyle, the consumption of a large amount of fatty and sugary foods, attacked by toxins, it is difficult for the liver to produce bile. Solid formations form in the gallbladder. As a result, food is digested poorly, diarrhea, bloating, and colic appear. To improve liver function, olives should be added to the daily diet, as they have an excellent choleretic effect and help restore organ cells.

Destroy cancer cells

Olives contain the substance oleocantanol, which destroys cancer cells without harming human health.

Eliminate inflammatory processes

Olives prevent the appearance of arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis.

Improve the work of the digestive tract

Helps rejuvenate the body

Olives have antioxidants that counteract the aging of the body, nourish hair, nails, and skin with useful substances, since they have a record amount of vitamins A and E contained in fats. Due to the presence of vitamin E, cell life is extended, collagen production is stimulated, without which human skin loses its elasticity. Without tocopherol, vitamin A is not absorbed, the latter is important for the epithelium. The vitamin itself contributes to the elasticity and normal health of the skin.

For pregnant

Olives, rich in vegetable oils, help to improve the functioning of the heart, dilate blood vessels, and improve metabolism. The presence of vitamins C and E in these products significantly enhances the immunity of pregnant women, since the presence of antioxidants protects the female body from the negative effects of the environment.

During gestation, it is important to take calcium-rich foods, which, together with phosphorus, will become the basis for the formation of the bones of the unborn baby.

Olives contain folic acid (also called vitamin B9). Doctors prescribe it to parents even before the moment of conception and during the woman's pregnancy. The content of such an element is a fundamental factor for the creation of a normal nervous system of the child. The use of olives will be an excellent source of semi-saturated fatty acids and phosphate for the body of a pregnant woman.

For men

Vitamin E contained in olives improves sperm quality and blood circulation in the genitals. The content of fatty acids in it cleans the blood vessels and promotes a more active blood flow to the genitals of a man. To do this, you need to consume at least 5 pieces daily. fresh olives.

For diabetics

Olives are useful because of the low glycemic index - 15 units. Eating them will not provoke an increase in blood glucose, which is a great advantage for diabetics. It is worth noting that with this pathology, olives help lower blood pressure, create a barrier to the formation of cancer cells and reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases.

Olives for weight loss

Olives are often used for weight loss. For these purposes, you can eat about 80 g of fresh fruits with vegetables every day and season with sour lemon, cranberry or lime juice. This combination perfectly contributes to the active absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

A large amount of vegetable fiber naturally reduces appetite and avoids overeating.

Often, ordinary pickled or canned olives are chosen for weight loss. However, they are not a worthy replacement for fresh. During their production, the olives are marinated in hot water, resulting in the loss of most of the healthy fats. In addition, the high concentration of salt in the marinade contributes to fluid retention in the body.

How to choose olives?

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of canned olives, you should follow simple recommendations.

1. 1. Give preference to the product in glass containers. This will allow you to carefully examine the fruits.
2. 2. You should study the composition of the product. It can contain only the fruits of the olive, salt and water. If the E 579 component is indicated on the bank, then this indicates that the fruits are colored.
3. 3. Pay attention to the size of the olives. The content of small fruits in 1 kg is 280-380 fruits, medium - 180-280, large - from 60 to 180.

The benefits of olive oil

Olive oil contains the following set of useful substances and elements:

• omega-9 (oleic fatty acid);
• a type of linoleic acid;
• various antioxidants;
• phenols;
• oleuropeins;
• a large composition of monosaturated fatty acids;
• a complex of vitamins (A, B, D, K, E, F);
• carotenes;
• tocopherols;
• estrons.

Separately, it is worth noting that refined oil contains a low level of useful elements and therefore does not bring any benefit to the human body.

In addition, olive oil has a beneficial effect on the functioning of many organs and systems:

1. 1. Lowers cholesterol levels. Clean vessels are an indispensable factor for normal heart health. The oleic acid present in olives counteracts the formation of cholesterol, which clogs blood vessels and forms blood clots on the walls. For the purpose of preventive measures for the development of atherosclerosis, it is recommended to constantly use this product, seasoning salads with it.
2. 2. Rejuvenates the skin, prevents its aging. The beneficial effect for the face is due to the presence of squalene, a natural hydrocarbon of youth, which is part of face creams. In addition, the product is rich in vitamin E, which slows down the aging process of the skin.
3. 3. Strengthens hair roots. Olive oil is used in the production of masks that help moisturize, restore and strengthen hair.
4. 4. Improves memory. Thanks to linoleic acid, which is part of it, the blood circulation of the brain vessels increases, the renewal of nerve cells is stimulated. This contributes to better memorization of information, good coordination of movements and speed of reactions.
5. 5. Promotes tissue regeneration. The oil allows you to speed up the process of wound healing, promotes tissue renewal, the rapid emergence of new cells, as it speeds up metabolism and increases blood circulation.
6. 6. Improves digestion. Olive oil has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The elements that enter it reduce the release of aggressive juices and accelerate the formation of bile. The product is recommended for use by patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, as it reduces pain.
7. 7. Helps with constipation. The beneficial effect is that the elements present in the structure of the oil cover the intestinal walls with a protective film and soften the feces.
8. 8. Improves liver function.

Indications for the use of oil on an empty stomach

There are certain indications for the use of oil on an empty stomach. Daily use of the product in a tablespoon will be an excellent prevention and treatment of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, heart and cardiovascular system (including strokes and heart attacks). The product stimulates the healing processes of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and is also a good cure for hemorrhoids.

How to identify real olive oil?

The original olive oil has a golden transparent color. If sediment has formed at the bottom of the bottle, then the product is expired. At home, it is possible to check it for taste: there should be no familiar taste of seeds. The original olive oil has a fruity or floral aroma.

olive pits

Useful properties of olive pits, as well as pulp, have a beneficial effect on the human body:

• They help cleanse the intestines, improve its microflora.
• Improve the functioning of the digestive tract, help get rid of constipation.
• Reduce cholesterol levels.
• They have a choleretic effect.
• They have a sedative effect.
• Prevent the formation of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys.
• Reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

To obtain a therapeutic effect, you should eat 15 berries with a bone for a week.

External use of crushed olive pits is allowed. To do this, they must be filled with hot paraffin. Such a tool helps well with radiculitis, osteochondrosis, back pain, muscle tension. Heated drupes are used as compresses for respiratory diseases.

Olives are contraindicated if there are the following pathologies:

• Cystitis.
• Stones in the kidneys.
• Diseases of the liver.
• Gastritis with high acidity.
• Exacerbation of gallstone disease.
• Cholecystitis.
• Pancreatitis.
• Colitis.
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

In addition, olives are contraindicated for children under three years of age, as well as for women during lactation.

Sometimes there is a special type of allergy to pickled olives. The reason for this is the high level of vinegar and preservatives in the fruit.

Olives have recently become a frequent guest on the table of Russians. They managed to win both ardent supporters and opponents. The latter say that harmful dyes are added to canned olives, and only green olives can be eaten, but they are of little use either.

Canned olives bring benefits or harm to the body, as well as how olives and olives actually differ - this will be discussed in this article.

In contact with

To find out how useful olives are, you should get to know their composition, which is a real storehouse of useful substances. No wonder this product is recommended as a prophylactic to absolutely all people.

Composition

The chemical composition of olives includes many useful substances. First of all, the fat content is striking - 23.9%. 100 grams of fresh olives contain 39.8% of the Daily Value (DV) of fat intake.

• 15.1 g oleic acid;
• 3.6 g linolenic.

Other acids are present in small amounts. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid and plays an important role in fat metabolism.

Carbohydrates in olives 19 g (9% DV). Of these, 4 g is fiber, which is not digested in the intestine, but stimulates its peristalsis and normalizes the intestinal microflora. 4 g of fiber cover the daily need for it by 20%.

There are very few proteins - 1.6 g or 2.1% DV.

Of the vitamins, olives contain the most vitamin E, which is very important for maintaining reproductive health in both women and men. Its content is 5 mg per 100 g of olives or 33.3% of the DV.

Olives of varying maturity

There are also significant amounts of vitamin A and its provitamin - carotene (3.7% and 4% DV, respectively). Quite a bit of vitamin PP (1% DN), and the rest - very little.

Many of the minerals

• sodium (350mg, 26.9% DV);
• calcium (70mg, 7% DV);
• magnesium (25mg, 6.3%).

There is potassium (95 mg, 3.8% DV) and phosphorus (20 mg, 2.5% DV), iron (0.5 mg, 5% DV).

Of the trace elements, we note:

• copper (0.2 mg, 10% DV);
• zinc (0.2 mg, 2% DV);
• selenium (0.9mcg, 4.5% DV).

Calories 100 grams

Calorie content of 100 grams of olives - 296kcal (17.6% DV). This value is average. The calorie content of olives changes as the fruit ripens. Knowing how many calories are in olives is necessary and wants to lose weight, since their energy value is very high.

Slightly less calories in canned pitted olives. Their energy value is 140-175 kilocalories per 100 grams. But for those olives that were pickled with a bone, it is slightly larger. After all, naturally ripened fruits are pickled with it, and those canned without it get their dark color artificially. It is difficult to remove the bones from ripened fruits without violating the integrity of the fetus, which is why they are not pulled out.

Useful properties for women

Are there any benefits to canned olives?

The benefits of canned olives are the same as those of fresh ones. It is simply impossible to eat them fresh without soaking for months due to their inherent bitterness. And canned similar procedure was accelerated. To do this, they are treated with caustic soda, and if they want to get a dark color, oxygen is passed through.

In the latter case, the color is fixed with iron gluconate. Caustic soda is neutralized during pickling. The content of useful substances will decrease slightly. The amount of sodium increases, which is already quite a lot in olives. Therefore, hypertensive patients should not particularly lean on them.

Oleic acid also improves the lipid composition of blood cells, strengthens blood vessels, the heart, lowers the acidity of gastric juice, and normalizes bowel function. It exhibits medicinal properties in gastritis, osteochondrosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, arthritis.

Oleic acid is not all that canned olives are useful for, which contain tocopherol, iron, calcium and magnesium, zinc and copper.

People with a diseased liver or stomach should prefer green olives or olives with a stone, which do not contain ferrous gluconate. Although in the amount that is contained in 50 g of olives, it is beneficial - it stimulates hematopoiesis, increases the level of hemoglobin. Cereals, fresh vegetables, egg yolk slow down the absorption of iron gluconate.

How and where do they grow?

Almost everyone who has been to the Mediterranean, Crimea or Abkhazia knows how and where olives grow. Olive trees now grow everywhere in tropical and subtropical climates: in East Asia, and in Australia, in Peru, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Iran and Mexico. Olive is an amazing tree that lives up to 2000 years.

According to beliefs, the olive is immortal, so its fruits make people hardy and resilient.

People have known her for 5.5 thousand years. This is evidenced by stones for squeezing oil and vessels for it in the archaeological layers of those times. The dove brought the olive branch to Noah. The other was given by Athena to the city that bears her name from antiquity to the present day. It was also brought by the dove to Mary in the Gospels.

This is a powerful tree with a thick trunk and a lush crown. Olives bloom in April-July with panicles of 10-45 fragrant white flowers. Harvest from early autumn to January. Olives are immediately taken for processing, so as not to lose their presentation.

Olive Tree

Is it a fruit, vegetable or berry?

Olives are actually not fruits, although they grow on a tree or shrub, not a vegetable, although they are pickled in the same way, not a berry, although they are similar. In scientific language, such fruits are called drupes, which include:

• plums;
• peaches;
• cherries;
• apricots;
• all other fruits with one stone.

Is it possible to eat during pregnancy?

It is possible and even necessary for pregnant women to eat olives in moderation, if there are no contraindications. The usefulness of olives for expectant mothers is that they improve fat metabolism. Oleic acid is a building material for cell membranes, so a growing fetus needs a lot of it.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, olives should be avoided, and after it - on health.

Which color is better - black or green?

The debate about which olives are more useful - black or green, has not subsided since they began to be massively imported into our country. The differences between them are much less than the similarities.

Consider the benefits of green olives. They have slightly more fat than black ones, as well as vitamin E, 4 times more potassium and 3 times more magnesium. This composition determines the medicinal properties of olives, and also helps to fight overwork. Their benefits are noticeable and the next morning after a stormy feast, green olives will quickly return to normal.

Let's find out now what are the benefits of black olives. They have fewer calories, but more calcium, iron and zinc than greens.

Therefore, the benefits of black olives are undeniable for anemia, weakness, and sexual dysfunction.

Both olives and olives grow on the same tree, and only in Russia they are distinguished. When asked what color olives are, they will confidently say that they are green. Of course, because the black ones are called olives, and the green ones are called olives.

In the rest of the world, both are called olives.

They say that GOSTs are to blame for this. When the first batches of canned olives arrived in Russia, someone wrote down the green fruits as olives, and the black fruits as olives. This seemed to be the beginning of the division.

Branch with ripe olives

Contraindications

Despite the abundance of useful properties, there are contraindications to the use of olives. This is an allergy to them, fortunately, which is quite rare. You need to be very careful with them and patients with pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Their consumption should be strictly limited, and in the event of an exacerbation, it should be completely eliminated. With gastritis with high acidity, kidney stones and cystitis, eating a large amount of olives can also be harmful. The first time a child should be given one or two olives to make sure that there are no allergies and individual intolerances.

Useful video

Everything you need to know about olives:

Conclusion

1. Olives and olive oil, when used in moderation, help maintain youthful skin, hair and nails, they increase immunity, protect against cancer and save from anemia.
2. They are also useful for expectant mothers from the second trimester of pregnancy.
3. Caution should be taken with pickled olives, especially dyed black pitted, with ulcers, cholecystitis and cystitis.
4. Olives improve both women's and men's reproductive health.

Attractive elongated appearance, variety of color and taste make olives permanent "guests" on the festive tables.

Options healthy use of olives a lot for the body.

They are added to dishes to give a unique taste, the benefits of olives also manifest themselves in a unique oil.

On the basis of olive oil, both culinary delights and effective cosmetics are prepared. How olives are used, their benefits, harms and calorie content are described in detail below.

Olives: composition, calories

The olives are harvested from the evergreen olive tree native to the Mediterranean. The first purposeful cultivation of olives for human consumption was carried out by the Greeks. And now Greece remains the main supplier of olive fruits around the world.

The size, composition and taste of olives depend on the region of growth. Today, olives are massively grown in the following areas:

Greek islands;

Spain;

Portugal;

France;

California;

Australia.

More and more countries are trying to grow olives, and not always without success.

Size olives can reach a length of 4 centimeters, and in diameter - up to 2. There is an opinion that the color of the olive and the composition of black and green fruits are the same, and black olives are just pickled green ones. This is not entirely true. In nature black olives - it is the ripe fruit of the evergreen olive tree. But to give a different taste, pickling, or fermentation, is also used. Collected green fruits are placed in brine and wait a while.

Olives: calorie benefits

People believe that olives are a fatty and very high-calorie product, therefore they are excluded from the diet. In fact, one large olive has only 7 kcal. They are the perfect snack for weight loss or add variety to a tasteless diet meal. A ripe black olive has a slightly higher calorie content than a green one. 51 kcal per 100 grams, but it is only 166 kcal, which makes it possible to classify olives as dietary products.

The benefits of fat in olives

A serving of four large olives contains only 2.5 grams of fat. At the same time, the fat in olives is of great benefit and it is completely absorbed by the body. Plus, the fruit is also in a balanced supplement of proteins and carbohydrates.

The fatty acids found in fruits are monounsaturated. This composition helps to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol. which damages the arteries, and increase the percentage of cholesterol needed by the human body. This is partly why olive oil is so prized.

Health Benefits of Olives

For a long time, olive fruits could not be eaten until they learned how to eliminate their bitterness. For this, different methods are used.

Pickled olives

The most common method is soaking. Use alternating clean water with saline. In production, a not very useful method is used - treatment with chemicals. Such olives have a blue tint, and there are no stones to be found in them.

It is the bone that confirms the benefits of olives. Bones indicate the full ripening of the fruit, because it will not work to remove the stone from a ripe olive, while maintaining the integrity of the fruit. This does not apply to unripe, greenish olives. Such specimens retain their elasticity.

Cured and dried olives

Dried and dried olives are also eaten. The healthiest olives are naturally sun-dried. Unscrupulous producers often neglect the technology of long drying and market dried olives or "dried" using chemicals. The benefits of these fruits are very doubtful, and the taste is not particularly pleasant.

Olives are a versatile product, they can be eaten alone, with bread, or as an ingredient in a dish or side dish. Meat, fish, rice, pasta, and even potatoes pair perfectly with properly cooked natural olives.

Olive oil

The oil extracted from olives has conquered the whole world with its benefits. It is pressed from ripe fruits. Cooking, medicine, cosmetology - all these industries actively use the beneficial properties of olive oil for their products.

olive leaves

Not only the fruits of the tree are used in cooking - tea from the leaves of the olive tree, which was the first to be prepared by the Israelis, has firmly taken its place here. The leaves are harvested during the flowering period and dried outdoors in the shade or in a room with excellent ventilation.

Scientists are discovering more and more useful properties of olive tea, and it is spreading faster and faster around the planet. Now there is evidence that tea made from olive leaves is even healthier than the usual green tea.

Olives: what are the benefits for the body?

The optimal balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals makes olives a very useful fruit from which a unique oil is produced.

The main advantage of olive oil over other vegetable oils is its elevated combustion temperature. That is, even with intense frying at high temperatures, olive oil does not burn out, does not evaporate, releasing carcinogens, and also retains its great benefits.

Olives: benefits for the body in diabetes

For about 20 years, American and Spanish scientists have studied the relationship of olive oil with the development of diabetes. People from American hospitals and their diet were studied. The results were stunning: Regular consumption of olive oil reduced the risk of diabetes by 20%. The same applies to the complete replacement of all animal fats in the diet with olive oil: ceteris paribus, such a correction in the diet reduces the chance of developing diabetes by 5 times.

Useful properties of olives in the fight against cancer

Thanks to the squalene contained in olives, they are endowed with the effect of lowering "bad" cholesterol, improving brain activity, and also preventing the reproduction of cancer cells. The polyphenols found in olive oil kill some types of breast cancer, and the acid in the skin of olives fights colon cancer.

Cardiovascular health

Every day, using only two tablespoons of high-quality cold-pressed olive oil, a person is protected from atherosclerosis, thrombosis and various cardiovascular diseases. The effect is provided by a large amount of polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Full functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

The mild laxative effect, perfect digestibility and very low acidity make olives an ideal product for regulating the digestive system.

Olive oil reduces the acidity of gastric juice, prevents the formation of gastritis and gastroduodenitis. At the same time, bile production is stimulated, food is fully digested and problems in the intestines disappear.

Health Benefits of Olives for Skin, Hair and Nails

It is not for nothing that vitamin E is called the vitamin of beauty - it prevents aging and withering of the skin and favorably affects the condition of the hair. Olives contain a large amount of vitamins E and A, which in combination should be present in the daily diet. Lubricate the skin and hair with olive oil, make masks with its addition will maintain the elasticity and softness of the skin, shine and elasticity of the hair.

An interesting fact is the prevention of skin cancer with the help of olives. The Mediterranean population, despite the abundance of ultraviolet radiation due to the hot climate, has a much lower percentage of skin cancer than in less sunny countries. Scientists say that olive oil plays a significant role in the prevention of skin cancer.

To moisturize, nourish and protect the skin from sunburn, natural “sun milk” is used: mix 500 grams of high-quality oil well with the juice of half a lemon. Apply to skin before sun exposure.

Solar and thermal burns, cuts and bruises can also be lubricated with olive oil - linoleic acid will speed up healing and relieve swelling.

Help with joint problems

Powerful antioxidants in the form of vitamins C and E, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and trace elements have a healing effect on the state of the musculoskeletal system. With the regular use of olives and oils from them, inflammation of the joints decreases, conditions with arthritis, osteochondrosis, gout, and other diseases are alleviated, and the functioning of muscle and joint tissue improves.

Olives: what is the harm to health?

Proper moderate consumption of natural olives and oils from them will only benefit the body. Olives can only harm people with cholecystitis, as they have a choleretic effect. Otherwise, there is no need to talk about the dangers of natural olives.

Another thing is chemically processed, harvested in an unripe state, olives. They are bright red, green or blue-black in color. Such olives can cause the most diverse harm - from mild allergic reactions to severe poisoning. Check the composition of the product on the packaging and purchase only high-quality olives from a reliable manufacturer.

With excessive use of olive oil, digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are possible. Poor quality, spoiled or expired olive oil is harmful in the form of heartburn.

For pregnant and lactating mothers: the benefits of olives

Olives for pregnant women are not a contraindication, unless there is an allergic reaction. Olive oil during pregnancy and lactation, if taken orally and applied externally to the skin, will prevent skin lesions and stretch marks on the abdomen and chest.

The use of olives by pregnant women replenishes the deficiency of minerals and maintains the salt balance during pregnancy.

The fatty acids in olive oil are used for formula-fed babies. They are close in their chemical composition to a number of substances in breast milk. It is necessary to add olive oil to the child's diet only after the permission of the pediatrician.

Olives for children: useful or harmful

Olives can be consumed from early childhood. For children, the big role of olives is to regulate the absorption of calcium and the formation of bones, muscle and joint tissue. Olives are useful for children as a source of vitamin E and A to maintain the organs of vision and elasticity of the skin.

Olive oil can replace baby cream, but there are corresponding organic cosmetics based on olives.

Both olives and oil from them are not contraindicated for children, unless there is an individual intolerance. Contrary to the claims of the manufacturers, there is no "baby olive oil" - it is identical to high-quality "adult" types of the product.

All the beneficial properties of olives for the body are manifested only with regular daily use..

Olive oil has long been famous for its healing properties. To this day, this product has extraordinary value and great demand. The inhabitants of the Mediterranean, the area where it is produced, are famous for their excellent health, youth and longevity. This is due to the nutritional composition of the oil. It is very rich in substances useful for the body, which makes its use especially effective for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

For its high quality, olive oil is called "liquid gold" all over the world. The product has found wide application in cooking, cosmetology and alternative medicine. How to take oil for treatment purposes, as well as how to use it to prepare effective masks, we will consider further.

Natural composition and calorie content

Useful properties of olive oil are due to the rich natural composition. This product contains many useful components.

The chemical composition is presented:

• vitamins - C, A, K, B3, D;
• macro- and microelements - calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, iron;
• oleic acid;
• styrene and β-sitosterol;
• linoleic acid;
• squalane and squalane;
• saturated fats - Omega3,6,9;
• terpene alcohols, tocopherols, retinols;
• polyphenols, phenols and phenolics.

The calorie content of olive oil is 898 calories per 100 grams of the product. The nutritional value:

• 99.9 g fat (178% DV);
• 16.8 g saturated fatty acids;
• 0.2 g of water;
• 13.2 unsaturated fatty acids.

The use of oil in food provides a person with all the necessary substances that have a beneficial effect on the work of the whole organism.

Useful properties of olive oil

Olive oil is considered a treasure trove of health benefits. It is used for medicinal purposes, as a remedy for many diseases. The benefits of olive oil are due to its composition. Basically, it includes unsaturated fats, vegetable fats, which, unlike fats of animal origin, are very useful for the body.

The use of "liquid gold" in your diet helps to reduce bad cholesterol, prevent the development of diabetes, obesity and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Olive oil is especially beneficial for the digestive system. It has a laxative effect, which prevents constipation. Also, olive oil normalizes the digestive tract and helps better digestibility of food.

Olive oil helps the body in:

• reducing bad cholesterol;
• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• prevention of obesity and diabetes;
• improvement of visual acuity;
• prevention of constipation and poor digestion;
• prevention of gastrointestinal diseases;
• healing of ulcers in the digestive system;
• treatment of pathologies of the liver and gallbladder;
• lowering blood pressure in hypertension;
• strengthening blood vessels and improving blood circulation;
• reducing the risk of thrombosis;
• prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments.

Vitamin E, which is part of the product, is considered an excellent antioxidant. It prevents skin aging, improves complexion and stimulates hair growth. This vitamin contributes to youth, longevity and good health. Squalene, which is rich in olive oil, prevents the development of oncology. Oleic acid, which is the main component of olive oil, slows down the growth of cancer cells and reduces the risk of cancer. Sterols, which are found only in olive oil, are an excellent prophylactic against the appearance of cholesterol plaques.

Benefits for women

It brings particular benefit olive oil for women. Regular use has a beneficial effect on the female body: the condition of the skin, hair and nails improves. The woman looks rejuvenated, rested and healthy.

Olive oil is also beneficial for the female reproductive system. It improves reproductive function, normalizes the menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. During menopause, the oil reduces irritability and relieves pain and general malaise.

Important to know about the benefits of olive oil during pregnancy. A daily amount in small doses helps the formation of the fetus (fatty acids are needed for the proper formation of bone and nerve), strengthens the placenta, reducing the risk of its detachment.

Small amount consumption during lactation helps to relieve the baby from colic and various allergic reactions.

How to take on an empty stomach?

The quality of the oil and the presence of useful properties in it is affected by the variety and the method of its production.

happens:

• first cold pressing (Extra virgin olive oil);
• second cold pressing (Virgin olive oil);
• and in the form of chemical extraction (Olive oil, Pure olive oil, Pomace oil).

Extra-class oil is considered the most useful and high quality. As a rule, it contains a lot of useful properties and substances for the body and is carried out without chemical treatment. For olive oil production, only fresh olives are taken, and for the second type, it uses products left over from the first processing. The high price and increased demand are due to the high quality of "liquid gold". It is extra virgin olive oil that is suitable for use for medicinal purposes for the body.

Extra class oil should be used for treatment purposes in accordance with the dosage and rules of administration. Most often, olive oil is taken in the morning. It is better to take it on an empty stomach, one tablespoon.

Take oil on an empty stomach especially useful in gastritis. Taking olive oil in the morning ensures a healthy functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Alternative medicine recommends a preventive cleansing of the body once a year. To do this, use a teaspoon of oil daily on an empty stomach. The procedure differs from the previous one: the oil should not be swallowed immediately, but sucked, moving it through the oral cavity. The course of treatment is two weeks.

If you are pursuing the goal of losing weight, then it is better to use the oil, dividing it into two doses. The first dose is better to start in the morning, drinking olive oil on an empty stomach, one teaspoonful. And the second dose - in the evening, an hour before the last meal. This procedure should be carried out for three weeks, supporting it with a special diet.

Application

The beneficial properties of olive oil have made it possible to use it in various fields. The product has found wide application in cooking, cosmetology and traditional medicine.

Cooking uses olive oil to prepare various culinary dishes and delights. Oil is a part of many salads, side dishes, sauces and soups. It has an unusual, slightly bitter taste. In combination with other products, it gives a very bright, piquant taste to any dish.

One of the most popular industries using olive oil is cosmetology. This useful and valuable oil product is considered an excellent nutrient for maintaining the health, youth and beauty of your skin. Olive oil is used for the production of various cosmetic products for skin and hair care (creams, gels, shampoos, balms, etc.).

In alternative medicine, olive oil occupies a special place. Since ancient times, olive oil has been famous for its miraculous power for the body. In ancient Greece, it was called the "gift of the gods" and "the medicine of nature." Let's take a look at how to use olive oil for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal use

Since ancient times, olive oil has been used to treat various ailments. Alternative medicine uses it for the treatment and prevention of diseases. This healing agent, when taken correctly, helps to treat diseases of the skin and internal organs.

DlI normalize blood circulation and improve the condition of blood vessels It is recommended to eat 1 tbsp daily. l. drying oil, and also add it a few drops to the cream for external use (twice a day). This method reduces the risk of blood clots and loss of vascular elasticity.

With duodenal ulcer and stomach ulcer recommended recipe:

• Mix a glass with a glass of olive oil.
• We insist for three days.
• Add 1 tbsp. l. natural honey.
• Boil the resulting consistency in a water bath (over low heat) for two hours.
• You need to take ready-made funds for 1 tbsp. l. four times a day. The course of treatment is one month.

With frequent constipation and to improve the work of digestion, drying oil should be taken in the morning and in the evening for ten days, 1 tsp each.

For inflammation of the gums we heat a little drying oil in a water bath, moisten a soft toothbrush with it and rub it into the gums. If you experience pain and discomfort, it is recommended to rinse your mouth every morning with warm olive oil.

Liver cleansing using olive oil is carried out in the following way:

• The day before the start of the procedure, we use only plant foods and drink apple juice.
• After six hours, we stop eating, then we do a standard enema.
• The next day, mix equal amounts of lemon juice and olive oil.
• We use it for 1 tbsp. l. every 15 minutes.
• During the procedure, we try to lie down, applying a warm heating pad to the liver area.

For the treatment of gastritis you need to drink a glass of clean water in the morning for 2.5 months. After that, after 20 minutes, take 1 tbsp. l. olive oil. Breakfast can be started only half an hour after the completion of the procedure.

With cholecystitis we use for 10 days 25 ml of drying oil. Best taken in the morning on an empty stomach. If the intake becomes unbearable, you can drink the oil with a glass of citrus juice.

With pancreatitis and to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, you need to use 1.5 tsp. drying oils for 30 days. With this disease, olive oil cannot be used in pure form, so it is better to use it as a dressing for various dishes.

With periodontal disease need 1 tbsp. l. drying oils mixed with 30% tincture of celandine (available at the pharmacy). Mix both ingredients until smooth. Lubricate the gums with the resulting mixture. We carry out the procedure twice a day.

From sclerosis recipe helps:

• We take the cloves of one head of garlic, grind to a state of puree.
• We place it in a glass container and fill it with a glass of Extra class drying oil.
• I put it in the fridge overnight.
• In the morning we take 1 tsp. infused garlic mass and mix it with 1 tsp. lemon juice.
• We take medication for 30 days.
• Reception - once a day for half an hour before meals. After a thirty-day treatment, we take a week break and repeat the course again.

Olive oil in cosmetology

Olive oil has found wide application in cosmetology. This product is actively used for the production of natural cosmetics for skin and hair care. Many companies based on olive oil are developing:

• cream,
• gels,
• lotions,
• shampoos,
• masks,
• scrubs, etc.

For high-quality products, Extra-class oil is used, since it contains all the nutrients and properties that are good for our skin.

Olive oil has long been famous for its miraculous properties for the body. Several centuries ago, it was used to give the skin beauty, radiance, and hair - thickness and healthy shine. Today, olive oil helps in home cosmetics. There are many useful and effective recipes for making natural masks for the face, body and hair.

Facial products

Olive oil, rich in vitamin E, promotes the growth of hair, nails, it slows down the aging process and makes the skin clean, smooth and toned.

Helps with wrinkles and age spots with olive oil. Pre-steam the skin and clean it with a scrub. Next, apply with light movements on the skin of the face and the area around the eyes. Let the oil soak in for 15-20 minutes. After the time has elapsed, wipe off excess oil residue with a cotton swab.

The mask is great for aging, tired skin. It enriches the skin with vitamins, nourishes and evens out its color. Recipe for a vitaminized mask:

• 1 st. l. mix dry yeast with 1 tsp. carrot juice (you can cucumber or potato).
• Add 1 tsp. olive oil, sour cream and lemon juice.
• Mix the ingredients and apply on the face.
• Then rinse off with cool water.

Olive oil is very beneficial for the skin around the eyes. It is recommended to add a few drops to the cream and apply to the skin with light tapping movements.

Mask for the skin around the eyes. We take a teaspoon of chopped avocado, add a little olive and lemon drying oil, as well as a couple of drops of rosewood. Apply to the skin around the eyes for 15 minutes. Wash off with water.

Mask for cleansing and narrowing the pores based on olive oil is prepared in the following way:

• We take 2 tbsp. l. cosmetic clay and mix it with 2 tbsp. l. olives.
• We bring to a homogeneous consistency.
• Mix with the resulting mass of 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice and 1 tsp. parsley juice.
• Apply the resulting mixture on the face for 20 minutes.

A useful cosmetic product helps to cleanse and whiten the skin, tightens pores and eliminates minor rashes and irregularities.

A nourishing and toning mask helps. We take the pulp of any berries or fruits. We take 1 tbsp. l fruit and grind it. Mix with 1 tsp. drying oils and apply to the skin. Then rinse with water. The mask enriches the skin with beneficial substances and fights the first signs of aging and fatigue.

Purifying mask prepared on the basis of 1 tbsp. l. rice or oatmeal and 1 tsp. olive oil. Mix well and apply on the skin for 15-20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water.

For radiant and velvety skin grind a small cucumber on a grater, squeeze the juice out of it, and mix the remaining skin with olive oil and 3 drops of sandalwood oil. The resulting mask is applied to the skin for 20 minutes.

Acne mask. Mix lemon juice with 1 tsp. honey and a few drops of olive oil. Apply to the skin for 20 minutes. Then we wash off. Repeat the procedure twice a week.

Hair masks

Olive oil is especially beneficial for hair. It is an adjuvant for strengthening hair follicles and for stimulating their growth. Several useful, effective masks.

Mask for strengthening hair(Suitable for all skin types). In the same amount we take drying oil and natural honey, mix the ingredients with one egg. Apply to the entire length of the hair, and put on top a shower cap.

Get rid of oily hair another mask will help. We take olive oil and vodka in equal proportions. Mix everything and apply on hair for 20 minutes. Then we wash off. At the last rinse, add lemon juice to the water.

From split ends and brittle hair mix in equal proportions olive, coconut and almond oil. Rub the resulting mixture into the ends of the hair. Wait 15 minutes, then wash off. We repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week.

For hair growth another remedy helps. We mix 1.5 tbsp. l. mustard, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of olive oil and st. l. mayonnaise. We try to bring everything to a state of uniformity. Apply the mixture on the hair for 15-20 minutes. We put a plastic bag on top and wrap ourselves with a towel. The mask may cause slight stinging and burning.

Olive oil in cooking

Olive oil is almost the most popular oil in the cuisine of most countries. This nutritious product, in addition to a number of useful properties for the body, has an unusual taste. It perfectly complements any meat dishes, salads and side dishes.

Combined with other ingredients, olive oil brings out its best qualities and makes any dish very fragrant and tasty.

Olive oil goes well with spicy spices, herbs, lemon peel, garlic, etc. If you mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar and minced garlic, you can create the perfect dressing for salads and various dishes.

Classic gas station

Classic olive oil dressing for salads is prepared from the ingredients:

• Extra Virgin oil - 0.5 l;
• mustard seeds - 2 tbsp. l;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• ground black pepper - 1 pinch.

Squeeze the juice from the lemon, mix it with mustard. Grind the garlic through a garlic press, mix it with the rest of the ingredients. Add ground pepper, mix everything well. We add all the components to the bottle to the olive oil. Close the lid tightly. We put in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Shake well before use. This dressing helps in maintaining a healthy body.

Butter Nut Pesto

Pesto based on olive oil helps to stimulate the digestive tract and supports the body. Ingredients needed to make walnut and olive oil pesto :

• walnuts - 200 g;
• unrefined olive oil Extra Vergin - 200 ml;
• grated pecorino cheese - 60 g;
• grated parmesan - 60 g;
• salt;
• ground black pepper.

Marinated sheep cheese

An interesting appetizer for the table is prepared from sheep's cheese marinated in olive oil. To prepare it, you will need the following components:

• fresh sheep cheese - 100 g;
• garlic to taste;
• rosemary - two fresh sprigs;
• thyme - two fresh sprigs;
• bay leaf - 1 pc;
• olive. cold pressed oil.

We lower for 3-5 minutes. rosemary, thyme and bay leaf in hot water. Put them in a glass container and refrigerate. Next, put the cheese, diced, as well as garlic cloves. Fill everything to the brim with oil at room temperature. Cover and let marinate for a week. This dish goes well with salads and potatoes, while helping to saturate the body with the necessary nutrients.

Contraindications for use

Despite its beneficial properties, olive oil has a number of contraindications. Do not forget that this product is very high in calories, so more than two or three tablespoons per day is not recommended.

Main contraindications:

• individual intolerance;
• tendency to severe allergic reactions;
• the presence of a strict diet that does not provide for the use of this product;
• gallstones;
• calculous cholecystitis;
• obesity;
• diarrhea;
• prohibited for children under 5 years of age.

For the proper functioning of the body, the norm for women is 2-3 tbsp. l. per day. The daily norm for men is 3-4 tbsp. l. in a day. Children after 8 years - no more than 1 tbsp. l. per day. Exceeding the norm can cause a number of side effects: dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, diarrhea, etc.

How to choose and how to store?

The highest quality olive oil is unrefined, unfiltered drying oil. This useful product is produced by: Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Italy, etc. As a rule, Greek olive oil is considered the most valuable.

You can check the quality of the purchased product in a simple way. Put the olive oil in the refrigerator. Natural oil should become cloudy, and if it is returned to the room (with a temperature of 25 degrees), it will return to its previous shade. The container in which the oil is sold must be dark.

The best olive oil, which has a maximum of useful properties, is an Extra class product (Extra virgin olive oil). A quality product should be thick and uniform. On the palate, as a rule, there is a light, pleasant bitterness.

Store the product in a dark, cool place (no more than 15 degrees). The container must be sealed and not let air through.

The olive is a tree of the olive family, which can live for about two thousand years. It has long been considered a symbol of nobility, maturity and wisdom. The branches of the plant were woven into wreaths that the ancient Greeks gave to the winners of the Olympic Games. Our great-grandfathers believed that the fruits of the tree give strength, endurance and vitality.

Today, olives are loved in different countries of the world. They are used in pickled, salted, canned and stuffed form. People have learned to cook the most incredible dishes with these fruits. The benefits are tangible, but there are also harms. We will talk about this further.

In the CIS countries, two concepts are used to refer to berries: olives and black olives. It is believed that the first name is green fruits, the second is black. On this basis, disputes often arise between people, but they are in vain, because both options grow on the same tree. The difference is only between the degree of maturity or processing.

Olives are harvested while they are still green. The fruits have less oil, and the pulp is quite firm. The berries are bitter in taste, therefore unsuitable for food. It is these samples that go to conservation. The processing process will be discussed below. After reading the information, you will understand why canned olives can be not only beneficial, but also harmful.

Olives are harvested when the fruits become shriveled and turn dark purple. In most cases, they go to the production of butter. These fresh berries rarely reach our country. If you manage to find them, the price will be quite high.

Composition of olives

The benefits of fruits lies in their generous composition. Olives contain about 100 useful components that have a beneficial effect on human health, prolong youth and provide a surge of vitality.

The energy value of canned berries reaches 145-168 kcal per 100 g. About 15 g is saturated fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6), 0.6 g for carbohydrates, 1 g for proteins. The fruits have a fibrous structure and due to this they are easily absorbed by the body.

Berries contain the following nutrients:

• vitamins: A, group B (thiamine - B1, riboflavin - B2, niacin - B3, pantothenic acid - B5, pyridoxine - B6, folic acid - B9), choline, vitamins E and K;
• minerals: sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium, copper, zinc;
• oleic acid;
• cellulose;
• pectins;
• Sahara;
• ash substances.

The fruits have a record content of calcium and sodium. If you eat 100 g of canned olives, then the body will receive 77% of the daily dose of sodium. Therefore, the fruits can harm those who have kidney problems. However, the benefits of berries, especially if consumed in moderation, are more obvious.

Beneficial features

Berries have a positive effect on human health:

• are the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stomach ulcers, gastritis, liver diseases and breast cancer;
• remove salts of heavy metals, slags and toxins, restore intestinal microflora;
• improve the work of the nervous system: relieve stress, soothe, improve mood;
• remove cholesterol;
• have a beneficial effect on bone, muscle and connective tissue, are the prevention of osteoporosis;
• optimize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and gallbladder, do not allow stones to form;
• are a source of strength and energy;
• have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system and help to conceive a child;
• maintain male temperament and increase potency (it is enough just to consume 10-15 fruits a day);
• improve the appearance of hair and skin.

In general, olives contribute to better absorption of nutrients from foods, have a slight laxative effect and quickly satisfy hunger.

It is important to use the fruits for those categories of the population that live in ecologically unfavorable areas, especially in the zone of radiation exposure. The benefits of berries in this case is to suppress the formation and growth of malignant and benign tumors.

How are canned olives made?

To better understand the harm that canned berries can cause, we will look at the process of preparing them. The fruits are harvested in an unripe form, so they are quite bitter and hard. To solve this problem, experts soak olives in a solution of caustic soda. After the procedure, the berries go to conservation, where each manufacturer adds specific seasonings.

The situation is worse with the fruits, which in Russia are called olives. For their preparation, all the same green olives are taken, placed in saline solution for five months and maintained at a temperature of +10 degrees. After this time, the berries are taken out to fresh air so that the oxidation process begins. In theory, after that the product should get into the tin. But today the technological process has changed not for the better.

Green olives are placed in a special container and O2 is supplied, where a chemical reaction takes place within 7-10 days. After that, the product turns black, acquires a soft texture and a special taste. Almost always, the manufacturer adds a stabilizer iron gluconate (E579), the excess of which harms organs and systems: it causes a malfunction of the heart, kidneys and liver.

Cautions in use

The benefits of berries for the body will be observed only if you use real ripe olives, and not artificially blackened fruits. One small jar of low-quality products can cause significant harm because it contains an increased dose of iron.

Laboratory analyzes show that some samples contain tin, albeit within acceptable limits. Harm to the body in this case is practically not felt, but still the use is undesirable. The increased content of this metal causes poisoning.

The benefits of olives with anchovies are generally excluded. A dubious paste is used as a filling, which contains sodium alginate as a thickener. The samples contain quite a lot of monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer), various antioxidants and stabilizers.

For people who suffer from cholecystitis, the fruits can be harmful because they have a strong choleretic effect. Caution should be used olives in disorders of the stomach and intestines.

The benefits of olives for a healthy body depend on the quality of the product. We want to give you some tips to help you choose really good berries:

1. Inspect the appearance of the jar, if there is rust on it or the container is deformed, bypass the product.
2. Read the ingredients carefully. A large number of chemical compounds indicates fake olives.
3. Good goods are produced by Spain and Italy.
4. Fruits with a stone will bring more benefits to the body, since they are saturated with fatty acids.
5. Do not buy berries with additives, as they contain a high concentration of stabilizers, preservatives and flavor enhancers.
6. Natural fruits never have a completely black surface. In general, their color is heterogeneous and rather takes on a reddish-brown hue.

Buy olives from reliable producers, and then they will improve your health and give you positive emotions.