Health Benefits of Olives

One of my husband's favorite is the olives. He loves to eat it with chips, cheese and other sorta American snacks at night time. I tried this before and would like to learn to love eating olives but I don't understand its taste.

Anyways, olives are most loved by Americans to put in their salad or eat it alone. It may be weird tasting fruit for me but it also has its health benefits.

The following information are lifted from its original source from Genius Cook.com. To read further details about Olives, I recommend you visit the website mentioned above.

Nutrients in olives:

* Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and ash.
* Mineral salts: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, natrium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
* Vitamins: B-1-2-3-5-6, pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene), E, and K.
* Fatty acids: low on saturated and polyunsaturated fats and high on monounsaturated fats.
* Antioxidants: polyphenols and lutein.

Health Benefits of Olives

Lutein, a strong antioxidant and carotenoid

* Destroys free radicals.
* Protects cells from premature aging.
* Strengthens retina and improves eye sight.

Polyphenols (flavonoids), antioxidant agents

* Prevent the oxidation of lipoproteins, thus protecting from cholesterol deposits in blood vessels.
* Reduce the risk of heart and blood vessels disorders.
* Stop cancer cells from growing.

Beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), strong antioxidant:

* Reduces harmful influences of carcinogens, preventing the risk of many forms of cancer, from bowel, gullet, throat cancer to stomach and prostate gland cancer.
* Protects smokers from lung tumors.
* Is essential for robust eye sight, the growth and regeneration of tissues.
* Nourishes epithelium, smoothes out wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.
* Strengthens teeth and bones.