There is a belief that olives are fattening and are not recommended if you want to control body weight or follow a weight loss diet. The reason may be the presence of fats in its composition and the bad reputation of being a very caloric food.
However, this small fruit is a source of many nutrients with positive effects for the body. And all this, along with a healthy lifestyle, can have benefits in body composition and other health parameters. So we found out what really happens to olives, as they might even help you lose weight.
The fruits of the olive tree, a highly appreciated food
Olives are typical fruits of the Mediterranean, highly valued today. Its cultivation dates back at least 7000 years. They can be eaten whole after a maceration process and olive oil is extracted from them, which is one of the key points in the diet of this region.
At the nutritional level, they provide monounsaturated fatty acids, among which oleic acid stands out. They also have fiber, vitamin E, and other lesser-known antioxidants. And they are a source of some minerals such as copper, sodium, calcium and iron. The latter is present, above all, in black.
Thanks to all these nutrients, the benefits of olives have been studied against some common diseases. Thus, scientific evidence has linked them to the following:
Reduction of the risk of diseases: as is the case with some types of cancer and cardiovascular problems.
Regulation of cholesterol in the blood: preventing the oxidation of LDL (known as bad cholesterol).
Antioxidant: due to its antioxidant activity, it helps to reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis, microbial infections and inflammatory problems.
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