Olives are not only rich in healthy fats but also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that benefit heart health and overall metabolism.

The olive tree holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cultivated trees globally.

A remarkable example of this ancient tree stands on the Greek island of Crete, known as the "olive tree of Vouves," which is believed to be at least 2,000 years old and possibly over 3,000 years old. This tree, with its enduring production of olives, symbolizes the essence of the olive tree: longevity, prosperity, and peace.

Humans have been consuming olives for thousands of years, with records dating back 6,000 to 8,000 years. These versatile fruits were not only valued for their oil but also for their use as food, medicine, and skincare products. In the early days, even the Olympic torch was ignited using olive oil.

Untreated olives are exceedingly bitter due to the presence of oleuropein, a natural compound that shields them from predators. Despite the bitterness, birds try to consume olives by swallowing them whole, avoiding the unpleasant taste.

This mutual relationship benefits the olive tree by aiding in seed dispersal.

The exact origin of olive processing into a delectable food is not precisely known. However, there is evidence that the ancient Romans employed alkaline brine to expedite the removal of bitterness and transform olives into a delicious treat.

Five Key Benefits of Olives

1. Antioxidant Properties

Olives are abundant in antioxidants, specifically olive bittersweet, which combats free radicals and reduces tissue damage caused by oxidation. Olives effectively reduce oxidative stress and safeguard the body's metabolic processes.

2. Heart Health

Olives are particularly beneficial for heart health and help reduce the risk of various heart conditions.

Polyphenols present in olives support cardiovascular health by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), reducing thrombotic endothelial dysfunction, preventing oxidative stress, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, lowering inflammation, and favorably altering gene expression linked to atherosclerosis.

3. Anti-Cancer Properties

Olive bittersweet possesses significant anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells by influencing key epigenetic factors.

4. Reduction in Respiratory Infections

Olive leaf extract offers a range of benefits, with hydroxytyrosol and olive tapioca displaying antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

An experiment involving high school students with poor immune diets showed a 28% decrease in days spent suffering from respiratory infections after taking olive leaf extract supplements, indicating its effectiveness in reducing infection duration.

5. Anti-Diabetic Effects

The use of olive oil is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes and improved glucose metabolism. Hydroxytyrosol, a crucial polyphenol found in olive oil, diminishes oxidation and inflammation levels while enhancing blood lipids and insulin sensitivity.