Are olives good for you?
This salty snack can do more for your body than you might think!
Olives may be tiny, but they pack a lot of punch!
And not just in the flavor department.
Olives are filled with health-promoting nutrients that benefit digestion, heart health and more.
At the same time, they aresalty!
So, are olives good for you?
And is it OK to eat them every day?
Heres what she told us.
Theyre Rich in Antioxidants
Olives (and olive oil) contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.
They May Improve Your Gut Health
Olives are a surprising source of fiber.
That doesnt just keep you regular.
As a result, your good gut bugs grow stronger.
Olives are an excellent source of vitamin E and also contain minerals like calcium and copper.
While olives have many health benefits, they are high in sodium.
Are Olives Safe for Everyone to Eat?
According to Michalczyk, olives are generally safe for everyone.
So, watch portion sizes and give them a quick rinse in water before eating, she says.
Tips for Enjoying Olives
Here are some of Michalczyks favorite ways to enjoy olives.
Plus, it can boost the nutrition of your dish!
One of our favorites is aChopped Salad with Chickpeas, Olives & Feta.
Blackandgreen olives are options.
Next time youre in a hurry, try thisOne-Pot Pasta with Tuna.
Feel free to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top!
you could even make your own garlic-chili marinated olives for your charcuterie plate if youre feeling adventurous.
These nutrients may help do good things for your cholesterol and your digestive system.
However, olives are high in sodium, so keep an eye on serving sizes.
And if high blood pressure is an issue, enjoy them as an occasional treat.
As healthy as olives are, portion size matters, especially since they are high in sodium.
Keeping an eye on portion size can minimize salt-related bloating.
The Bottom Line
Olives are a tasty way to punch up the flavor in your favorite recipes.
And, of course, they make a healthy snack.
Theyre full of monounsaturated fat and vitamin E, which are both beneficial for heart health.
Plus, their fiber promotes healthy digestion.
Just be sure to portion them out as they are high in sodium.
If you could use some olive inspiration, try these tastyolive appetizer recipes!
National Institutes of Health.
Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin E: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
National Library of Medicine.
MedLine Plus.Facts about monounsaturated fats.
2021;10(7):1044. doi:10.3390/antiox10071044.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Olives, green.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food Allergies.
