Olive, whether gracing a pizza or preserved in a jar, is savored in various ways, particularly in the context of Mediterranean cuisine. Beyond its culinary appeal, this stone fruit harbors a plethora of health benefits, ranging from its role as an antioxidant powerhouse to its richness in vitamin E.

Nutritionist Lovneet Batra recently took to Instagram to shed light on the myriad advantages of incorporating olives into one’s diet. Captioning her post with enthusiasm, she posed the question, “Olives are delicious and fun to eat. But did you know about the many surprising health benefits they offer?”

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Here are some key insights from her post:

  1. **Ultimate Heart-Healthy Snack:** Oleic acid, the primary fatty acid in olives, is linked to enhanced heart health. It may regulate cholesterol levels and shield LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidation, making olives an ideal choice for mitigating the risk factors associated with heart disease, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.
  2. **Appetite Regulation:** Monounsaturated fatty acids found in olives contribute to appetite control. These healthy fats slow down the digestion process and stimulate the production of the hormone cholecystokinin. This hormone sends signals of fullness and satisfaction to the brain, making olives a valuable asset in managing appetite.

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  1. **Support for Skin Health:** Olives serve as a rich source of tocopherols (vitamin E) and tocotrienols, promoting cell function, immune system support, and skin health. Vitamin E, known for its protective qualities, helps defend the skin against ultraviolet radiation, potentially reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
  2. **Arthritis Relief:** Olives contain oleocanthal, anti-inflammatory compounds that actively inhibit the formation of inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. By doing so, olives may play a role in preventing diseases such as arthritis and type-2 diabetes associated with these enzymes.

In essence, beyond their delectable taste, olives emerge as a versatile and nutritious addition to meals, offering a range of unexpected health benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

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