Olives (black olives): useful properties and contraindications.

In the olive fruit concentrated a high concentration of useful fats, vitamins and mineral compounds. The branch of this tree acted as a symbol of peace. Since ancient times, the rulers sent an olive branch as a sign of reconciliation and further cooperation. In addition, such a plant was used as an ornament on the head of the champions who took part in the Olympic Games, which was a symbol of fair sporting competition.

This culture can grow for hundreds or even thousands of years, but the first fruits can be harvested only from a tree that is 10-15 years old. Fruits differ in color and size. The color of the fruit depends on the variety and maturity. Large olives are always more expensive. They are not eaten fresh because they have a bitter taste. To eliminate the bitterness, it is necessary to treat the raw material with oxygen or pickle. This product is recommended to both women and men, because it has a number of medicinal properties.

Where and how it grows

European olive is a heat-loving crop that grows in the southern regions, in the countries of the Mediterranean Sea - in Greece, Turkey, Italy. Spain is considered the main supplier of these fruits on the world market.

Olive fruit grows on a tree that is no taller than 1 m, but grows wide, so if you do not take care of this crop, it soon dies. The tree is able to withstand low temperatures, up to 10 degrees below zero.

Gathering is done by hand, if you need to collect unripe fruits. And ripe olives themselves fall off, so in this case only hang nets under each plant.

Varieties

1. Gordal - Spanish olives, quite fleshy, green, used for stuffing.
2. Manzanilla is an olive whose producer is also Spain. Fruits are small, similar in shape to an apple, which gave them their name (apples). Harvested both unripe and blackened.
3. Hojiblanca is also a Spanish product. Most often these olives are served with white meat or fish dish. This variety is used to produce oil.
4. Picholine - French olives with a slightly salty flavor. They are used in the preparation of canned foods.
5. LeCailletier, another French variety of olives, is a medium-sized fruit with a large stone. They are sold in olive oil along with the seed.
6. Kalamata are large, almond-shaped fruits with a purple color. They grow in Greece. They are often marinated in wine vinegar or oil.
7. BlackGaeta is an Italian variety of olives, which are usually dried, resulting in a wrinkled surface.

What is the difference between an olive and an olive?

In stores today you can find only two varieties - olives and olives. These types of olives differ only in the degree of maturity. Thus, black olives are just ripe olives, which, in turn, are unripe green fruits. When heat-treated, both types of product retain all their useful qualities.

Which olives are healthier: green or black?

These products differ in their chemical composition. So, in olives there is ascorbic acid, which is not present in the unripe fruit. In addition, they differ in the caloric value - black olives are less caloric, contain more calcium and retinol. Otherwise, olives are much healthier, as their composition is characterized by a large variety of vitamins, various fatty acids, micro-and macroelements. But it is still recommended to use both varieties of fruit.

Composition and calories

Olives have a high level of valuable substances, they contain carbohydrates, proteins, as well as dietary fiber. Of the minerals found Na, Ca, K, Mg, P and others.

The olive fruit contains vitamin E or tocopherol, which is considered an important antioxidant substance that prevents aging. In addition, folic acid and the whole complex of vitamin B group are found in them, which makes the product very necessary for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Calcium strengthens the bone system, teeth and nail plates, and is a prevention of osteoporosis. Polyphenols help thin the blood, protecting against blood clots. In addition, these substances reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Potassium is also present here in sufficient quantities, which ensures healthy cardiovascular function. Regular inclusion in the menu of olives leads to a decrease in cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure. Vitamin C and tocopherol have a beneficial effect on the function of the musculoskeletal system.

The energy value of 100 grams of olives is more than 100 kcal. This figure is not very high, but it should not be used in large quantities for dieting.

What are the benefits of olives?

General benefits

1. In the composition of this plant is found pectin, which cleanses the body of the elements of decay, toxins and toxic compounds. Consequently, the product is useful for smokers and people who live in an area polluted by industrial fumes.
2. Dietary fiber, fiber provide the intestines with healthy microflora. These substances regulate the digestive tract, speeding up metabolic processes and stimulate weight loss.
3. Vitamin B-group is required for a person to normalize the CNS. So, even a small portion of olives can normalize the psyche, removing feelings of fear and anxiety.
4. The consumption of olives leads to the thickening of the walls of blood vessels, ensures their expansion and increases blood circulation. This is the prevention of varicose veins and blood clots.
5. Also, olives strengthen the body's defenses. For seasonal colds, it is recommended to eat olives with the bone. This will help to increase the body's resistance to the various viruses that cause SARS, as well as the flu.

During the scientific studies it was proved that the vitamin and mineral composition of the olive prevents the development of neoplasms, as well as blocks the flow of blood to the existing tumor.

For women.

1. Vitamin C, selenium and tocopherol slow down natural aging and reduce the likelihood of cancerous growths.
2. Retinol and B-group vitamins strengthen the hair and improve the condition of the dermis. The product eliminates fine wrinkles, ensures hair growth and makes it shiny.
3. The monounsaturated fats in olives increase the likelihood of pregnancy in women.
4. Thanks to the low calorie content of olives can be included in the diet, but in small quantities.
5. These Mediterranean fruits are useful not only for internal use: fruits and oil obtained by pressing are recommended to use externally for the preparation of various masks.

For men

1. Tocopherol restores blood circulation in the human body, which makes it possible to eliminate problems with male impotence. In addition, this element improves the quality of sperm.
2. Fatty acids contained in olive fruits clean the blood vessels, ensure the flow of blood to all organs, including the genitals.
3. Vitamin B9 protects against premature baldness and even promotes the appearance of new hair.
4. It is known that most often it is the representatives of the stronger sex that suffer from cardiovascular diseases. For this reason in the diet of the man must be present olives, because their composition allows you to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as prevent the development of pathologies.
5. The zinc in olives increases testosterone in the bloodstream.
6. To eliminate the problem with erectile dysfunction, it is enough to eat 10-12 fruits of the olive tree.

In pregnancy.

Olives contain folic acid. This substance is necessary for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. This substance reduces the likelihood of fetal abnormalities, so to eat olives is recommended not only in the early stages of pregnancy, but also during its planning phase.

In addition, this product is found to have a high content of iron, which is responsible for hematopoiesis in the body. Regular consumption of these fruits will protect women from iron deficiency anemia. The consumption of olives eliminates the risk of congenital anemia in the child.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, it is also recommended to eat olives. However, it is only possible to introduce such a delicacy into the food a month after the baby's birth. In addition, because of the high level of fat, you should not eat more than 10 fruits a day.

For children

Often, olives used in the diet are canned, with a high amount of salt, which is harmful to the child's body. Such products can provoke the development of digestive tract diseases. It is best to give a child olives at the age of five and above, since they are quite heavy food to digest immature stomach. Regularly as eating olives can be eaten only after a child of ten years of age.

When losing weight

To date, there are a lot of known products that are recommended to use in the process of losing weight. To such products can be attributed and olives. Juicy and quite nutritious fruits of the olive plant are characterized by low calories. So, for example, there are about 12 kcal per berry.

The olives have almost 80 percent of fatty acids, which provide a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol in the body. Therefore, such a product not only does not harm the figure, but also contributes to the elimination of excess weight.

Are canned olives useful?

Buying canned olive fruits, you need to consider their medicinal and harmful characteristics for a person. The benefit of this product is to cleanse the body of dangerous elements, ensure the normal activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, canned olives prevent the occurrence of stones in the organs of the excretory system, are the prevention of prostatitis and impotence. In addition, canned olive berries are known to restore the function of the nervous system, reduce the likelihood of heart disease and blood vessels, provide oxygen to the cells of the body.

These olives are often used in the culinary sphere. They are used as a separate dish, but you can also include them in some salads. It is also known the ability of such a product to neutralize the effects of alcohol on the body. Only high-quality products have all these properties.

It is not recommended to use in food such fruits in case of inflammation of the gallbladder because of the choleretic effect of olives, in kidney pathologies and hypertension.

It is important when buying only quality products. If the composition of canned products contains iron gluconate, sodium glutamate or flavoring agents and various preservatives, it is better to refuse such a purchase. Prolonged consumption of such canned foods can lead to allergic reactions, dizziness, stomach pain.

The benefits and harms of olive seeds

Valuable is considered not only the pulp of the olive, but also its seed. Usually this part of the fruit is first crushed and then taken internally. But you can also use it in its whole form.

Olive cores are indicated in the presence of sand or stones in the kidneys and bladder. To break them up, you should eat 12 olives twice a day on an empty stomach, along with the core.

You can also cure tartar with the use of crushed seeds. The male half of mankind this part of the fruit is recommended for the prevention of prostate.

Few people know that this part of the olive is digested faster than the pulp itself. Therefore, it should be taken with intestinal atony, as well as treat constipation with it.

It is recommended to use the olive pit to treat osteochondrosis caused by a pinched nerve, when damaged ligaments. You can also prepare cosmetic compositions for the face from the ground powder.

Olive oil: health and beauty

The benefits of

1. Olive pressings should be taken by those who have had surgery and by people who are prone to developing cancer. This substance contains elements that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
2. Such raw materials are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, in addition, the oil can improve intestinal peristalsis and enhance the digestion of food.
3. Vegetable oil helps to improve the psycho-emotional state of a person, to eliminate insomnia and cope with stress.
4. Healing qualities possesses an olive oil and the brain. It is able to improve memory, vision and concentration. At a young age the product improves manual skills and contributes to the development of the intellect.
5. It is useful for smokers and those who abuse alcoholic beverages. The oil helps free the airways of mucus and reduce the negative effects of nicotine on the health of internal organs.

Harms

Despite the many useful properties, you need to remember that the oily liquid also has some contraindications. For example, the product is characterized by a high degree of caloric content, so it is important to observe the norm when taking it. Also, the vegetable component should be excluded from children's diets. In addition, the oil is contraindicated in allergies, diabetes, obesity, intestinal disorders.

Olives in medicine

Olives for their many positive characteristics are widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Such a product is part of various recipes of folk medicine.

For diabetes mellitus

People suffering from diabetes are recommended to include olives in their food. It is one of the suitable products for patients in this category due to its low glycemic index, which is only 15 units. Consequently, when using such a delicacy in food, the blood sugar index will not change. However, you should not consume olive fruits in significant quantities, it is important to observe the measure.

In case of pancreatitis.

Since the fruits of the olive tree help to improve intestinal motility, they provide the gastrointestinal organs with useful microflora, stimulate the processes of digestion and accelerate metabolism. All this significantly reduces the load on the pancreas. In olives has oleic acid, which coats the mucous membrane of the organ and protects it from the influence of irritants.

At an exacerbation of this disease from the consumption of olives is better to refuse. Canned product involves the addition of various spices and additives, which patients with pancreatitis can only harm, causing exacerbation of the pathology.

Gastritis

Of course, if gastritis is in the stage of exacerbation, the Mediterranean delicacy will have to be abandoned. This is due in large part to the fact that people often buy canned products. And, as you know, any canned product in the case of gastritis is contraindicated.

In prolonged remission, olives can be used, but rarely and in small amounts. It is important to observe the measure, otherwise the patient's condition will only worsen.

With constipation

If a person suffers from constant or chronic constipation, you should consume 40 ml of olive oil on an empty stomach every day. This helps to envelop mucous membranes of internal organs, cleanses the body of feces, toxic substances and toxins.

With gout

Olives are also useful in the detection of arthritis, gout, arthrosis. This is due to the fact that such a plant contains calcium with phosphorus, which can strengthen the bone system and joints.

When hemorrhoids.

Showed the use of olives and for people suffering from hemorrhoids. Such berries are useful because of a number of properties. For example, olives in this case have a regenerating, allowing you to accelerate the healing process of anal fissures, and laxative effect, which helps to soften feces and eliminate constipation. In addition, the product is characterized by anti-inflammatory action, resulting in a reduction of edema, and venoprotective ability, therefore, olives stimulate blood circulation, strengthen blood vessels and eliminate blood stasis.

To cure hemorrhoids, you should eat 2-3 fruits daily on an empty stomach for 10 days. You can also take 2 tablespoons of olive oil every day on an empty stomach.

Cosmetological applications

Because of the rich vitamin and mineral composition of olives, or rather olives pressed from them, are widely used in cosmetology. They are a staple in many cosmetic products, both manufactured and homemade.

For the face

1. To prepare a nourishing mask, which is suitable for dry skin, you must mix 1 tbsp. honey and olive oil. The resulting mixture should be applied to the face for 30 minutes. Such a remedy will help to smooth out wrinkles and also get rid of peeling.
2. For oily skin, you can use a mask, which requires 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, the yolk of one egg and 1 tsp. cognac. Such a cosmetic should work for 15-20 minutes. Such a mask nourishes all the cells of the dermis and also helps to smooth out irregularities.
3. To make a tonic, you should prepare 1 tbsp. squeeze of olives, some raspberries or cherries and 10 drops of vodka. Crush the berries in a blender, then add the remaining ingredients to the resulting porridge. Hold such a mask for a quarter of an hour, then remove with a damp napkin.
4. For the care of sensitive skin is suitable recipe for a mask consisting of 1 tbsp. oil and the same amount of cottage cheese. These substances should be thoroughly mixed and applied to the face for 15 minutes. Such a composition will help to relieve redness.

For hair

1. To give your hair a healthy shine, strength and silkiness is enough to heat olive oil in a water bath to 35 degrees and distribute the mass evenly through the hair. After that, wrap the head and after half an hour thoroughly wash it.
2. To prepare a strengthening mask, you should mix in equal amounts of olive oil and vinegar. Oil preheat. The ready mass is applied to the strands, after which it is recommended to put a special shower cap or a normal bag, wrap with a towel and enjoy the action of the healing composition for 10-15 minutes. Such a procedure should be repeated once a week.
3. From hair loss will help mask, for the preparation of which you need to mix in equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. First, mix the substances, and then send the mixture to a steam bath, but not for long, so that the ascorbic acid in the citrus component is not destroyed. Such a mask rubbed into the scalp, then put on a cap and cover your head with a towel. The mask should hold overnight. In the morning, shampoo your head thoroughly.

Cooking Applications

Nowadays olives are so widely used in cooking that it is difficult to imagine any feast without them. But olives are not only an original way to decorate the holiday table. To get the maximum benefit from the use of such a product, experts recommend including such berries in the daily diet. Nutritionists argue that it is enough to eat five fruits to maintain health and beauty. Such a product is used not only as an independent snack, but also as an ingredient in various dishes.

For example, you can prepare a salad with the addition of black olives. To get such a delicious and healthy dish, you need to take a few olives, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, lettuce leaves and oil from the fruit of the oil tree. Dice the vegetables, add the olives, lettuce and olive oil. All the components thoroughly mix and put on a plate. Salt such a salad is not required, as the olives have enough of this substance.

This dish will turn out nourishing and at the same time light, so you should not worry about the fact that it will harm your health or waistline.

Harms and contraindications

As you know, everything is useful in moderation. This statement is also true for olives. For any product is characterized by contraindications, and olives in this case are no exception.

To begin with, it should be noted that it is optimal to consume 5-6 fruits per day. This amount of olives will improve the metabolism and saturate the body with nutrients. If you exceed the specified amount, it will have a negative impact on the figure.

If there are kidney or bladder stones, it is better to refuse such a delicacy, otherwise the product due to its diuretic property can provoke the movement of stones.

Individual intolerance to olives can be observed. If vomiting or indigestion appeared after consuming the Mediterranean fruit, you should exclude such food from your diet. Allergy to olive oil can also be observed when using it externally. In this case, there may be rashes on the skin, redness.

With caution, you should use canned products, since they contain a lot of salt, as well as acids.

How to choose and store

To choose a quality product, you need to consider some points. To begin with, you should study the information on the label, concerning the company-manufacturer and exporter. Next, you need to pay attention to the date of manufacture and expiration date of the product.

Fresh olives are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. For canned fruits there is a shelf life, which is indicated on the package. After opening the original packaging of olives is recommended to pour together with brine into a bowl of ceramic or glass, and then send for storage in the refrigerator. Such a product should be used up within 3 days of opening.

Can I freeze?

To extend the shelf life of olives, they can be frozen. To do this is very simple. First, you need to transfer the berries to a colander and rinse them a little under running warm water. Next, cut them into rings and put them into a plastic bag. After this, let the air out of the bag and tie it up. Now the olives can be sent to the freezer.

How to eat your olives

There are several rules regarding the proper use of olives depending on the situation. Olives are a product that can be taken with the hands. If they are served with an appetizer in the form of a garnish, which is eaten with the hands, you can take them with your fingers. Small olives are eaten whole, the larger ones - in two bites.

If olives are served with a cocktail, you should first sip the drink and then, tilting the glass, take out the olive. You can use a toothpick in this case.

And if the olive is part of the dish, it can be eaten like the dish itself. Thus, if it is an ingredient in a salad, you can eat it with a fork.

How much you can eat per day.

For a person who does not have gastrointestinal diseases, the optimal rate is considered 7-10 small fruits. For children and people with chronic pathologies, this amount is reduced by half.

Is it possible to eat at night and on an empty stomach

Specialists say that in the morning the human body is the best time to absorb the useful elements of the product. Therefore, it is recommended to eat olive on an empty stomach for a number of diseases. Used such a delicacy and for preventive purposes. At night such a product should not be eaten.

Is it possible to eat with bones

As already mentioned above, the olive seeds are very useful. They contain the same number of useful substances, as in the pulp itself. It is uncomfortable to swallow them whole, so they should be chopped beforehand.

With a stomach ulcer, pancreatitis and other diseases of the digestive tract should not eat the core of the olives, otherwise it can cause a worsening of the existing pathologies.

What to eat with

Olives or olives are an ingredient in various dishes, as well as used as a decoration for them. Smaller olives are usually used in making salads, the larger fruits go to make pizzas, and the largest are usually stuffed. Olives are used as an appetizer for fish and meat dishes and are added to soups.

Often olives are served as a separate appetizer, they go well with wine.

Can we give olives to animals?

Despite the rich vitamin and mineral composition, olives are still not very useful for pets. Canned product contains a lot of spices and various additives, which puts a strain on the pet's heart system and kidneys. On the one hand, they contain a lot of vitamin E, C, fiber, which is so necessary for the pet, but on the other hand, the pet may develop urolithiasis, especially castrated individuals.

Excess iron in canned olives can provoke the development of coronary heart disease in animals.

Interesting Facts

1. The olive is a fruit. It can be purple, green, brown and even pink in color.
2. The olive tree is considered evergreen and can live up to 2 thousand years. One of the oldest of these trees is located in Crete. Its age is about 4 thousand years, but it still bears fruit.
3. Currently, there are about 800 million olive trees. They only grow in plantations; there are no wild crops.
4. According to the Bible, or rather the story of the flood, the dove that was released from the ark returned with a sprig of the olive tree. This meant that the water had receded and the earth was somewhere nearby.
5. The sprig of the olive tree symbolizes peace. It has long been used by people to declare a truce.
6. The first place in the production of olive pomace around the world is occupied by Spain, Italy is in second place on this list.

Photo of olives