Short answer
Olives are an exceptionally healthy addition to any diet and come with many health benefits. It is important, however, to be aware of added sodium store-bought brands may include.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
A delicious topper to pizzas and salads (and good enough to eat straight from the jar), olives are a staple found in cuisines and refrigerators everywhere. But, they are much, much more than an extra topping thrown on your sub as an afterthought-- olives are packed with antioxidants and nutrients determined to keep your body in good health.
One such antioxidant found in olives is hydroxytyrosol, which is linked not only to breast and stomach cancer prevention, but to bone loss prevention as well. This means that eating olives can decrease your risk of osteoporosis, especially in the long-term. Other antioxidants in olives help to minimize the effects of Alzheimer's, and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and heart attack by preventing the formation of dangerous blood clots. Olives also have anti-inflammatory properties that can act as an antihistamine, thereby reducing allergy-related inflammation.
Furthermore, olives are high in monounsaturated fat. While some people may have concerns about the fat content, rest assured that this is the "good fat" that your body needs to function optimally. This good fat helps decrease cholesterol, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. Olives are also a good source of iron and fiber, which prevent anemia and constipation. It is no wonder the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world, with olives and their oil on the front line.
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- great source of antioxidants
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decreases risk of:
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deep vein thrombosis
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heart attack
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cancer
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high blood pressure
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high cholesterol
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bone loss
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osteoporosis
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Mario Camacho Snack Olives
- Convenient snack packs
- Diverse flavor variety
- Low-calorie option
- Pitted for convenience
- No refrigeration needed
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023