If you’ve ever popped an olive into your mouth and thought, “There’s no way something this salty and delicious can actually be good for me,” you’re not alone.
But surprise! It turns out the humble olive is a bit of a health superstar.
Long a staple of the Mediterranean diet, olives have been revered for centuries not just for their flavor, but for their nutritional value.
From heart health to antioxidant power, these tiny fruits deliver surprising benefits far beyond their size.
And yes, they are fruits. Sounds weird because they’re salty, briny, and oily, but they grow from a flower, they contain a seed (the pit), and they’re drupes, which are stone fruits.
So, there!
Heart Health Hero
One of the biggest reasons olives are so widely praised is that they’re rich in monounsaturated fats, the “good” fats.
These healthy fats are known to help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) while maintaining or even boosting the good kind (HDL). In simpler terms: olives support cardiovascular health, keeping your heart in better shape over time.
Pass the tapenade, please.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Olives contain a variety of antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, which help fight oxidative stress in the body.
That’s a fancy way of saying they help protect your cells from damage caused by everyday stressors like pollution, inflammation, and doom-scrolling.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
The polyphenols found in olives guard against cell damage, AND they also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and even certain metabolic conditions. Adding olives to your diet might not solve everything, but they can be part of a larger strategy to keep inflammation in check.
Gut Friendly
Olives are a natural source of fiber, which supports healthy digestion and promotes gut health.
While you’d have to eat quite a few to hit your daily fiber goals, even a handful can contribute, especially when paired with other fiber-rich foods.
Plus, olives that are naturally fermented (real-deal Greek or Italian varieties) contain beneficial bacteria that support a balanced gut microbiome.
Who knew your charcuterie board was working overtime?
Bone Support
While they’re not often talked about in this context, olives also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and copper, minerals that are essential for bone strength and energy production.
Every little bit counts, especially as we age.
You don’t need to eat a whole jar in one sitting (tempting though it may be), but working olives into your regular meal rotation can offer a range of health benefits. Toss them in salads, blend them into spreads, or just snack on them straight from the jar.
Just don’t get caught double-dipping.
🫒 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🫒
You know what’s awesome about our BFB (Big Friendly Basket)? Among the 30 or so items, there are not just single stuffed olives, but double stuffed olives! These beauties are complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Smash chocolate waffle cone (a full pound of chocolate), Large fig spread, Large water crackers, Bruschetta, Wine cheese, Cheese bar
Lillie Q’s buttermilk sweet onion chips, Madeleines, and a whole lot more!
About BasketWorks
BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!
Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.
