Olives: Amazing benefits from a hundred years old tree.

    

 

 

      Thinking of olive the first thing that comes to mind is anointing oil right? Lol. The oil from the olive fruits are more than just anointing oils, although today olive oil is still used in many religious ceremonies, they are used in cooking as well. The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia .Olive originated from Syria and was first cultivated there over 5,000 years ago before it spread to Israel, Greece and Egypt. The olive seed is either eaten as a fruit or extracted for its oil which is very medicinal. Olives are largely self-fruitful and the trees are tough, an amazing tree that typically lives for hundreds of years. However, they require some cold (below about 45 degrees F) for proper flower development. This fluctuates greatly with olive variety. Because of the cold temperature requirement, olives cannot be produce in tropical regions.

   The maturity of an olive at harvest can be anything from completely green to completely black. The greener fruit yields oil that is more bitter and pungent (peppery), while the completely ripe fruit produces oil that is mild and buttery. Olives are too bitter to be eaten right off the tree and must be cured to reduce their intrinsic bitterness. Here are some healthy benefits of eating olives either by eating the fruit or cooking with olive oils:

1) Olives are a great source of vitamin E.

2) They eliminate excess cholesterol in the blood.

3) It enhances fertility and reproductive system.

4) Olives help in maintaining blood pressure levels.

5) Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to help reduce obesity.

6) Olives are rich in mineral content such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and iodine.

7) Olives provide essential vitamins and amino acids.

8) Olives can improve the appearance of wrinkles by 20% since they contain oleic acid, which keeps skin soft and healthy.

9) Olive oil diet reduces risk of type 2 Diabetes.

10) Olive tree leaves are used as incense in some Muslim Mediterranean countries and are substitutes for dates (if not available) during Ramadan fasting.

Source: SA Olive Industry Association press release