The health benefits of olives and olive oil

Since the ancient times the health benefits of olive oilThe fact that some olives are green and some black,
have been widely recognized in Mediterraneandepends only on how ripe the olive was when it was
countries. Doctors like the Greek Hippocrates andpicked: the darker the olive, the riper it is.
Pedanius Dioscoride were the first to highlight theIn this page we highlight only some of the most
beneficial effects of olive oil. However, Galeno, whocommon olive varieties or cultivar.
lived in the II century AD at Marco Aurelius court,Frantoio olives - Where it grows: Areas around Rome
was the first to write a book on medical remedies, inincluding Tuscany and central regions of Italy.
which olive oil was the main ingredient for manyCharacteristics of the olive: the fruit is big (it weighs
preparations.about 2gr) and when it is ripe it becomes red/purple.
In ancient and popular medicine, olive oil has alwaysType of oil: very high quality olive oil, fruity and
been considered good to help relieve stomacharomatic. Is this a table olive: no
disorders, to fight pain of various origins, to relieveMoraiolo olives - Where it grows: Tuscany, Umbria,
itching and inflammation due to insect bytes etc.Mediterranean.
Modern research has confirmed the therapeuticCharacteristics of the olive: the olive is small and
properties of olive oil and, in particular, itsround and it is black when ripe.
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.Type of oil: very good quality olive oil, fruity, green
Olives are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleiccolour
acid) and they are a good source of vitamin E.Nocellara belice olives - Where it grows: on the
Monounsaturated fatty acids are more stable thanMediterranean islands.
polyunsaturated fats, and therefore their presenceCharacteristics of the olive: the olive is big (it can
makes the cellular membranes more stableweigh up to 7gr).
themselves against the action of free radicals. VitaminType of oil: fruity and light.
E is also an antioxidant that helps neutralising freeIs this a table olive: yes.
radicals.Manzilla olives - Where it grows: Spain (Andalusia) and
In addition, olives are rich in polyphenols andItaly.
flavonoids, phytonutrients that have antioxidant andCharacteristics of the olive: big fruit, it can weigh
anti-inflammatory properties.between 4 and 6 grams.
Due to its antioxidant compounds, olives and olive oilIs this a table olive: yes, this is the most common
help the body protect itself against heart disease,olive in brine found in the supermarkets.
colon cancer and other types of cancer. OliveKalamata olives - Where it grows: Greece.
oil’s anti-inflammatory effects help reduce theCharacteristics of the olive: the fruit is oval and long.
severity of symptoms of diseases such as asthma,Is this a table olive: yes.
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Carolea olives - Where it grows: Calabria (in the south
Olives varieties are also called 'cultivar'. There is aof Italy).
huge range of olives varieties or cultivar in the world,Characteristics of the olive: big olive, it weighs about
originating from different Mediterranean countries.5-6 grams.
Different varieties of olives give oils with differentType of oil: medium fruity, golden colour.
flavours and colours; also, some cultivar are betterIs this a table olive: yes.
for oil and not all of the olive varieties produce olivesCoratina olives - Where it grows: Puglia and southern
that can be eaten, some of them are only good toItaly.
make oil.Characteristics of the olive: big and oval olive, it
Each olive cultivar has its preferences in terms of soilbecomes black late.
and climatic conditions, thus different varieties of oliveType of oil: fruity, intense and spicy.
trees grow better in some places rather than othersIs this a table olive: yes.
and bear fruit in different times of the year.