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Best Snacks - Healthy Low Calorie Snack Foods - Olives

Olives have numerous health benefits, including being rich in Vitamins (in particular Vitamin E), minerals, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants. They are full of nutritional value, helping to fight against a number of critical diseases; including cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, constipation, inflammation and asthma.

Benefits of Olives

The Vitamin E contained in Olives is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Antioxidants help to strengthen the body's immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature aging, as well as delaying the effects of aging.

Olives contain compounds called polyphenols that appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. The juice of the olive, otherwise known as olive oil, is a delicious source of antioxidants. This oil is monounsaturated, and it has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood streams, by helping to reduce it.

Monounsaturated fats are an important part of our diets. These oils act to keep cholesterol from sticking to our artery walls, and thus combating against diseases such as heart disease and strokes. Not only that, but they help to control blood sugar, a big plus in offering protection against diabetes.

Serving Ideas for Olives

• Olive tapenade is a delicious and easy-to-make spread that you can use as a dip, sandwich spread, or topping for fish and poultry. To make it, put pitted olives in a food processor with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings.
  
  
• Marinate olives in olive oil, lemon zest, coriander seeds and cumin seeds.
  
  
• Add chopped olives to your favorite tuna or chicken salad recipe.
  
  
• Set out a small plate of olives on the dinner table along with some vegetables and enjoy with the meal.
  

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