This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
Despite being known as a fatty food, olives are still a mainstay in this health-supporting diet.
Shutterstock
You may be wondering, how are olives good for you if they’re so high in fat?
What nutrients make them so beneficial?
What are olives?
Contrary to popular belief, olives are not considered vegetables!
After being picked and harvested, olives are cleaned and cured in ways that modify their naturally bitter flavoring.
The natural brine they are cured intypically involvesbrine, dry salt, water, oil, and other flavorings.
However, sometimes olives are curedartificially with lye.
5 health benefits of eating olives
They give a boost of healthy fats.
Olives are made up largely ofhealthy fats, 74% of which is a specific fat called oleic acid.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat and has been known tohelp with inflammation.
You’ll see more specific health benefits related to these fats below.
They may lead to healthier aging.
They’ll give you a nice dose of fiber.
They can help support your heart health.
Olives promote quality cellular health.
Olivesare rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenolic compounds.
These antioxidants are a deterrent against the cell damage due to thefree radicalsthat can do your body harm.
Can eating too many olives be bad for you?
In addition to concerns related to sodium, portion control with olives is key.
These bite-sized stone fruits are easy to overindulge on, but don’t let their small size fool you!
Olives can provide a cornucopia of calories.
“Their calories will still add up,” adds Margulies.
