Olives have a incredible amount of health benefits
Olives are one of the oldest foods known to man, dating back some 8,000 years.
We're well aware of the benefits that olive oil has on our bodies, but what about the fruit itself?
Well, they're rich in iron, vitamin E and copper and provide an excellent source of fibre.
Whilst it's true that olives do have some fat, however, it's the incredibly health monounsaturated variety. Which have been found to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and increase HDL - the good chloesterol.
Therasa Cutts an independent nutritional expert, says: "Olive Leaf Extract has been shown to help the body fight off bacterial and viral infections.
"Gyms can be a haven for such infections due to the large number of people using the equipment and the lack of ventilation.
"An effective antioxidant, Olive Leaf Extract is a great addition to your keep fit regime. In a liquid form it can also be applied topically to the skin and research suggests that it can play a part in helping relieve Athlete's Foot.
"Olive Leaf Extract has been shown to be an effective anti fungal agent that can be used regularly internally and externally."
The olive tree is very hardy and highly disease resitant, thanks to an array of antioxidant defences it has evolved to protect themselves from environmental stress.
We can benefit from these unique properties with the help of some of these health and beauty olive products.
1. Nature’s Best Oliveen
New Oliveen provides a highly concentrated source of olive polyphenols in a convenient one-a-day tablet. Oliveen is not meant to replace a healthy ‘Mediterranean diet’ but can be used as an additional source of these fascinating polyphenol compounds. The tablets are taste free. £9.95 for 60 tablets. Available from www.naturesbest.co.uk
2. Dr Organic – Virgin Olive Oil Cuticle Repair 15ml
Naturally moisturises and helps support dry, cracked and ridged nails. Bioactive In combination with a select blend of bioactive, natural and organic ingredients we have formulated an exceptional cuticle and nail serum providing intensive therapy for dry irritated cuticles, whilst supporting healthy and beautifully conditioned nails. £6.19, Holland & Barrett
3. Morrisons olives from the deli
The tastiest way to get olives into our diet is to buy fresh. Morrisons report their most popular olives are Spanish Manzanilla (meaning ‘little apple’) or Spanish Hojiblanca (meaning ‘white leaf’). By tradition, these are not just eaten as plain olives, but are stuffed with products such as red pimiento, anchovies, garlic or almonds.
4. Cerumol Olive Oil eardrops
With no known side effects, Cerumol’s latest treatment contains high quality medicinal grade olive oil, shown to effectively and safely disperse earwax and help prevent waxy build ups. Through the gentle, softening influence of Cerumol Olive Oil Drops, compacted earwax is naturally diluted and softened by the oil to allow easier exit from the ear. £3.85 for 10ml, from Boots, Sainsbury’s, Wilkinson’s
5. Comvita Olive Leaf Extract
The leaves of the olive tree may look fairly innocuous, but locked inside them are some incredible health-boosting properties such as a reduced rate of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. Olive oil has been shown to contain active compounds called ‘Polyphenolics’, but the olive leaf contains these too – and in much higher doses. ‘Polyphenolics’ are powerful plant-derived antioxidants and means olive leaf extract has 400% the antioxidant strength of Vitamin C. Olive leaf extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-thrombotic and anti-microbial effects. Clinical studies have also demonstrated its efficacy in helping those suffering from high blood pressure, fatigue, low immunity and arthritis. Comvita’s Olive Leaf Complex is available as a liquid (£28.99 for 500ml) and a one-a-day capsule (90 for £28.99) from larger Boots, Holland & Barrett or www.comvita.co.uk
6. Comvita new Olive White skincare range
Comvita’s Olive White range is a new, specialist range of natural skincare products, formulated to brighten the complexion, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration. Comvita’s unique, fresh Olive Leaf Extract contains no less than 12 naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidants with five times the antioxidant activity of Vitamin C, to support a brighter looking complexion, says Kite, with polyphenols considered to be a potent source of skin brightening agents. Comvita skincare products are free from paraben preservatives, sodium lauryl sulphate, synthetic colours and fragrances, mineral oils and GE modified plant materials. For further information visit www.comvita.co.uk
Femalefirst Taryn Davies