Most people know that checking their skin for signs of skin cancer is important, but did you know that examining your olives could help save your life, too? Olives, like any other produce, can develop growths and discolorations that look suspicious.

Learning how to recognize a mole on an olive can help you stay healthy and prevent cancer.

1. Look for Irregular Shape

Like moles on your skin, moles on olives should be round or oval in shape. If you notice an olive with an unusual shape that isn’t symmetrical, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Examine the olive all around, looking for any oddities in the shape. If the shape is irregular, it could be a sign that it’s not healthy.

2. Check for Discoloration

Another sign that something might be wrong with an olive is if it’s not the right color. Most olives are green or black, but if you notice that an olive is yellow, brown, or red, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong.

Discolored olives might have a higher risk of developing cancer and should be avoided.

3. Notice the Texture

The texture of an olive should be smooth and uniform. If you notice any bumps or lumps on the surface, it could be a sign that a mole is growing underneath. Press gently on the olive and feel for any unusual lumps or changes in texture.

If you find anything suspicious, discard the olive.

4. Look for Bleeding or Crusting

If you notice any bleeding or crusting on an olive, it could be a sign of a mole. Moles can bleed or crust over when they are irritated, so it’s important to look for these signs.

If you notice any of these symptoms, discard the olive immediately to avoid a potential health risk.

5. Pay Attention to New Olives

If you store olives at home, pay attention to any new olives that you buy. Look for any changes in color, shape, or texture, and examine carefully for any new moles.

Prevention is key to treating cancer, so if you stay vigilant with your olives, you may be able to catch any potential problems before they become serious.

6. Consult with a Doctor

If you notice any suspicious moles on an olive, it may be a good idea to take it to a doctor or dermatologist to have it examined. This is especially important if you have a family history of cancer or have other risk factors.

The doctor can examine the olive, and if necessary, send a sample for biopsy to determine if it’s cancerous.

7. Don’t Neglect Your Skin

While examining your olives is important, it’s even more important to examine your skin for signs of cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it’s important to stay vigilant.

Check your skin regularly, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer or are at a high risk. If you notice any suspicious moles or growths, visit a dermatologist for a professional evaluation.

8. Avoid Untrusted Sources

To avoid potential problems with olives, make sure you buy them from trustworthy sources. Avoid buying olives from street vendors or places where the quality cannot be guaranteed. Trustworthy companies usually provide better quality ingredients.

This can help reduce the risk of eating a suspicious olive and developing health problems.

9. Store Olives Properly

Proper storage of olives can help reduce the risk of developing mold or other health problems. Store olives in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage. Store them in airtight containers. Check regularly and discard expired olives. Moldy olives need to be chucked.

They can cause hyphal infections if consumed.

10. Wash Olives Before Eating

Wash olives thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of consuming bacteria on the surface. In addition, washing them can help remove any suspicious-looking moles or markings that may not be desirable for your health.

Always remember to clean them before consuming. It’s better to be safe than sorry.