When it comes to healthy snacking, it can be tough to find options that are both tasty and good for you. Many popular snack foods are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, making it difficult to stick to a healthy diet.

However, there is one snack that stands out as a delicious and nutritious choice: olives.

The Health Benefits of Olives

Olives are a type of fruit that grow on trees and are enjoyed all over the world. They are a staple of Mediterranean diets and are frequently used in cooking, particularly in dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads.

But olives are also a superfood with numerous health benefits.

Low in Calories, High in Nutrients

Olives are surprisingly low in calories, making them an excellent snack choice if you’re trying to lose weight.

A serving of 10 olives contains just 50 calories, making them a low-calorie snack option that won’t ruin your daily calorie count. But despite their low calorie count, olives are high in nutrients.

Olives are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. They are also packed with antioxidants, which can help to fight off disease and keep your body healthy.

Additionally, olives contain important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are important for maintaining good health.

Great for Digestion

Olives are also great for your digestive system. They contain fiber, which is essential for keeping your digestive system healthy and preventing constipation.

Additionally, olives contain polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote healthy gut bacteria.

Delicious and Versatile

One of the best things about olives is their versatility. They can be eaten on their own as a snack, or used in cooking to add flavor and nutrition to a variety of dishes.

Olives can be added to salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, and even omelettes, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Other Health Benefits of Olives

In addition to the benefits we’ve already mentioned, olives have a number of other health benefits. Here are just a few:.

Related Article Snack Smart: Olives for Weight Loss

• They can help to reduce inflammation in the body
• They may help to reduce your risk of cancer
• They can help to improve bone health
• They may help to reduce your risk of diabetes

How to Choose and Store Olives

If you’re looking to add olives to your diet, it’s important to choose the right ones and store them properly.

When selecting olives, look for ones that are firm and meaty with a rich color. Avoid olives that are soft or have a mushy texture, as these may have gone bad.

It’s also a good idea to purchase olives that are still in their brine, as this will help to preserve their flavor and texture.

To store olives, place them in a clean, airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will keep for several weeks, although they may lose some of their flavor and texture over time.

Healthy Olive Recipes

If you’re looking for some healthy and delicious ways to incorporate olives into your diet, here are a few recipes to try:.

1. Olive Tapenade

This classic Mediterranean dish is perfect for snacking or spreading on crackers or bread. To make olive tapenade, simply combine pitted olives, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Serve with crackers or bread for a healthy and delicious snack.

2. Olive and Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Simply chop up some tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and toss them with a handful of pitted olives. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple and delicious dressing.

3. Chicken and Olive Skewers

For a high-protein meal that’s packed with flavor, try making chicken and olive skewers. Simply marinate cubes of chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, then thread them onto skewers along with some pitted olives.

Grill or bake until the chicken is cooked through, then serve with a side of vegetables for a nutritious and delicious meal.

The Bottom Line

Olives are an excellent snack choice for anyone looking to lose weight or simply eat more healthily. They are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them a superfood with numerous health benefits.

So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, reach for some olives and enjoy!.