Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet
Olives as part of a Mediterranean Diet
Superfood. Super tasty. Super versatile.
A Mediterranean way of life has for hundreds of years benefited the health and well-being of the people who have lived their lives this way. A simple balanced diet of fresh fruit, roasted or grilled vegetables, fish and meat prepared with generous amounts of olive oil, a glass or two of red wine and regular gentle exercise.
From enhancing your internal balance to maintaining a healthy glow to your skin, the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet for those who embrace the Mediterranean way of life are countless. With an emphasis on eating more fruit, vegetables and fish, fresh olives and the use of olive oil are a large part of a balanced Mediterranean diet.
Considered a superfood due to their high concentration of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats, Olives can be eaten alone, stuffed, or used to garnish fresh salads, pasta and fish dishes.
Nurtured by the year-round warm Mediterranean sun, our olives are packed with vitamin E and antioxidants which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Olives are also low in carbohydrates at around 5% total content (of which half or more consists of fiber), are low in calories at around 115 per 100 grams and contain very low or no sugar.
Olive oil is also widely used in many Mediterranean diets to accompany many different dishes and cooking techniques. Extra Virgin Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and some polyunsaturated fatty acids which some studies suggest help with heart health. Many Mediterranean diets contain foods cooked in or served with olive oil due to it being flavoursome and versatile. An additional benefit is that olive oil keeps its goodness during the cooking process.
Top Chefs and restaurants who base their menus, flavours, and style of cooking on the Mediterranean way of life include Gennaro Contaldo, Carluccio, Pavarotti, Ruth Rogers and Jamie Oliver. The combinations of healthy meals and snacks that you can use olives with are almost endless, the biggest problem you will have is what to try next!
