Did you know that the oldest living tree in the world is the Olive tree?
It has been used for its medicinal health benefits and is considered to be a precious and holy tree in different religions.
For example, in the holy Quran (the religious book in Islam), the olive tree and olive oil are mentioned seven times. In Islam the benefits of the olive tree and olive oil have been indicated in Prophetic medicine in which the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said:
“Eat olive oil and use it on your hair and skin, for it comes from a blessed tree” (al-Tirmidhi, 1775), he also mentioned “Take oil of olive and massage with it – it is a blessed tree” (Sunan al-Darimi, 69:103).
The olive tree is believed to be over 2,000 years old, located in the village of Ano Vouves on the island Crete in Greece and is still producing olives.
The botanical name of olives is referred to as Olea Europaea which means the “European olive” and it is a species of a small tree in the family Oleaceae. The olive tree is cultivated in all countries of the Mediterranean and also in South America, South Africa, China, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and the United States. It is cultivated for olive oil, fine wood, olive leaf extract and the olive fruit.
Olive oil is very nutritious and has also been recommended by dieticians to help improve the balance of fats in the blood and lowers cholesterol levels.
According to research there is a large list of health benefits of olives including:
- cardiovascular benefits,
- weight loss,
- cancer prevention,
- pain reducing benefits,
- improves skin and hair health,
- reduces allergies,
- assists with digestive tract health,
- it is a good source of iron and Vitamin E,
- improves eye health,
- it helps to detoxify chemicals in your body,
- boosts bone health,
- contains anti-inflammatory and
- antioxidant properties and
- helps to prevent blood clots.
The use of olives and olive oil in food has been used in a variety of recipes especially in most Mediterranean countries due to its great taste. Both the olives and olive oil have been used in recipes such as salads, pasta and bread; olive oil has also been considered to be a healthier option to use when frying. The uses of the olive tree in food should be kept in mind due to the endless health benefits that it provides.
So, what have you learnt about olives?
Dr Hanife Mehmet
(BBiomedSc, BHlthSc/AppSc , PhD)