Did you know that olives can help you lose weight? Olives would be a good snack choice as they are rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. They are also low in calories and low on the Glycemic index.
Though olives are said to be high in fat, the majority of the fat is heart-healthy mono-saturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Mono-saturated fats even prevent assimilation of unhealthy fats. They are a poor source of sugar which means that they can provide you with constant and lasting energy without increasing your blood sugar levels. The phytonutrients found in olives have been linked to cancer prevention and also help prevent bone loss.
Olives possess positive health benefits and also help you lose weight. According to studies in Italy, if you consume 10 olives before any meal, then your appetite will reduce by 22%, as the monounsaturated fatty acids present in them send a satiety signal to the brain. Also, these fatty acids stimulate the production of adiponectin, a chemical that burns fat for 5 hours after ingestion.
Snack on 5 or 10 green or black olives, as they contain only 12 calories per olive. 28 gm of green olives contain about 41 calories, 4 gm of fat, 1 gm of carbohydrates and 1 gm of fiber.
Note: Avoid pickled, canned or bottled olives as they are high in calories and sodium content. High sodium content causes water retention as it may lead to bloating.