Fruits and vegetables are a source of vitamins and minerals. (Infobase)

When you talk about medicinal plantsnot all are branches, leaves and roots, there are also different fruits They have a long list of properties there nutrients beneficial to the health of those who consume it.

Such is the case of the olive you olive, the fruit of oblivion that is characterized by its wide variety of flavors, from sweet and salty to sour and bitter; as well as colors, green, pink and even black.

Regarding its description, the olive is a fleshy drupe, of variable size, but generally similar to grapes in terms of proportions, and with a seed inside.

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The scientific name of the olive is European oils belongs to the family Oleaceae forks native to the Mediterraneanmainly from the region of Asia Minor.

Although there are different varieties, three are the most consumed. There surcharge, which are larger and have a strong flavor; there chamomile, smaller, very round, fleshy, soft and with a small bone structure; as well as hojiblancaswhich resembles chamomile but with harder flesh and a greenish to black color.

Olives have a long list of properties and nutrients (Andean)
Olives have a long list of properties and nutrients (Andean)

The medicinal properties and health benefits of the olive come from its components, among which stand out the glucose, resin, MANNITOL, fiber, vitamin A, D there E, limonene, sodiumas well as palmitic acid, oleanolic there oleic.

Olives are a food of great nutritional value, especially black ones, even more so than green ones, due to their longer stay on the tree. In addition, they are fatty fruits, since they contain 70% monounsaturated fat.

Much of the healthy attributes of olives reside in oleic acid, helping the cardiovascular disease preventioncollaborating in the reduction of plasma triglycerides, the so-called “bad” cholesterol and even increasing the presence of “good” cholesterol.

On the other hand, the fiber content of the olive gives it a slight laxative effectthat is, it helps you evacuate the bowel.

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As far as vitamins are concerned, the presence of vitamin E, together with oleic acid, makes the consumption of olives prevent oxidation lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol in the blood, as well as other substances related to development of certain types of cancer.

In the same way, this fruit helps to fight diabetesFinally arrhythmias and has diuretic propertiesthat is, they help the body eliminate excess fluid and salt.

To obtain its benefits, its consumption is recommended, either in the form of fresh fruit, or integrated into recipes, as well as in oil. Its leaves can also be used when preparing oils or infusions.

One must be careful in the consumption of olives (Europa Press)
One must be careful in the consumption of olives (Europa Press)

Despite wide human use, it is important to know that the consumption of medicinal plants can lead to a series of contraindications to avoid unpleasant side effects.

In the case of olives, although there is no level of toxicity in their consumption, it is recommended to do so in a moderate way, mainly for people suffering from hypertension due to their high levels of sodium.

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To reduce its high salt content, it can be rinsed with a little water and do not eat more than six or seven olives a day.

It is important to mention that regardless of the type of medicinal plant used and whether it has side effects or not, the ideal is to go to the doctor and see if it is convenient to use it.

With information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Espala and the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples of Mexico

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