ANTIOXIDANTS: Olives as a wellbeing tip
La vie en rose
28 February 2022
Pairings GORDAL
4 March 2022
Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures.
Flavonoids, flavones, catechins, polyphenols and phytoestrogens. These are all found in plant-based foods.
Antioxidant Sources
Sources of antioxidants can be natural or artificial. Certain plant-based foods are thought to be rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidant Groups
The groups of antioxidants that form outside the body are: Flavonoids, flavones, catechins, polyphenols and phytoestrogens. These are all found in plant-based foods.
Within these groups, we can find: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, manganese, zeaxanthin, Oleuropein, Hydroxytyrosol…
With a low carbohydrate and high healthy fat content, they are the perfect wellbeing tip in the fight against oxidation.
What supplements do they contain?
Olives are rich in many of these supplements, such as:
- Oleuropein. This is the most abundant antioxidant in fresh, unripe olives. It is linked to many health benefits. Oleuropein is best known for its effect of lowering blood pressure.
- Hydroxytyrosol. During olive ripening, oleuropein is broken down into hydroxytyrosol. Tyrosol is not as potent as hydroxytyrosol. However, it may help prevent heart disease.
- Oleanolic acid. This antioxidant may help prevent liver damage and regulate blood fats.
- Quercetin. This nutrient may lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
Olives are a savoury and delicious ingredient to add to meals or as a snack. With a low carbohydrate and high healthy fat content, they are the perfect wellbeing tip in the fight against oxidation.
