Introduction
The Mediterranean diet is known for its delicious and healthy food options. Among these, olives are a popular choice. Whether you enjoy eating them as a snack or use olive oil in your cooking, olives offer numerous health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and even aid in fighting cancer.
What are Olives and Where Do They Come From?
Olive trees and olive oil have been around for thousands of years, originating in the Mediterranean region. These versatile trees were highly valued and sought after for their various uses. When olives are picked directly from the tree, they are extremely bitter. However, through processes like brining or grinding and pressing, olives are transformed into delicious pickled snacks or flavorful oils. Different brining methods are used, such as with water, salt, or lye, to remove the bitter taste of oleuropein and create the desired flavor. Olive oil is made by crushing, grinding, and separating the olives to obtain the rich oil.
The Nutritional Value of Olives
Olives contain approximately 11 to 15% fat, with 75% of that being oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fatty acid. These fats are beneficial for heart health. In every 10.9g of fat found in an olive, 7.7g are monounsaturated fats. Furthermore, olives are packed with vitamins, including vitamin E and vitamin A, as well as essential minerals, such as copper and amino acids. They also contain antioxidants, which help support the immune system and protect against heart disease, chronic illnesses, and inflammation.
How to Incorporate Olives into Your Diet
Olives can be enjoyed as a plain snack or used in various meals. Consuming a handful or about a quarter cup of olives a day is recommended. It is important not to overindulge, as the calories and sodium content can add up quickly. In addition to snacking, olives can be a flavorful complement to dishes like chicken, beef, salmon, salads, pastas, quinoa, and rice. They can also be paired with ingredients like avocado, hummus, and even certain types of chocolate. However, individuals with high blood pressure or sodium sensitivity should be cautious, as the high salt content in pickled olives can make them a salty snack that may not be suitable for their needs.
The Versatility of Olive Oil
For those who are not fond of olives or prefer not to consume them regularly, olive oil is an excellent alternative. Olive oil can be used as a healthier substitute for butter, as it contains a higher quantity of healthy fats. When using olive oil, it is recommended to choose extra virgin olive oil, as it undergoes minimal processing and retains more antioxidants compared to regular olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil should have a refined, slightly peppery, and mildly bitter taste, similar to that of an actual olive. In addition to its culinary uses, olive oil can also be used as a skin moisturizer, hair treatment, earwax remover, and for addressing various skincare concerns such as cradle cap, cracked heels, and stretch marks.
The Wide Range of Benefits
The benefits of olives and olive oil are extensive, as discovered by the Mediterranean peoples thousands of years ago. Both olives and olive oil can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. By consuming just a handful of olives each day, you can provide your body with the essential vitamins and antioxidants it needs for optimal health.
This article originally appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they don’t fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
- The belief, that mind and body influence and interact
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some have side effects, which should be balanced against their perceived benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). Homeopaths believe all diseases are caused by natural causes, but not always symptoms. They treat people by prescribing minute doses of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced when the person is ill.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. We feel better when this Ki flows freely through our bodies. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is the most commonly used in aromatherapy.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine is not as hazardous as you might think. However it does come with a few risks. Side effects most commonly include headaches and nausea. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
However, there have been no reported cases of death caused by holistic medicine.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
doi.org
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
How To
How to deal when your girlfriend trusts an alternative medicine.
There are many resources available online for anyone who is dealing with a loved person suffering from a mental illness. The internet isn’t able to provide much help for those who believe in alternative medicines.
It seems that there is a huge divide between the two groups. There is a huge divide between those who question conventional medicine and those that are open-minded about its benefits.
What happens if someone you know believes in alternative therapies for mental health issues.
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?
It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.
How can you ask him these difficult questions without making it offensive? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? What if he says he doesn’t trust doctors?
Or, what if she tells you that she believes antidepressants don’t work? Should you tell her that she’s wrong?
This is where it gets complicated. You may upset her even further if you point out that she’s wrong.
Alternatively, you could suggest that she sees a psychiatrist instead. This could lead to more problems than solutions. This could cause her to be upset at you. She might think you are trying to control her mind.
So what do you need to do?
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: The Miraculous Benefits of Olives and Olive Oil
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/the-miraculous-benefits-of-olives-and-olive-oil/
Published Date: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:03:48 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they don’t fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no single definition of what constitutes CAM; however, most definitions include at least one of the following:
- A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
- The belief, that mind and body influence and interact
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Some have side effects, which should be balanced against their perceived benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). Homeopaths believe all diseases are caused by natural causes, but not always symptoms. They treat people by prescribing minute doses of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced when the person is ill.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. We feel better when this Ki flows freely through our bodies. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender essential oil is the most commonly used in aromatherapy.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine is not as hazardous as you might think. However it does come with a few risks. Side effects most commonly include headaches and nausea. These risks must be understood by patients and balanced against the benefits of alternative treatments, such as acupuncture.
However, there have been no reported cases of death caused by holistic medicine.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
doi.org
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
How To
How to deal when your girlfriend trusts an alternative medicine.
There are many resources available online for anyone who is dealing with a loved person suffering from a mental illness. The internet isn’t able to provide much help for those who believe in alternative medicines.
It seems that there is a huge divide between the two groups. There is a huge divide between those who question conventional medicine and those that are open-minded about its benefits.
What happens if someone you know believes in alternative therapies for mental health issues.
Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?
It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.
How can you ask him these difficult questions without making it offensive? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? What if he says he doesn’t trust doctors?
Or, what if she tells you that she believes antidepressants don’t work? Should you tell her that she’s wrong?
This is where it gets complicated. You may upset her even further if you point out that she’s wrong.
Alternatively, you could suggest that she sees a psychiatrist instead. This could lead to more problems than solutions. This could cause her to be upset at you. She might think you are trying to control her mind.
So what do you need to do?
