Olives contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Olives decrease oleuropein and has oleic acid which is a monounsaturated fat. Olives are able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and bad cholesterol. Due to containing monounsaturated fat Olives help decrease blood pressure. Olives also contain omega-3 fatty acid.
Here is two ways to include Olives into your diet:
Olive Dip recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (5 ounce) jar green olives, chopped (reserve brine)
- 1 (6 ounce) can chopped black olives
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- ground black pepper to taste
- garlic salt to taste
- 2 fresh red tomatoes, chopped
Directions
- Chill a serving bowl in the freezer while you make the salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped green chiles, onion, green olives, and black olives. Lightly mix in the Cheddar cheese and tomatoes; season to taste with garlic salt and black pepper. If desired, mix in a little bit of the olive brine. Serve in the chilled bowl.
Olive Balls recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (7 ounce) jar pimento-stuffed green olives
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Directions
- In a medium bowl, or food processor, mix together the cream cheese, seasoning salt, and 2 tablespoons of juice from the olive jar until well blended. Set aside in the refrigerator to firm up, about 30 minutes.
- When the cheese mixture is firm, pack enough of the cream cheese mixture around the outside of each olive so that it is completely covered. Roll each olive ball in chopped pecans, and return them to the refrigerator until firm.
- To serve, cut each olive ball in half, and arrange on a serving tray cut side up.
