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Wednesday, February 01, 2006 A symbol of peace and fertility - Olives  Many people used to think that olives were a high-calorie food because of the oil they contain. But in fact, both black and green varieties provide relatively few calories; a serving of 10 olives contains between 30 and 40 calories. Although olives a good source of vitamin E, they are not consumed in large enough quantities to supply useful amounts to the diet. They also provide natural antioxidants. The oil derived from olives is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which, unlike saturated fats, do not adversely affect blood cholestrol levels and may even help to lower them slightly. Raw olives are so bitter and unpalatable that they have to be pickled in brine, or salted and then marinated in olive oil, to be enjoyed as a food. Because olives are high in sodium, they should be eaten in moderation by anyone with high blood pressure. DO YOU KNOW……. The olive tree has been cultivated for at least 5000 years. In Ancient Greece, it was sacred to the goddess Anthena. The olive branch is traditionally a symbol of both peace and fertility; historically, an olive branch was a peace offering.
link | posted by Laura Ng at 7:39 AM |
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