Are olives fattening? Do olives have the same properties as olive oil? Do they increase cholesterol? We are going to solve these and other questions about olives that, despite being a common food in our lives, there are false myths around them.

We will start by highlighting the natural properties of olives, since it is a natural product rich in fiber, iron and healthy fats. Olives are not just an aperitif that accompanies a beer or a good glass of wine, but a very healthy Mediterranean custom that brings us many benefits to our health. Its unsaturated fat content prevents heart disease, is beneficial for the circulatory system and helps to maintain our weight.

After this introduction, we are going to dismantle some myths and false beliefs about olives:

- Olives are fattening is the first widespread myth, but for many years, nutritionists and health experts have been reporting on the beneficial properties that help control weight. Its high fiber content and satiating power make taking some olives before meals help to keep our weight in check. So that olives are fattening is the first false myth on this list.

- Do olives increase cholesterol? The answer is a clear no. According to studies carried out by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), the polyphenols in olives reduce LDL cholesterol or "bad" cholesterol. In this way, olives protect against the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol), their subsequent accumulation and hardening of the arterial walls.

- Do olive oil have the same properties as olives? Although a priori it may seem a bit absurd, this question is not, since the natural composition of olives makes it have more properties than oil. In addition to incorporating the oil itself, they have an extra amount of water, fiber, minerals and vitamins. Therefore, the consumption of olives brings more benefits to our body than liquid gold.

- Olives contain a lot of salt. This is the weak point of olives, since their conservation in brine makes them have a high sodium content, therefore we must take certain precautions if we have high blood pressure. But we have the solution so that you can continue enjoying this aperitif: you can soak them the night before use and desalt them as is usually done with cod.

- How many olives is recommended to take a day? Although there is no exact answer to this question, the recommended daily serving ranges between 6 and 10 olives. A perfect amount to take every day in different ways, a few days as an aperitif, another day we add it to a salad, in pizzas, etc.

Knowing the food we eat is essential to incorporate it correctly into our diet, avoiding false myths and beliefs. Olives are a source of properties and benefits for our diet, and they are also delicious !!!!