Both can help promote better overall health and add some life to a       variety of dishes

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new report from the International Olive Council (IOC) cites the       benefits of including table olives and olive oil as part of a       well-balanced, nutritious diet and the important role they play as the       primary sources of dietary fat in the Mediterranean Diet. The first in a       series of reports scheduled to be published by the IOC over the next       year, “Health Benefits of Olives and Olive Oil” indicates that consumers       are increasingly seeking to incorporate foods into their diets that can       help boost or maintain health, as well as help prevent some diseases.       The full report is available on www.addsomelife.org.

“Health Benefits of Olives and Olive Oil”

These foods include healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fatty acids       (MUFAs). Olive oil, the main type of fat found in the Mediterranean       Diet, is high in oleic acid, which is a MUFA. The positive impact of       MUFAs on certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and       cancer, has been the subject of considerable study. Olives and olive oil       are also a rich source of numerous compounds, including polyphenols,       with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Small changes add up For this report, the IOC examined       current research to collect the latest science related to the health       benefits that can come from consuming olives and olive oil. Making small       dietary changes can help make a positive difference in health and       developing these healthier habits can encourage people to continue       making good food decisions long-term. Some examples: cooking with olive       oil rather than other fats, satisfying salt cravings with a few olives       instead of a bowl of potato chips, or choosing a side salad drizzled       with heart-healthy olive oil instead of French fries when dining out.

There are myriad better-for-you options for everything from dips to       sides to desserts that use olives, olive oil or both — many of which       take 15 minutes or less to prepare. Whether you’re entertaining for a       small group or just prepping a quick dinner for two, these dishes will       make your heart and your waistline say, “thank you.”

Big dipper, main dish topper Edamame — soybeans harvested       prior to hardening — are used extensively in Asian cuisine and provide       the foundation for Edamame       Hummus. These protein- and fiber-packed beans blend with olive       oil, fresh kale or spinach, garlic and lemon juice for a delicious,       satisfying dip to use with pita wedges or your favorite crispy       vegetables. For a sweet complement to lean meats or fish, try Papaya       Salsa. Ripe olives, pineapple, onions, lime and papaya combine       to create a flavorful accompaniment to seared fresh tuna, grilled       chicken breast or roasted pork tenderloin.

Super side, guilt-free finish Swap mashed potatoes for Roasted       Garlic Cauliflower Puree, a lighter, less-calorie-laden       alternative that uses olive oil, chicken broth and fresh marjoram to       infuse the cauliflower with flavor. And a healthful meal doesn’t need to       end when dessert appears. Minted       Orange Ricotta with Mango Mélange uses olive oil, a variety of       fresh fruits, ricotta cheese and fresh mint to create individual       servings of a colorful, light dessert that can be topped with MUFA-rich       walnuts or almonds.

For more healthful, quick-to-prepare dishes with olives and olive oil,       including Fresh       Salmon Salad, Vegetable       Breakfast Skillet, Pan-Seared       Fillets with Wilted Greens and Chicken       with Quinoa, visit www.addsomelife.org.

About the International Olive Council The International       Olive Council (IOC) is the worldwide body that sets quality standards       for the olive and olive oil industry. Based in Madrid, Spain, the       council is an intergovernmental organization created in 1959. It is       charged with implementing the 2005 International Agreement on Olive Oil       and Table Olives, the purpose of which is to promote trade, consumption       and international cooperation in the fields of olive oil and olives.

Twittercue: International Olive Council releases report about how       olives and olive oil @AddSomeLife and a dose of good health. Recipes and       more at www.addsomelife.org