Jalpai fruits, commonly known as olives, are well-loved in the Mediterranean and might be a reason for the region’s low cancer rates. These fruits are packed with antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds like hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which help eliminate harmful free radicals from the body. This makes jalpais one of the healthiest fruits around.
Although jalpais are high in fat, with about 80-85% of their calories from fat, they’re often underrated when it comes to the type of fat they offer. Most of their fat content is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which plays a role in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also provide small amounts of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid.
Vitamin E, a significant antioxidant found in jalpais, protects against cancer and bone diseases. To make them edible, these fruits undergo curing or debittering in water, brine, dry salt, or commercially with sodium hydroxide. Even when eaten moderately, they offer substantial health benefits.
Research over the years held that high HDL and low LDL levels are crucial for heart health. However, newer studies focus on how efficiently “good cholesterols” function. Jalpais can be beneficial here, as the oleic acid found in them reduces inflammation and lowers heart disease risk. They’re also rich in copper, whose deficiency is connected to heart problems.
Regular consumption of jalpais and their extract, oleuropein, helps fight cancer, especially specific types like leukemia and melanoma. These phenolic compounds significantly reduce cholesterol, promoting clearer blood vessels and preventing hardening of the endothelium. The monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and polyphenols in jalpais work together to combat inflammation, which if chronic, can lead to various diseases including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
Eating jalpais regularly supports the health of probiotic bacteria, providing them the energy needed to thrive. This helps boost beneficial probiotic colonies, such as Bifidobacterium, which aid in producing natural antibiotics.
Jalpais also positively affect diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels. The oleuropein compound in them enhances the body’s insulin secretion, important for glucose metabolism. Furthermore, these fruits can protect against various harmful bacteria by breaking down bacterial cell membranes.
Dietary fat is essential for weight loss and good health, with monounsaturated fats crucial for managing inflammation and promoting a feeling of fullness. Jalpai fruits provide high-quality fats that support immune health and may even inhibit antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
In addition to their inflammation-reducing effects, some phenolic compounds in jalpais can help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They’re also an excellent source of iron, vital for preventing iron deficiency anemia, which poses risks especially for pregnant women.
Jalpais are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties, which ease allergies and function as antihistamines, reducing lung inflammation and mucus production for easier breathing. Overall, they offer numerous benefits for heart health, body wellness, and mind, potentially protecting against osteoporosis and cancer.
