Nutritional Facts on Black Olive

Olives are a fruit of the olive tree. Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean region, the use of olives quickly spread throughout Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt and Spain. One of the reasons for the olive's global popularity is because it offers so many health benefits.

Calories and Carbs

• Extra-large black olives have only 7 calories each. They also contain a low amount of carbohydrates.

Fat

• A single serving of black olives contains only 2.5 grams of healthy, monounsaturated fat. That's about 3 percent of the suggested total daily fat intake.

Vitamin E

• Black olives are a rich source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that acts to neutralize free radicals in the body.

Other Vitamins and Minerals

• Black olives also offer a healthy dose of dietary fiber, iron and copper. While olives are a bit salty, one serving is well within the sodium ranges suggested by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Phytonutrients

• Black olives contain various phytonutrient compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These phytonutrients are reputed to have a significant anti-inflammatory affect on the body.

Fun Facts

• The oldest known olive recipe was found in a 2,000-year-old Roman cookbook. Traditional Chinese medicine used olive soups to treat throat problems.