Olives are the fruit that grows on the olive tree, which originally grew only in the Mediterranean and southeast Asia. Olives can be a nutritious part of any meal, but should be eaten in moderation due to high salt content.
Identification
The nutritional value of olives varies depending on the variety and brand. Use the nutritional label on the side of the product to determine the specific nutritional values for each type of olive.
Calories
Five green olives contain 25 calories, with no calories from fat or saturated fat, while five black olives contain 25 calories, with 23 calories from fat and no saturated fat, with the fat content coming from healthy monounsaturated fat from olive oil, present in the mature black olive.
Considerations
Olives are only as healthy as the foods with which they are cooked. Olives in a meal made with vegetable oil, butter or lard can carry the added scourge of saturated fat.
Expert Insight
According to Dr. David Katz, olives are fine to eat in moderation, but that an entire jar of green olives contains 300 calories and is high in sodium. Katz suggests limiting a daily serving of olives to about a handful.
