Olives same benefits as olive oil

[Erin Cimbri]

This is probably a stupid question, but here goes.
I have decided on a daily amount of olive oil to eat. Can I get the same health benefits in olive oil by eating olives? Is there something olive oil has that olives don't? How many olives would I have to eat in order to get 1 tablespoon of olive oil?
Thanks

[Claude]

Hi Erin and welcome in our community 

Stupid question? not at all! it's actually a very interesting question!

I don't know the answer but I've found some interesting links :

http://www.olives101.com/2007/02/19/benefits-of-olive-oil-without-the-calories/

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-olive-1574.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=46

I hope it helps!

[Claude]

Hi Erin,

I've found the answer to your question :

Olives have all the same healthy benefits as olive oil (Monounsaturated fat, tocopherols, polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, anthocyanins), but also, if you get "traditionally fermented" or "cured" olives, then you get the health benefits of active cultures, similar to the health benefits of eating yogurt with active cultures (Probiotics).

Make sure you look for traditionally fermented or cured olives, usually found in the gourmet section where you spoon them into the plastic containers and pay by weight. Jarred or canned olives are processed differently and don't contain the active cultures.

Source : http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_forum/diet_performance_nutrition_supplements/olives_vs_olive_oil