Olives the Blessed Fruit and its many benefits in Islam

Olives are mentioned numerous times in the Holy Quran, from Surah Al-Mu’minun to Surah An-Nur to Surah At-tin. In Surah An-Nahl (16:11), Allah says, “With it, He causes crops to grow for you, and the olive, the date palm, the grape, and all kinds of fruits. Surely, in this is a sign for those who think.” The verses in the Quran indicate the healing properties present in olives.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also spoke highly of olive oil. He said: “Eat (olive) oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is blessed.” This Hadith emphasises not only the consumption of olive oil but also its use as nourishment for the body.

Olive oil is not only known for cooking but also has a ton of health benefits. Olive oil is referred to as Liquid Gold because of the presence of antioxidants, phytosterols, Polyphenols and Vitamins like Vitamin E and Provitamin A apart from that it also helps in combating digestion, has anti-ageing properties and is great for the gut.

Some key benefits of Olive oil are:

Heart Disease Prevention– Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that prevents heart disease by decreasing the plaque in arteries. The fats lead to a healthy heart by increasing good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol.

Blood Sugar Management– The healthy fats in Olive oil reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and decrease the blood sugar.

Cancer Prevention– Olive oil contains Cancer preventive properties. The antioxidants in Olive oil reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals. A study highlighted that oleocanthal, an antioxidant in extra virgin olive oil, can destroy cancer cells.

Promotes Digestion– Olive oil aids in relieving constipation, promoting digestion, and improving gut health due to its phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.

Ways to use Olive oil in cooking 

For those looking to incorporate this blessed food into their daily routine, here are a few simple ways to enjoy the benefits of olive oil:

• Cooking: Olive oil is great for cooking, Use it as your primary cooking oil. It’s perfect for sautéing, grilling, and even baking. While extra virgin olive oil is best for low-to-medium heat, you can use regular olive oil for higher-heat cooking.

• Salad Dressings: Olive oil makes an excellent base for salad dressings. Mix it with a bit of lemon juice, vinegar, or other condiments for a delicious and nutritious dressing.

• Topical Use: Olive Oil is great for your hair and skin, you can use it to massage your scalp or apply a small amount of olive oil to your skin after showering to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and nourished.

• Anointing: Following the Hadith, consider using olive oil for anointing, which offers a direct connection to the prophetic tradition while nourishing the skin.

In Islam, olives and olive oil hold a unique place, symbolising nourishment, health, and spiritual blessings. Olive oil is truly a blessed fruit with a range of health benefits, from heart and cancer prevention to digestive health, offering both divine connection and physical healing.