Olive tree and olive oil are mentioned eight times in the Quran and numerous times in the hadith. Health benefits of olives are many. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Take oil of olive and massage with it – it is a blessed tree” (Sunan al-Darimi, 69:103).
Mention of Olive in the Quran
Below is a list of verses where Olive, Olive Tree or Olive Oil have been mentioned.
“And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters.” Surah al-Muminoon 23:20
“By the fig and the olive.” Surah At-Tin 95:1
“And olive and palm trees.” Surah Abasa 80:29
“It is He Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth green stalks, from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe.” Surah Al Anam 6:99
“And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” Surah Al-Anam 6:141
“With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought.” Surah An Nahl 16:11
“Allah is The Light of the heavens and the earth; the similitude of His Light is as a niche wherein is a lamp, the lamp in a glass, the glass as it were a glittering planet-kindled from a Blessed Tree, an olive that is neither eastern nor western, whose oil would almost illuminate, even if no fire touched it, Light upon Light; Allah guides to His Light whomever He decides, and Allah strikes similitude for mankind, and Allah is Ever-Knowing of everything.” Surah An-Nur 24:35
“Thereafter, even after that, (there) will come up a season wherein all people will be succoured, and wherein they press.” (i.e., they press olives and grapes (because the harvest is good).” Surah Yusuf 12:49
Health Benefits of Olives
As per HealthLine.com[1], olives have various health benefits. Olives have antioxidant properties which can help fight cancer and prevent heart disease. In addition, some studies have shown that olives can help with improving bone health.
As per GoodHouseKeeping.com[2], olives can also improve blood flow within the body. Moreover, olives can maintain brain health as it contains vitamin E, which is known to improve cognitive functions. Furthermore, olive oil can reduce blood sugar and lessen the risk of type II diabetes. Addition of olive oil can help absorb nutrition from other food better.
List of Health Benefits of Olives and Olive Oil
- Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats[3]
- Olive oil contains large amount of antioxidants[3]
- Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties[3]
- Olive oil may help prevent strokes and heart disease[3]
- Olive oil may help fight Alzheimer’s Disease[3]
- Olive oil may treat Rheumatoid Arthritis[3]
- Olive oil has anti-bacterial properties[3]
- Olive oil can keep you feel full longer[2]
References:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/olives
[2] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a47350/health-benefits-of-olives/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil