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Olives

With their rich, bold flavor, olives are a healthy, guilt-free snack and recipe enhancer. Olives are loaded with monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol and protect against atherosclerosis. Olives and olive oil also contain squalene, a compound that boosts immune function and helps reduce the risk of cancer, especially breast and stomach cancers.

Quick tip: To remove some of the sodium, place olives in a glass jar filled with distilled water and soak overnight. Drain, rinse, and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

How to eat more olives
•Add finely chopped olives and minced rosemary to brown rice.
•Purée olives with garlic and capers for a quick tapenade; spread on whole-grain bread.
•Toss whole olives into salads; add minced black olives to pasta sauces.

Try this recipe: Black Olive-Sweet Potato Hummus