Page 75 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

BENEFICIAL FOODS MENTIONED IN THE QUR'AN 73

Recent studies have revealed that olives are not only tasty, but
also are a healthy source of food. Their linoleic acid is especially
useful for breast-feeding mothers. Any deficiency in this acid
slows a child's development and contributes to some skin dis-
eases. Health organizations, among them the World Health
Organization, recommend that people living in societies with
high arteriosclerosis and diabetes rates consume oil that con-
tains at least 30% linoleic acid. And this raises the olive's
worth. 24
Olives' benefits are not limited to linoleic acid. For example,
the chlorine that they contain promotes the liver's functioning
and thus facilitates the body's discharge of waste products.
Since it also contributes to the body's skeleton, olives help to
give the body strength and long life. They also are good for
healthy cerebral arteries. 25
Apart from these benefits, olive oil is a very important source
of human nourishment. Contrary to solid butters, olive oil does
not increase the level of cholesterol in the blood; rather, it keeps
it under control and thus is the oil that doctors most recom-
mend. Meanwhile, whether hot or cold, it reduces the amount
of digestive acids and thus protects the stomach from such dis-
eases as gastritis and ulcers. 26
Activating bile secretion, it ensures that bile's composition de-
velops into its perfect state. Furthermore, it regulates the gall
bladder's evacuation and reduces the possibility of gall bladder
calculi. 27
Research also has revealed that olive oil has some ability to
prevent the development of coronary artery disease by reduc-
ing the level of LDL, a cholesterol detrimental to health, while
increasing the level of beneficial cholesterol HDL in the blood. 28
Vitamins E, A, D, and K in oil are essential for bone develop-