The olive tree is a tree that keeps on giving. We eat its fruit, process the oil, and use the leaves to make medicine. Olive is a proud member of the Mediterranean flora. It is widely consumed and held in high regard.
Olive is everywhere. Its antibacterial traits make it perfect for soaps and shampoos. Second, it is an inseparable part of Mediterranean cuisine. Also, from a medical perspective, olive oil is part of a healthy diet. People consume it to prevent various types of cancer, blood-related issues, infections, diseases, etc.
Thanks to modern science, we are now able to process olive leaves and derive the extract. This enhances its well-known healing capabilities. This article will look into olive leaf extract benefits and how it can improve our lives.
What Is Olive Leaf Extract?
Olive oil has long been used in traditional medicine in many Mediterranean countries. Even before that, Ancient Egyptians used its oils during mummification. Today’s chemistry allows us to extract oleuropein from the oil. This is the molecule that carries most of the healing properties in the plant.
You may get this extract in the form of pills, capsules, tinctures, creams, or tea. This depends on what condition you’re looking to treat. For example, the cream works best for skin treatment, the tea for disease prevention, and so on.
Oleuropein has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may improve the immune system. And that’s not all.
What are Olive Leaf Extract Benefits?
Olive leaf extract has been shown to help in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. What makes it so beneficial?
1. It Prevents Cancer
Oncologists and nutritionists recommend the Mediterranean plant for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The oleuropein in olive oil leaves is one of the main reasons. Researchers believe this is because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power of the extract.
Antioxidants prevent cell weakness and may help the body to combat cancer in the early stages. The extract prevents inflammation that helps the tumor to grow. It may be useful in the prevention of breast, prostate, bladder and skin cancer.
2. Treats Inflammation and Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of olive leaf extract are beneficial for physical and mental health. For one, those with arthritis might find relief in the extract. It may prove useful for different types of arthritis: gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Since all these conditions are caused by inflammations (joints or connective tissue or both), the extract could help in soothing the swelling.
3. Protects the Nervous System
Oxidative stress and internal inflammations are the main causes of memory problems, strokes, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Olive leaf extract provides good prevention against these disorders and diseases. Thanks to its traits, the extract can greatly help the user’s cognitive functions and prevent mental decline.
4. Boosts Your Energy
Olive leaf extract contains oleanolic acid, which is a great energy booster. It increases metabolism and enhances thyroid functions which will make you feel refreshed. Instead of taking energy drinks or caffeine, you may find olive leaf extract to be equally useful.
5. Manages Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic increase in blood sugar levels that weakens cells and accelerates their aging. There are two important things in controlling this disease. You have to lower blood glucose and limit the damage of frequent blood sugar increases.
Recent studies on animals have shown that oleuropein lowers blood sugar levels and protect the tissues from oxidative damage. These effects may prove useful in treating type 1 and 2 diabetes.
6. Strengthens Immune System
The abovementioned characteristics are immune system enhancers. By adding olive leaves or the extract to your daily diet, you’d be protecting your body from viruses, microbes, and other pathogens.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure and Decreases Cholesterol
Olive leaf extract can block calcium channels and thus widen blood vessels, making the blood flow smoother. It can lower the levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol are known to cause premature cell death and formation of cancerous tissue and other serious conditions.
8. Keeps Arteries Healthy
High blood pressure is not the only cause for concern. Your arterial health is also essential for cardiovascular functions. The extract lowers triglyceride levels and triglyceride is known to soften arteries, so it may decrease the risks of a heart attack.
The extract may also reduce the formation of plaque on arterial walls and blood clots in blood vessels.
9. Regulates Heart Rate
If your arteries are healthy, you regulate your blood pressure to normal levels and your heart will be significantly healthier. Toward this end, you may look to replace saturated fats with olive oil and turn to a Mediterranean diet. Doing so may decrease the risks of strokes and heart attacks by 80 percent. The Food and Drug Administration even allows labels on olive oil products that suggests lower risks of heart attacks if consumed.
Other than these nine benefits, olive leaf extract may also be good for:
- Eczema
- Helicobacter pylori
- Migraine
- Osteoporosis
- Psoriasis
- Stretch marks
- Yeast infections – internal and external
- Bone health
Side Effects and Verdict
If you take the extract as directed or suggested, you should not have to worry. Most people can consume it regularly. You shouldn’t go overboard, though. Higher doses may cause more harm than good.
In some instances, it is better not to use it. Or you may want to consult your healthcare provider before trying it. Those are:
- If you have low blood pressure
- If you use certain drugs that regulate diabetes
- If you have a sensitive stomach
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you underwent a recent surgical procedure
Even if you shouldn’t take the pure extract, olive oil can still bring you many benefits. You can apply it to the skin or use it orally.
As for the extract, the recommended dose is about 28 grams daily.
Today you may add it your diet, like the people of old. This gift from the Mediterranean has protected bodies and minds for centuries!
References:
https://olivewellnessinstitute.org/olive-leaf/olive-leaf-extract
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058439
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/olive-oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877547
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1484890
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16400329
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5625964
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16638666
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