Olives’ other health boosting secret you haven’t heard

Olives and olive oil are at the heart of the Mediterranean lifestyle — and likely one of the biggest reasons the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world.

But the health promoting benefits don’t stop with the oil that comes from this tasty fruit of the olive tree…

In fact, the leaf of the olive tree contains a wealth of powerful health agents that lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and even lower the risk of cancer…

Olive leaves are “good medicine” too

Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants found in whole foods like spices, dried fruits and vegetables, red wine and cocoa.

For nearly two decades, researchers have been exploring the health benefits of one such polyphenol found in abundance in olive leaf extract — oleuropein. Evidence of the far-reaching health benefits of this compound has been growing steadily…

Numerous studies have demonstrated that oleuropein has a positive impact on many aspects of our health, including:

  • Weight control
  • Cognitive functioning
  • Arthritis pain
  • Control of infection
  • Cancer risk

Oleuropein limits fat storage

Researchers in Australia conducted the first study to show that olive leaf extract reduced fat stores in rats. For eight weeks, the rats were fed a high carbohydrate, high-fat diet until they developed signs of metabolic syndrome, including abdominal fat, fatty liver, and hypertension.

For the next eight weeks, half the rats were fed coffee that was fortified with olive leaf extract. This group showed cardiovascular and liver function compared to a group that was not fed olive leaf.

Promise for Alzheimer’s disease

Studies have shown that the phenolic compounds in olive leaf extract could slow or even prevent the onset of brain disease.

Olive leaf extract slowed and, in some cases, stopped brain cell damage in rats with a condition parallel to Parkinson’s disease.

In another study, mice with late-stage brain disease showed improved brain cell function after being treated with oleuropein.

And, there is evidence that olive leaf extract can prevent the development of tangled bundles of proteins that are thought to cause Alzheimer’s disease.

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Preventing and easing arthritis pain

Herbalists have long valued the anti-inflammatory powers of olive leaves to treat arthritis.

Modern research supports the extract’s ability to slow the development of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It appears to slow the production of inflammation-inducing molecules.

Olive leaf is also known as a way to reduce joint swelling in osteoarthritis.

Fighting infection

Olive leaves have a long history of fighting infection.

In the 1800s, the crushed leaves were brewed into teas to lower fevers and to treat malaria.

Since then, studies have confirmed the power of oleuropein to fight viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

A 2003 study clearly demonstrated the anti-microbial power of olive leaf extract. In the study, the extract killed almost all bacteria tested, including those that cause skin, genital, and oral infections. Harmful bacteria of the lower intestine were also killed.

And, in one particularly promising piece of evidence, researchers at the New York University School of Medicine saw the reversal of systemic changes associated with HIV-1 after treatment with olive leaf extracts.

Promise in the fight against cancer

The phytochemicals in the olive leaf have been shown to slow and even stop the growth of cancerous cells. In one animal study, it caused cancer cells to disappear in twelve days. The cells were described to crumble and fall apart, leaving no cancerous cells behind.

So far, researchers have reason to believe that oleuropein could prevent the development of cancers of the brain, bladder, breast, prostate, and skin.

How to use olive leaf extract

Although olive leaf’s effects on the body are generally positive, it’s best to check with your doctor before starting to use it, particularly in certain circumstances:

  • If you take high blood pressure medication (olive leaf lowers blood pressure)
  • If you are diabetic (olive leaf can lower blood sugar)
  • If you take a blood thinner (olive leaf can increase their effect)

Once you get the OK, here are some tips.

Olive leaf capsules are filled with either powdered olive leaves (milder), or olive leaf extract.

If you use an olive leaf tincture, look for one without alcohol.

Olive leaf tea may be a better way to begin if you have any of the above-mentioned health issues. It is relaxing, has no caffeine, and is known to ease arthritis pain. Do your best to purchase leaves or tea bags where no pesticides have been involved in production.

Joyce Hollman

By Joyce Hollman

Joyce Hollman is a writer based in Kennebunk, Maine, specializing in the medical/healthcare and natural/alternative health space. Health challenges of her own led Joyce on a journey to discover ways to feel better through organic living, utilizing natural health strategies. Now, practicing yoga and meditation, and working towards living in a chemical-free home, her experiences make her the perfect conduit to help others live and feel better naturally.

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