Olive leaf extract has been mentioned in religious texts and has been a part of many civilizations since centuries. Find out what benefits it offers that can help you. Olive leaf extract has been used since centuries for health related ailments because it is natural and it works! This is the reason why still till today, olive leaf extract has survived its brilliant reputation in the times of the conventional medicine era. Just like the many beneficial qualities of olive oil, olive leaf extract is touted for zillion benefits and offers an effective solution for many present day health ailments for those who are holistic fanatics or want to go on a holistic healing path.
Before wasting another minute, let's see what it can do for you and how it can be used for its amazing health benefits. What is Olive Leaf Extract? Olive leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the olive tree. Just like olive oil, the olive tree leaves are full of nutrients and especially rich in an anti-inflammatory compound called oleuropein. The 'extract' part is basically the concentrated and standardized source of oleuropein, oleacein, hydroxytyrosol and other nutrients (from the olive leaves) in a dose form - as in, powder, capsules, or liquid. Olive leaf extract is so effective and safe that it has been used since centuries in Mediterranean countries like Greece, etc. In many civilizations, the olive tree has been considered sacred and has been a symbol of health and is often mentioned in religious and cultural texts. The symbol of WHO features the Asclepius rod over the world map, surrounded by olive trees. Olive leaf extract has been mentioned in the Bible and so has the olive tree. Can you explain more about the 3 main beneficial compounds? 1. Oleuropein - Oleuropein is a polyphenol derived from olive leaves, pulp, seeds, and peel of unripe olives. The oleuropein content varies greatly depending on the variety of olives, the ripening age, the extraction of oil (as in olive oil), and the process used for curing the olives (for making them edible to eat). It was in 1959 when oleuropein was isolated and thus, studied for its many benefits. Oleuropein is a powerful free radical fighter and is considered an anti-inflammatory antioxidant. The way it fights the radical activity is by helping form the intramolecular hydrogen bond between the free hydrogen from the hydroxyl group and the phenoxyl radicals. It's antioxidant capacity has been compared to that of vitamin C and vitamin E. Oleuropein is what gives the olive oil its bitter taste. 2. Oleacein - Just like the oleuropein, oleacein also is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory compound. Oleacein is found to be abundant in olive oil and is being studied mainly for its benefits for atherosclerosis. 3. Hydroxytyrosol (HXT) - When the olive fruit matures, the oleuropein it contains goes through hydrolysis and yields different by-products, one of them being hydroxytyrosol. Hydroxytyrosol is a phenolic antioxidant, found in olive leaf and olive oil. It is a by-product of olive oil extraction. Hydroxytyrosol is one of the compounds responsible for the low rate of cardiovascular diseases in the Mediterranean diet. Hydroxytyrosol is naturally present in the human body and is therefore, easily recognized by the body when consumed. What are the benefits of Olive Leaf Extract? Olive leaf extract has many benefits that can help you greatly improve your health and they are - 1. Olive leaf Extract for Diabetes - Olive leaf extract can help with insulin sensitivity as well as better pancreatic function (both super important for diabetes). In a study, participants who took olive leaf extract for 12 weeks had a much better response to insulin sensitivity, thus making olive leaf extract an important factor in managing diabetes. 2. Olive leaf extract for high blood pressure/hypertension - In 2017 study, participants with stage 1 hypertension were given olive leaf extract (containing 136 mg oleuropein) and rest were given placebo. The group with olive leaf extract showed much lower blood pressure after 6 weeks than the placebo group. There are zillion testimonials from real people who have taken olive leaf extract for high blood pressure and within just a few weeks have quit their medicine and said goodbye to their high blood pressure issues. 3. Olive leaf extract for cholesterol - Olive leaf extract is often taken for lowering the bad cholesterol - LDL. When taken in higher doses, it is found to be much effective for cholesterol and can be a great natural health ally in keeping your cholesterol levels normal. This also means it is a great tool for those who are at risk of atherosclerosis. 4. Olive leaf extract for digestion - Olive leaf extract is considered gastroprotective - meaning it helps protect the digestive tract. It is often taken for stomach aches, inflammation and may help conditions like stomach ulcers. 5. Olive leaf extract for immunity - Olive leaf extract is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral. This shows it can strengthen the immune system and can help flush out viruses and other pathogens. This is also one of the reasons why it is so good for cancer patients, as well as those who suffer from allergies, and/or respiratory infections. 6. Olive leaf extract for cancer - In cell studies, olive leaf extract has shown to stop cancerous cells growth. This may be due to its antioxidant properties as well as ability to fight free radicals, and due to being a rich source of phytoestrogens. This is also the reason why it is considered a great addition to diet for those with breast cancer. 7. Olive leaf extract for upper respiratory infections - It boosts immunity and because it is antimicrobial, olive leaf extract is a powerful supplement for upper respiratory infections. Along with these, olive leaf extract can also help with these conditions - 6. Weight gain 7. Herpes 8. Fights free radicals 9. Inflammation 10. Aches & Pains (as olive leaf extract is considered antinociceptive, where it helps reduce pain stimuli). 11. Shingles 12. Improves brain function (neuroprotective) 13. May help with candida & urinary tract infections 14. Helps with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 15. Helps beautify skin 16. Helps allergies, sinus, breathing issues, fever, etc. What to look for when buying Olive Leaf Extract? 1. Make sure it is from a reputed company. 2. Make sure it is certified organic if possible. 3. I recommend buying in powder form or liquid form (tinctures) - avoid plastic capsules as much as possible, because that is too much plastic going in your body. 4. IF buying in liquid form, as in, tinctures, it is available both in glycerin as well as in alcohol base. 5. For treating conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, and such, it is best to consult with your holistic, integrative doctor. 6. Olive leaf extract is available as powder, tincture, or even as a tea form. How much Olive Leaf Extract to take daily for medicinal benefits? Studies suggest taking about 500 mg to 1000 mg daily and then, see if you need to increase the dose. Don't take the entire dose at once - it is best to divide the dose in two times. Taste? Olive leaf extract is very bitter - don't buy it and then complain to the seller! That is highly unethical as now you know what it tastes like and if you cannot tolerate bitter foods, do not buy it in the powder form. However, you can add it in some orange juice and mask its taste. And if you still absolutely must buy it, then try capsules. Who should NOT take Olive Leaf Extract? 1. Those with High BP - If you have blood pressure problems, then beware as olive leaf extract may lower it too much. Please consult with your doctor first before starting olive leaf extract. 2. People with Diabetes or Blood Sugar Issues - Also, if you have diabetes or are taking medication for it, then do not start olive leaf extract as it may cause hypoglycemia. Consult with your doctor first, and then start. 3. Pregnant women should NOT take olive leaf extract just to be safe. 4. Nursing mothers. 5. Those allergic to olive oil, and olives and ultimately to olive leaf extract - do not take it. 6. Olive leaf extract is a diuretic so those with kidney issues, be careful. Consult a doctor before starting it. Ref. (1). Ref. (2). Ref. (3). Ref. (4). Ref. (5). -Somyata. Share The Article! - If this article has helped you, please share it with your loved ones and post it on your FB page and send it to others via email. Questions or Comments? - Plz. do NOT email me with any questions or comments regarding this article - post it in the comment section below and I will reply there only. No exceptions!
4 Comments
Robby Anderson
3/8/2022 11:29:28
Can you give Olive leaf extract to dogs with melanoma cancer. Thank you
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Somyata
3/8/2022 13:24:59
Hello Robby - Your question was just answered by email. I have just replied to you - plz check. Somyata
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Stephanie Piazzese
10/28/2023 19:32:33
I have given my small dog Olive leaf extract for years, off/ on. For leaky gut. I stopped because I didn’t see results,,, and it’s very expensive, up to $50 for a tiny 1 oz bottle!! So I wonder if I can use it myself??
Reply
Somyata
10/29/2023 14:09:23
Yes! Of course you can use it...the whole article talks just about that! -Somyata
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