Outstanding Olive Leaf Benefits
Olive leaf has recently gained popularity and may well be overthrowing green tea as a miracle herb. Although there are not as many studies and research done compared to other herbs and natural compounds, olive leaf is gaining ground for many of its medicinal uses including but not limited to its ability to inhibit virus replication and for its anti-oxidant properties. Truly, olive leaf benefits seem to increase as time goes on and as initial and continuing research on it comes to conclusion.
Olive leaf extract is available in many forms. It can be taken as a liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder or capsule. The freshly picked leaf liquid extract is becoming more popular due to the greater number of nutritional compounds found in it. First among its benefits is their anti-viral property. A virus is difficult to treat and is usually allowed to run its course by limiting the symptoms it produces. However, olive leaf extract is found to inhibit virus replication. It is being used for treatment of colds and flu, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes and even HIV.
Other olive leaf benefits are from its anti-oxidant properties. Olive leaf contains a number of compounds that have anti-oxidant activity. Some of them are oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and flavonoids including oleocanthal. These anti-oxidants work together giving olive leaf one of the highest potency to neutralize free radicals. It has been compared to the best such as green tea, grape seed extract, cranberry, goji juice, and mangosteen juice. It seems that olive leaf extract has a higher absorbance capacity for free radicals compared to these super foods. Anti-oxidant activity protects and prevents cell damage that can lead to precancerous tumors. Moreover, olive leaf works better in combination with other anti-oxidants.
Other uses of olive leaf include the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. From a recent ‘Twins” trial, in which different treatment were given to identical twins, taking1000 mg of specific olive leaf extract can lower cholesterol and blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension. This research was published in the latest edition of Phytotherapy Research. Researchers from Switzerland and Germany conducted a trial with 20 identical twins who suffers from increased blood pressure. They were either given 500 mg or 1000 of olive leaf extract or placebo. According to the researchers, the study confirmed that olive leaf extract has antihypertensive properties in humans.
The medicinal uses of olive leaf do not stop there. It has anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, astringent and immune-boosting properties. It can even restore normal energy levels to those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, since some of the possible causes are viral in nature. The good thing about olive leaf extract is that it is now included as an ingredient in some quality supplements that contain other vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts combined in a potent blend at the right amounts and ratios. Some of these all-natural supplements can even be ordered online. Nevertheless, make some research before procuring a supplement. If you have a medical condition and/or on specific medications, it is wise to consult your physician before starting any olive leaf benefits supplement program.
