The Almighty Olive Leaf Tea

We all have heard how green tea is full of health-giving benefits because of its powerful anti-oxidant properties. Some people are saying that the olive leaf tea is the next green tea, only better. That is somewhat exciting, isn’t it? In fact, a liquid extract made directly from fresh olive leaves was shown to have an antioxidant capacity almost twice that of green tea and about 400% higher than vitamin C. Now that is saying something.

As the name implies, olive leaf tea is made by steeping the leaves from the olive tree. Olive leaf can be taken as a liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder or capsule. The leaf extracts can be taken in powder, liquid concentrate, or capsule form although the freshly picked leaf extracts are gaining popularity due to the greater number of healing compounds they contain. The compounds in olives and olive leaf thought to be the source of its health-giving properties are the anti-oxidants oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. It also contains several other plant compounds called polyphenols and flavonoids, including oleocanthal.

We know that anti-oxidants are good for the health. They are free-radical scavengers that eradicate these sources of many unwanted effects like premature aging, cell mutation and increased risk of serious illnesses. Oleuropein acts as a natural pesticide in olive trees. Hydroxytyrosol is believed to be one of the most powerful antioxidants. It was found to have the capacity to neutralize free radicals 10 times more than green tea and twice as much as coenzyme Q10. Olive leaf also contains flavonoids, which were found to be able to modify allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. In other words, it displays anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-cancer activities.

Oleocanthal is a natural organic compound found in extra virgin olive oil. Oleocanthal has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It was suggested that long-term consumption in low quantities of oleocanthal is responsible for the heart-healthy properties of the so-called Mediterranean Diet. Drinking olive leaf tea gives many benefits including but not limited to fighting viruses and preventing their replication, lowering of cholesterol levels, and lowering of blood pressure. It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It also helps prevent cold sores and herpes, shingles, helps fight the common cold and flu virus and maintain a strong and balanced immune system.

One reason olive leaf has many and powerful health-boosting effects are because of the presence of many types of compounds that act together in a harmonious way to strengthen the effect of each compound. Now, imagine if olive leaf extract is combined with other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other plant compounds to further increase the effect and provide prevention from the occurrence of some serious diseases. And that is now possible with the availability of some really good quality supplements. For example, Indian Echinacea is another powerful immune-boosting herb. There are complete supplements that combined these two ingredients among other important compounds that can help maintain a strong and balanced system.

Now that you know this, why don’t you make some research and try to invest on a good supplement for your health.