You likely know that olive trees are sources of key oil and extracts. But did you know that people have been reaping the benefits of this tree’s leaf for centuries? In this session, we’ll take a look at precisely what these benefits are.
Mediterranean cultures have used the olive leaf to treat several health conditions, and these leaves also form an essential part of their diet. You really cannot blame them for being this obsessed with the olive leaf. It has several distinct properties that make it worth the hype. Here's why you should take olive leaf supplements.
Diabetes is a common medical condition that is caused by high blood sugar levels. This metabolic disease can be deadly if it’s not well managed Fortunately, the olive tree leaf's antioxidants can improve your cell's insulin secretion. It lowers your blood sugar down to healthy levels. Because your blood sugar levels are low, you may not develop the disease at all. Your body may also respond better to treatment if you take these supplements while having the condition.
Extracts from olive leaves can reduce knee pain and could be used as a natural alternative to painkilling drugs, a study has found. Researchers discovered people with high knee pain reported fewer aches over six months after taking a twice-daily olive leaf extract (Ole) supplement. This is because Olive Leaf Extract is anti-inflammatory and arthritis is essentially inflammation of the joints.
Olive tree leaves have oleuropein. This polyphenol helps prevent weight gain and lower your obesity risk. In 2014, a study was conducted involving mice, high-fat diets, and oleuropein. The mice consumed a high-fat diet. However, they did not gain weight because of oleuropein supplementation. Still, more research is necessary to confirm olive leaf supplements' weight loss benefits.
Bad cholesterol can build up in your arteries. Because of this, you may suffer a high risk of heart disease. But, you don't have to succumb to cardiovascular disease just yet. Olive leaf supplements can prevent bad cholesterol buildup in our arteries. So more blood will flow through your body at reduced pressure.
Research shows that the olive leaf is effective against high blood pressure or hypertension. A small study in hypertensive patients compared olive leaves to placebo treatments. The researchers found that the leaf lowered blood pressure. So you've probably found the answer to your hypertension in olive leaf supplements.
Olive tree leaves contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So you'll find these supplements effective against several types of cancer cells. These include breast, prostate, colorectal, leukaemia, and pancreatic cells. Now, remember that most of the research has been conducted on animals. It's far from conclusive, so don't solely rely on this supplement to combat cancer.
The olive leaf has antiviral properties. That's why you'll see it being used to treat numerous viruses in holistic medicine. Olive leaf supplements can treat mononucleosis, genital herpes, and rotavirus. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that it can get rid of embarrassing cold sores too. Whew!
Animal and test-tube studies suggest that you can avoid Alzheimer's disease by taking olive leaf supplements. Experts attribute this to olive leaf extracts lowering the damage that oxidative stress causes.
It’s clear that olive leaf supplements have numerous health benefits. However, this isn’t a remedy to cure all ills. The changes you enjoy might also be subtle and gradual. So don’t expect any overnight results.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension