Olive leaf is a part of the olive tree that I don’t think gets as much recognition as it should!
We all know the benefits of olive oil, but did you know that the leaf of the olive tree is also packed with nutrients and antioxidants? Before we dive in to discuss the health benefits of olive leaf, let’s look at the history. Initially widely used in ancient Egypt, the olive leaf was considered a symbol of heavenly power and was even used in the process of mummification. In traditional Moroccan medicine olive leaf was consumed to stabilize diabetes and maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and in the 1800s it was consumed in a drink to lower fever.
So as with any botanical plant or fruit, our interest is piqued when it’s been used for centuries! A specific substance in olive leaf, oleuropein, is what is primarily studied to show the possible health benefits. Some wellness sources claim that olive leaf has more antioxidants than green tea, but I can’t find any studies to confirm it or not. Either way, oleuropein is a polyphenol (potent antioxidant) with many different health benefits that we’re going to dig into below!
Health Benefits of Olive Leaf
- Helps keep your immune system strong: The antiviral properties in olive leaf helps combat colds by killing off organisms that infiltrate our system. So for example: next time you’re at work around a bunch of sick people, take olive leaf tincture or tea to keep your immunity kicking!
- Kills bacteria and fungi: Because of its potent antioxidant levels, it has the capability to combat infections from bacteria. Some wellness experts believe that it can help treat ear infections and even urinary tract infections (move over cranberry juice).
- Beauty benefits: When consumed in the form of tea or a drinkable supplement, the antioxidant compounds can also keep our skin looking young and supple. Who doesn’t want that?! Some studies have also linked it to having the capability to reverse damage by oxidation.
- Lowers blood pressure and has heart health benefits: Just as olive oil has heart health benefits, so does the leaf thanks to the polyphenols in it. Studies have linked it to lower cholesterol levels and to lower blood pressure.
- Protects your brain: Oleuropein has also been linked to preventing cognitive decline as we age such as Alzheimer’s disease. Since our brain is very susceptible to oxidative damage (it’s primarily fatty tissue), the antioxidant properties of oleuropein help combat free radicals from damaging our brain.
How To Use Olive Leaf
You can buy olive leaf in the form of an extract which can be a food additive or you can add to your beauty remedies.
In the form of an extract:
- Add 5-10 drops to your smoothies or juices
- Add 5-10 drops to your face moisturizer or serum
As a tea:
- You can brew and add to your morning green juices or drink alone
As a supplement:
- I recently started trying out Olife from EVERGREENLIFE products which you consume as a morning tonic. Hailing from the Mediterranean, it’s packed with antioxidants that provide multiple beauty benefits and contains Hydroxytyrosol which is a highly valued anti-aging molecule that costs a pretty penny. I’m most excited to continue sipping on this in the morning so that it can protect my skin for the winter month to come. You can view more about the brand here!\
Sources:
olive leaf extract in comparison to Captopril, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21036583
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/01/23/healing-power-olive-leaf.html
Photo Source: Pond5
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat disease. These articles are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Olife compensated me for my time to create this educational article and all research, writings and opinions are my own.
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