Olive Leaf Extracts - Brain, Heart, Immune System and More

Olive Leaf Extracts - Brain, Heart, Immune System and More

Olea europaea, aWe get olives and olive oil from this plant. But did you know that the humbleOlive leafof the same health benefits as world-famous olive oil offers - and more? Olive leaf extract benefits include promoting heart, digestive and brain health, soothing joints and supporting a healthy immune system. It can even increase lifespan and reduce signs of aging. ((Link removed), (Link removed), (Link removed))

Throughout history, the olive branch – and its leaves – have been a sign of peace and forgiveness. Scholars note that doves brought an olive leaf back to Noah's Ark to show that the flood was over. The olive tree is even mentioned in Ezekiel 47:12 (NIV): “The fruit will be for food and its leaves for healing.” Later, olive leaves appeared at the first Olympic Games in Greece. The winners received an olive wreath, which represents peace, victory, honor and unity. (Source)

What is olive leaf extract?

Unlike olive oil, which is made from pressed olives, olive leaf extract is made by condensing all of the useful parts of the olive leaf itself into a liquid, or by making a crude herbal extract by soaking finely ground leaves in a mixture of triple-distilled water and glycerin, then gently extracting them into a concentrated liquid. This extract can be used alone or in combination with other herbs.

Olive leaves are full of polyphenols, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as well as caffeic acid, which you also find in green coffee beans. Polyphenols are “reducing agents,” meaning they counteract oxidative stress caused by free radicals and other cell damage.

The two main polyphenols (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol) in olive leaves have positive effects on the heart, brain and immune system. In addition, they promote normal blood sugar and blood pressure and deter harmful organisms.

8 Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

Here are some of the benefits you will find in olive leaf extract.

1. Supports immune health

You can thank the oleuropein in olive leaves for giving your immune system a boost. Olive leaf extract can help you breathe easier and reduce the number of sick days you experience.

When student athletes took olive leaf extract, it did just that. Not only did it reduce the number of sick days needed, but it also improved respiratory health. If you feel stuffy or short of breath, give this a try. ((link removed))

2. Acts as an antioxidant

Antioxidants are phytochemicals and compounds that counteract oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is just damage to cells, often caused by so-called free radicals.

Olive leaf extract is a powerful antioxidant. Regular consumption can protect your cells from damage before this happens. Olive leaf extract is an all-natural way to stay healthy, and it is sustainable too, as olive leaves are often considered a waste product of olive oil producers, but now you can use them for your health. ((link removed))

3. Promotes heart health

Taking olive leaf extract can support a healthy heart thanks to its powerful polyphenols. Olive leaf promotes normal LDL levels and total cholesterol. This extract supports normal blood pressure and improves vascular function - in other words, how your heart and circulatory system work. ((Link removed), (Link removed))

Olive leaves can even lower levels of cytokines, molecules that can cause inflammation in your body. Cytokines can increase rapidly when the immune system is attacked. By reducing cytokines when they are not needed, olive leaf promotes a normal response to inflammation. ((link removed))

4. Deters harmful organisms

Olive leaf extract not only has powerful antioxidant properties, but it can also discourage harmful organisms. ((link removed))

Oleuropein and caffeic acid from olive leaves can deter organisms that cause colds and seasonal problems. Better yet, they can help you avoid getting sick at all by boosting your immunity.

5. Protects brain health

As we age, we become prone to some age-related neurological problems. Most experts believe that aging is due to oxidative stress caused by free radical damage, particularly to your cell's mitochondria. ((link removed))

When free radical damage occurs in the brain - and your natural antioxidants can't keep up - it affects your ability to think, remember and carry out your bodily functions. You need to boost your brain power with healing foods and nutrients. The researchers suggest that olive leaf extract counteracts oxidative stress in the brain, which helps keep memory sharp and strong. ((link removed))

Olive leaf polyphenols may also prevent the aggregation of amyloid-β proteins in the brain, which is associated with age-related cognitive decline. This is a good thing because aggregation of amyloid-β proteins is linked to age-related cognitive decline. ((link removed))

6. Promotes normal blood sugar

Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for people with type 2 diabetes, including people who eat high-fat diets, and anyone else whose body may have difficulty regulating glucose levels.

In fact, all people should strive to keep blood sugar levels balanced. Maintaining balanced blood sugar is especially important for those who want to maintain weight or lose weight. The compounds in olive leaf extract actively promote normal insulin and blood sugar levels, which is helpful for everyone. ((link removed))

7. Protects joints

Say goodbye to creaking bones and joints. Olive leaf extract has a chondroprotective effect, meaning it protects joints and cartilage. It also promotes a normal response to inflammation around the joints and relieves discomfort. Thanks to these properties, the cartilage that protects your bones remains intact. ((link removed))

Olive leaf extract promotes autophagy, where your body recycles unneeded tissues or cells that can build up. Olive leaves allow you to move smoothly without stiffness. ((link removed))

8. Reduces signs of aging

People who eat a Mediterranean diet tend to live longer, so it's no surprise that olives and olive oil make up a large part of the cuisine. However, olive leaf extract is even more concentrated in beneficial compounds than in food.

Taking olive leaf supplements prevents the oxidative stress associated with age-related skin, brain, and body changes. This will help you live a healthier and longer life. ((link removed))

Best Ways to Take Olive Leaf Extract

Reputable manufacturers sell olive leaf extract either alone or mixed with other herbs. Here are some ways you can typically see this supplement.

Capsules

For the healthiest option, choose a plant-based capsule filled with olive leaf extract. Always choose organic supplements.

powder

You can purchase olive leaf powder in bulk bags. Some people like to use it to make their own capsules or to add it to tea, coffee, smoothies or other drinks.

Liquid extract

Liquid olive leaf supplements are taken with a dropper and are either pure olive leaf extract or mixed with other herbs.

Points to remember

Olive leaf extract is made from the leaves of the olive tree and contains the same healthy compounds as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) – plus more. The polyphenols in olive leaf extract include oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol and also contain caffeic acid.

The effects of olive leaves include promoting a normal response to inflammation, deterring harmful organisms, supporting your immune system, and improving heart and brain health. Olive leaf extract also promotes normal blood sugar, blood pressure, and normal total and LDL cholesterol. The polyphenols act as powerful antioxidants and prevent damage from free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

Olive leaf extract is commercially available as capsules, powder or liquid extract. It is sold alone or mixed with other herbs.