The olive leaf extract is the concentrated form of the nutrients present in the leaves of the olive tree.
Though olive oil is very popular and almost everyone knows about it, the leaves are also powerful and deserve part of the spotlight.
In fact, the extract of olive leaves is abundant in antioxidants that provide amazing support for the immune system and may help in reducing the risk of various diseases.
The Best Health Advantages of Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides benefits for the digestive, immune, and central nervous systems.
Therefore, olive leaf extract may help you reach different health goals, including the following ones:
- May better the cardiovascular health
According to research, olive leaf extract may be of aid for cardiovascular health because it was found to reduce the levels of cholesterol in animal studies.
High levels of LDL or bad cholesterol and high levels of total cholesterol have been associated with heart illness.
What’s more, the olive leaf extract may also be of aid in the fight again atherosclerosis, a condition associated with narrow arteries.
In another study, olive leaf extract was found beneficial in reducing blood pressure and consequently decreasing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
- May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
The antioxidants in olive leaf extract may be of aid in reducing and balancing the blood sugar levels and this has a positive effect on decreasing the risk of diabetes.
According to researchers, this may be of aid for people with diabetes in helping them keep the disease under control because the extract may lower insulin resistance.
In one study, olive leaf extract was found effective in reducing the blood sugar levels of the participants and the fasting plasma insulin levels; however, it didn’t show any beneficial effect on the level of insulin after meals.
- Supports the immunity
The oleuropein in olive leaf extract has been researched for its power to protect from Alzheimer’s.
Also, it may be of aid in the prevention of the damage and loss of dopamine neurons, an effect linked with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Another early cell study showed that olive leaf extract may stop the growth of cancerous cells. Despite these promising findings, additional research is necessary to determine all of its anti-cancerous properties.
However, this isn’t everything that the extract of olive leaf can do. In fact, it’s often used as a treatment for herpes.
You apply one or two drops onto a cotton ball and touch it against the sore. Last but not least, the antimicrobial and antiviral characteristics may help avert the virus from spreading to the cells nearby.
- Helps in the weight management
In an animal study, olive leaf extract was found beneficial for weight loss and prevention of obesity.
According to the researchers, the extract may be of aid in regulating the genes associated with weight gain and may also affect the appetite and avert overeating.
Despite these promising findings from lab animal trials, there’s a need for clinical trials done with humans.
Are There Any Risks & Side Effects Associated with Olive Leaf Extract?
The research into the olive leaf extract is promising but more studies are necessary to confirm the possibility for the treatment of diseases and to determine the proper doses.
Since this info isn’t yet available, there’s no standard dosage for the extract. This is why it’s important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
Due to the limited research, it’s not recommended to consume olive leaf extract if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding because there’s no evidence of whether it’s safe in this case or not.
Also, olive leaf extract may interact with some meds and may have certain side effects. This is why it’s pivotal to consult your physician before introducing this or any other supplement.
Despite side effects from olive leaf extract being rare, they’re not impossible.
The most common ones are diarrhea, heartburn, acid reflux, and irritated stomach. Also, it may trigger serious allergic reactions in individuals who have allergies to jasmine, lilacs, olive tree, ash tree, rivets, and forsythia.
If you experience a reaction from the use of the extract, stop taking it right away.
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