BENEFITS OF OLIVE LEAVES

 

While olive leaves have been used as a source of food and medicine for thousands of years, their potential benefits have gone largely untested until recent years. Now available as a supplement, olive leaf extract is gaining a solid reputation for a variety of health benefits. Use olive leaf extract with the guidance of a trained health professional knowledgeable in its proper use.

BENEFITS:

• Enolinate, a substance derived from olive leaf extract, may inhibit bacterial, viral and fungal infections while sparing the beneficial bacteria in your intestinal and respiratory tracts,
• Olive leaf extract may lower blood pressure as effectively as some medications. A study published in the February 2011 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine" found that eight weeks of supplementation with 500 milligrams of olive leaf extract twice per day lowered systolic blood pressure -- the upper number in the blood pressure ratio, signifying pressure in the arteries during heart contraction -- 83 percent as effectively as a common blood pressure medication. Olive oil extract reduced diastolic pressure -- the lower number of the blood pressure ratio, signifying pressure in the arteries during heart relaxation,
• Brain-protective benefits of olive leaf extract were demonstrated in a laboratory animal study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine." In the study, olive leaf extract prevented brain injury following periods of reduced oxygen supply similar to that which occurs during a stroke. The herbal supplement decreased the area of affected brain tissue, reduced brain swelling and improved the blood-brain barrier -- the selective filter that helps the brain maintain a healthy environment. Researchers also noted improved scores on neurologic function tests with olive leaf extract supplementation.
•  Diabetic patients may experience better blood sugar management with olive leaf extract.