The health benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf is the leaf from the olive tree, also known as Olea europaea.

Whilst olive oil has become popular for cooking due to its rich flavour and health benefits, the leaf has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes.

The tree itself is one of the most highly regarded plants due to its claimed health benefits. It is even mentioned a number of times in the Bible.

It was used centuries ago in Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures as a prevention and treatment for all manner of ailments and conditions.

So what are the stated benefits of olive leaf extract? -

• it can fight infection (the leaf's most active ingredient calcium elenolate has been proven to be effective in killing bacteria and even viruses)
• it may strengthen the immune system
• it has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties
• it has been shown to have an antioxidant capacity double that of green tea extract and 400% more than Vitamin C and several times greater than Vitamin E.
• it may offer at least some relief from shingles and some other skin conditions, pneumonia, yeast infections and herpes, and provide protection against stomach ulcers.
• It can lower bad cholesterol, lower blood glucose and lower blood pressure levels.
• There are also products out there specifically designed to administer OLE to the skin to treat warts, rashes, boils, scars and even acne.
• There are also claims surfacing that it may even aid in the prevention of cancer, slowing down the ageing process, prevent the onset of dementia and protect the skin against the damaging effects of UV rays and sun exposure. None of this has been proven, but there are statements that link the capacity of OLE to these benefits.

For centuries olive leaf extract was taken only as an infusion or as a tea, when it was traditionally believed to be the answer to treat a fever and heal all manner of wounds. Nowadays, it is readily available from health food stores and online stores globally.

The majority of people take OLE in liquid form prepared using fresh leaves. It can also be taken as a powder, dried leaf tea or in capsule form like multivitamins.

OLE becomes even more potent when taken in combination with other antioxidants.  Don't forget to also take your regular daily multi vitamins even if you are taking Olive Leaf Extract.