The health benefits of olives and olive oil are widely known throughout the world, but many may not know the the leaves of the olive tree have just as much to offer. The leaves contain many beneficial compounds that can alleviate cellular damage, aging, and infections. The healthful benefits of olive leaves are readily available through powders, extracts and capsules.
Olive Leaves
The olive is a small tree that is typically cultivated in countries near the Mediterranean coast and in Asia. While the fruit of the olive tree is well known as a food and source of oil, the leaves have been also been used for thousands of years. Compounds contained within olive leaves have nutritional and medicinal benefits, and their use has been gaining popularity in recent years in both traditional and alternative medical fields.
Nutritional Benefits
Several nutrients are contained in olive leaves that make them beneficial for consumption. Olive leaves contain two types of antioxidants known as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which can prevent the oxidative damage of other harmful molecules such as free radicals. The amount of antioxidants in olive leaf extract is several times greater than that of green tea. Olive leaves also contain oleocanthal, a potent compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They also contain flavonoids and polyphenols, which have additional antioxidant activity and potential anti-cancer effects.
Medicinal Benefits
Olive leaves are believed to have antibiotic properties and are used in alternative medicine as a natural substitute for synthetic drugs. Extracts from the leaves are used to fight certain diseases and infections such as the flu, herpes and the common cold. The olive leaf is also believed to lower blood pressure, lower total cholesterol and help fight off certain types of cancer. The antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract have led to its use as an anti-aging treatment.
Sources of Olive Leaf Extracts
The benefits of olive leaves are not easily obtained from the intact leaves. Extracts from olive leaves are available in powder form, a liquid concentrate or even capsules. Some people prefer to obtain liquid extracts from freshly picked olive leaves to ensure the greatest health benefit. Olive leaf extracts can be added to skin creams and soaps as another way to obtain their benefits. In addition, a tea can be made out of dried olive leaves. All of these sources are relatively inexpensive and readily available online or in health food stores.
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