We all know about the benefits of olive oil. Did you know that olive leaves are incredible health benefits too? Especially now, during the cold and flu season. I found out by chance – and now I hasten to share my discovery with you) Recently, while placing an order in my favorite store iherb.com, I accidentally came across jars with an unusual product – olive leaves and their extract. Naturally, I wondered what they were for and what to do with them.
It turned out that this question interests not only me, but also many scientists who conduct research and confirm the beneficial properties of leaves and their extract. These properties include normalizing blood pressure, strengthening the cardiovascular system, and increasing energy levels. Olive leaf extract is a powerful antioxidant that protects blood vessels from damage and prevents the development of arteriosclerosis in the long term.
What gives olive leaves such strength? Back in the early 1900s, scientists isolated the bitter compound oleuropein from these leaves. In 1962, it was discovered that oleuropein dilates blood vessels and thereby lowers blood pressure. Then the researchers discovered its ability to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias and prevent muscle spasms.
And later it turned out that the main component of oleuropein – oleanolic acid – inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. That is, olive leaves help to treat diseases caused by viruses, retroviruses, bacteria. The spectrum of these diseases is very wide – flu, colds, candidiasis, meningitis, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus (herpes type IV) and several other types of herpes, encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, dengue fever, ear infections , urinary tract and others. However, olive leaves have no side effects.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that olive leaves help to cope with chronic fatigue and stress. If you find yourself in stressful situations often, your immune system is likely to be weakened and you will be especially susceptible to colds and viruses.
Drinking olive leaf tea or adding olive leaf powder or extract to drinks will help you relax and resist the attack of viruses and bacteria.