We all know about olive oil and its benefits, but few know the powerful properties of olive leaf extract. Also known as “oleuropein”, after its main component, the olive leaf extract is derived from the Olea Europaea tree.

The olive leaf extract is a kind of all-purpose remedy as its field of action is wide. Microbes, fungi, lichens, and parasites do not resist its most powerful active ingredient, oleuropein. But it is also effective in strengthening the venous and arterial system, which places it among the best natural treatments for hypertension, venous insufficiency, and high cholesterol. Many believe its ability to prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other disorders.

Let’s discuss together the benefits of the olive leaf extract;

1. Strengthening the body's immunity

Olive leaves and their extracts contain powerful antioxidants known as phenols, which work to combat free radicals and their harmful effects and prevent and protect cell damage.

2. Heart disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, Europe, and Asia. More and more countries adopt Western lifestyles at the expense of a traditional diet, and heart disease continues to progress. In the United States, almost one million people die from cardiovascular disease each year.

Advanced glycation end products are associated with cardiovascular disease. A study published in Food Research International concluded that olive leaf extract prevented the formation of advanced end-glycation products, thereby helping to prevent heart and vascular disease.

It has also been found that the use of olive leaf in food helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and reduce heart problems.

3. Fighting cancer

A study published in 2010 in the International Journal of Cancer, in which the anti-cancer properties of the olive leaf extract were tested, it was found to have anti-cancer properties.

As the use of olive leaf extract contributed to the suppression of the disease and the disruption of the cell membranes of cancer cells and worked to destroy the genetic material in the cells.

Thus, the researchers concluded that olive leaves might have a significant role in extracting drugs and treatments for cancer. However, they warned against using it during treatment with any type of chemotherapy.

4. Lowering blood pressure

A study was conducted in 2011 to assess the effectiveness of olive leaf extract compared to pressure medications given to patients with high blood pressure, where the study found that 500 milligrams of the extract, which is taken twice daily for 8 weeks, significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Besides, the olive leaf extract helped lower the level of fat in the blood.

5. Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Diabetics suffer from a high level of sugar (glucose) in the blood, which causes oxidation of blood vessels, nerves, and organs such as the kidneys and eyes. Oxidation is visible, for example, when a car is rusting under the effects of the climate. Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, foot amputation, and kidney failure.

Ninety-five percent of people with diabetes suffer from type 2, and five percent from type 1. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle-related illness, while type 1 is related to the destruction of the pancreas by the autoimmune system.

The polyphenols in the olive leaf improve insulin sensitivity, making it more effective in the body. In a 2013 New Zealand study, 46 men were selected to receive an olive leaf extract pill or placebo for 12 weeks. Those who received the olive leaf extract had one percent increased insulin sensitivity. Many studies support the theory that olive leaf extract helps regulate changes in blood glucose.

6. Treating hepatitis

In a study examined the effect of olive leaf extract, it was found that it contains active substances (such as oleuropein) that have a protective effect that contributes to controlling fatty liver and treating liver disease in general. The study was published in the journal Pathology in 2010.

After 23 weeks of consuming lab rats suffering from fatty liver infections of olive leaf extract within their diet (100 mg of olive leaf extract per kg of body weight), it was found that this helped:

Her health improved.

Increase the activity of antioxidants.

Fight hepatitis.

7. Painkiller

In a study published in 2010 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, its results showed that olive leaf extract has analgesic properties.

It was found that giving doses ranging from 50-200 mg per 1 kg of body weight contributed to reducing pain and that it had a similar effect to morphine in the study.

The researchers concluded that the olive leaf extract is useful for treating and managing painful conditions!

8. Arthritis treatment

Also, the treatment of arthritis is one of the characteristics of olive extract because cytokine and inflammatory enzymes related to inflammatory processes are noticeably used to use olive leaf extract as a treatment option. This process is inhibited by the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols in the olive extract.

Try to drink 2-3 cups of olive leaf extract daily water to provide relief. Take olive powder from supplements at a rate of 180 mg oleuropein daily divided into 3 to 5 doses to reduce arthritis.

9. Skin care

A study published in 2014 in Cell Journal evaluated the extract of olive leaf used in the treatment of skin diseases and lesions. In an animal model, mice received a 1 cm deep incision without suturing (the wound was not stitched up). Some mice were treated with topical olive leaf extract for seven days, others with sterilized water. Analysis of the wounds reveals that the direct application of olive leaf extract facilitates the healing of the skin and the wound.

This information can be useful during the recovery procedure after a cut or surgery. The antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract can also help protect the skin from cell damage. One study even shows that olive leaf extract can also protect against aging of the skin.

10. Fight obesity

Also, among the benefits of olive leaf extract most interested in having the ability to fight obesity. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol helped reduce the production of fatty tissue and fat cells in the liver. And many studies found that it prevents the formation of fat cells. Studies have indicated that olive powder helps reduce the production of fat cells in the bone marrow and stem cells.

Take a dose of olive leaf extract capsules. Besides, you can benefit from recipes that include olive leaf extract mixed with a teaspoon of your favorite juice.