The olive tree is commonly known as a symbol of peace. The ancient Greeks viewed an olive branch as a symbol of friendship and peace. Today, the olive tree’s significance to our health and wellness has also grown. Many consumers turn to olive leaf extract due to its numerous health benefits.
A lot of people are starting to shun conventional medicines. Most drugs are synthetic substances produced in a lab. Many people do not like the thought of being dependent on medication for their daily functioning. Therefore, natural remedies are slowly making a comeback for some health conditions. Olive leaf extract is another popular nutraceutical product to consider due to its many health benefits.
Some of the Health Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract (OLE) has multiple science-backed health benefits. You can potentially treat common health issues like diabetes or hypertension using this supplement. Below are some of the main health benefits of olive leaf extract.
Heart Health
Multiple factors affect your heart’s well-being; your diet and daily habits are primary drivers of heart health. Incorporating olive leaf extract benefits your cardiovascular system and guarantees a healthy lifestyle.
There are several ways olive leaf extract boosts heart health. A 2015 study on rats showed that olive leaf extract could cut low-density lipoprotein [LDL]. Another study showed that olive leaf extract could lower total cholesterol and stabilize blood pressure.
LDL is often referred to as bad cholesterol. In large amounts, the fat will accumulate along the walls of your arteries to form plaque. This added layer narrows the diameter of your arteries and strains your heart to deliver blood across your body. Scientists have revealed that OLE supplements can be used against high blood pressure. During a 2011 experiment, the extract had the same effect as hypertension medications like captopril.
Type 2 Diabetes
Poor insulin sensitivity usually leads to spiking blood sugar when your body cannot exploit blood sugar fast enough. Moreover, insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for Diabetes.
Nevertheless, OLE has a rich antioxidant profile that optimizes the hormone levels in your body. Similarly, the extract has a direct impact on insulin resistance and enhances how well your pancreatic cells produce the hormone. The net effect is that your muscle cells begin to exploit glucose in the blood optimally.
Weight Loss
One of the primary reasons for rapid weight gain is a high-fat diet. A diet high in carbs can cause this, as excess carbohydrates will get converted to fat molecules for storage. Fortunately, olive leaf extract facilitates a quick breakdown of this molecule. Previous research indicates that oleuropein slows down weight gain in rats given a high-fat diet. OLE also boosts metabolism and reduces underlying fat tissue for a leaner frame.
Immune System and Cancer
Besides cancer, OLE supplements can also help prevent different chronic diseases. The plant leaves have antiviral and antibacterial properties that strengthen your body’s immune response. Eventually, you may be able to avoid prolonged ailments such as Parkinson’s, influenza, osteoporosis, UTIs, and Alzheimer’s disease.
OLE bears a range of phenolic components, including natural antioxidants, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These elements protect your cells against damage. Cancerous cell growth is rapid and is sometimes a product of free radicals. Nevertheless, the antioxidant properties in OLE have a positive impact on oxidative damage of cells.
How it Works
The primary factor that makes OLE a phenomenal plant extract is oleuropein. This compound is a polyphenol abundant in the leaves, fruit, and stems of the olive plant. OLE is more effective than standalone oleuropein, and the resulting synergy allows you to enjoy the antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting effects.
Oleuropein damages the structural integrity of microbial components as it counters microbial activity. A 2017 study showed how OLE injures the flagella of target cells and further hampers their movement. This compound is particularly effective against E. coli, Candida albicans, and K. pneumonia. OLE boosts the effectiveness of insulin release in reaction to heightened blood sugar. Also, OLE contributes to the collapse of leukemia cells following DNA fragmentation.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
OLE is not under intense scrutiny from the FDA, and very little is known about its long-term side effects. However, the pollen from the olive leaf can trigger respiratory reactions.
OLE tends to decrease the effectiveness of hypertension drugs. Also, if you are on insulin, you should avoid taking olive leaf extract. Likewise, the antioxidant character of OLE might interfere with chemotherapy medications. So if you are taking any other types of drug that may interfere with olive leaf extract, it is best to talk to your doctor beforehand.
Takeaway
Currently, the FDA doesn’t consider OLE a medicine but a dietary supplement. Therefore, you’ll need to consult your doctor before combining the extract with other prescription drugs.
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