Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or not, it’s undeniable that the region has a pretty healthy diet. One of the mainstays on many menus are olives – tiny fruit full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and lots of vitamin E.1
If you’re looking for even more ways to benefit from these nutrient-packed plants, why not try a product containing olive leaf extract? Here’s what you need to know…
So, what is olive leaf extract?
As its name suggests, olive leaf extract is a substance that’s extracted from the leaves of olive trees. It has different properties to olive fruit, with the key active ingredient being oleuropein.
Olive leaf extract benefits
Just like olive oil, olive leaf extract has potential health benefits. These are mostly associated with the fact olive leaves contain high amounts of polyphenols –antioxidants and various other nutrients2
If you’re considering taking it as a supplement, it’s worth knowing the following olive leaf extract uses:
It may aid with weight loss
The oleuropein (a type of polyphenol) in olive leaves has led some researchers to believe that it may aid with weight loss.3
It could help control cholesterol levels
For a similar reason as above, olive leaf extract has been shown in several studies to successfully lower some people’s levels of “bad” cholesterol over eight weeks.4
It’s possibly beneficial for brain health
Olive leaf extract’s high antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds which can help helps protect cells from oxygen-free radicals.5,6
It’s been linked to lowering blood pressure
A recent study showed that taking olive leaf extract regularly over several weeks could have some success at reducing blood pressure.7
It might support your immune system
The polyphenols in olive leaf extract may contribute to the normal function of your immune system.8
Should anyone avoid olive leaf extract?
There are no significant known risks of taking olive leaf extract. Nevertheless, you may want to consult a medical professional first if you’re diabetic, currently taking blood thinners, or medication to help control blood pressure.9
Last updated: 20 November 2020
Sources
1 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/olives
2 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324878
3 https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-olive-leaf-extract-89489
4 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324878
5 https://www.healthline.com/health/olive-leaf-extract#otherbenefits
6 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained
7 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324878#blood-pressure
8 https://www.drugs.com/npp/olive-leaf.html
9 https://www.healthline.com/health/olive-leaf-extract#side-effects
