The Therapeutic Power of the Olive Leaf

Most of us are aware of the health benefits of olives, which is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, but what about the health benefits of the olive leaf?

Olive leaf extract is very beneficial in the treatment of a wide variety of health conditions, including conditions related to a virus, retrovirus, bacterium or protozoan. Some examples include; influenza, the common cold, candida infections, meningitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), encephalitis, herpes I and II, human herpes virus 6 and 7, shingles (Herpes zoster), HIV/ARC/AIDS, chronic fatigue, hepatitis B, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, dengue, severe diarrhea, dental infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections and surgical infections.

Besides helping with infections, olive leaf extract has been shown to possible benefit:

1. High blood pressure

2. Arterial health

3. Diabetes

4. Cancer

5. Arthritis

Olive oil contains oleuropein and plays a major part in the Mediterranean diet, however olive leaves are an even richer source of oleuropein than olive oil.

The Mediterranean Diet contains an abundance of antioxidant compounds, known as phenols and polyphenols. Phenols and polyphenols are present in a range of Mediterranean foods, such as grapes, olives, berries, red wine and extra virgin olive oil.

It is believed that these compounds are a key factor contributing to the Mediterranean region’s low incidences of coronary heart disease, obesity, hypertension, inflammatory conditions and certain cancers. They have also been directly linked to longer life expectancy.

Read More