Olive Leaves Medicinal Properties – Facts About the Health Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
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Olive leaves medicinal properties are acknowledged in both alternative and traditional medicine. The uses and health benefits of olive leaf extract range from heart problems, diabetes, viral infections, and even chronic fatigue syndrome. The extract has many major benefits so let’s explore 3 of its many uses in this article.
Let’s start by talking about how it promotes a healthy heart. As you know, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis which is the hardening of the arteries. Studies reveal that when the extract is taken over a period of months, it can lower bad cholesterol by as much as 20-30%. It also is great for people with high blood pressure. It has also been shown that the extract relaxes arteries and lowers blood pressure significantly.
The second medicinal effect of olive leaf is that it is effective against the common cold, the flu and acute viral infections. The active ingredient in olive leaf is called oleuropein. It is a powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial component which destroys pathogens in your body. This has a cleansing effect on your body and removes the harmful cells and stops viruses and infection from spreading, replicating or growing. It is also a powerful aid to your immune system which can be very useful during the flu season of the year.
The third major medicinal benefit is its ability to manage blood sugar levels. Olive leaf can benefit diabetics or people who are at risk of diabetes. It seems that oleuropein is one of the compounds which lower blood sugar. In a case study, a diabetic man had start taking the extract and reported that is blood sugar had dropped 60% over the course of three months of use. Another patient had dropped their blood sugar 33% after only 1 month of use.
Diabetes is a disease in which insulin products becomes lowered or the cells become resistant to insulin and blood sugar stays in your blood instead of being used by your cells for energy. Because insulin’s function is to help glucose become absorbed by your cells, your body depends on fats instead glucose. This leaves your blood sugar high. Olive leaves however help your cells absorb the glucose independently of insulin, which significantly lowers your blood sugar. Other than those health issues already mentioned olive leaves medicinal properties can help you in other ailments and conditions such as psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis and more. The extract of the leaf of this plant is truly a jack of all trades. You can take it as a regular supplement as it is a strong anti-oxidant as well.
Julie C. Ashe is a life-time user and passionate fan of the benefits of vitamins and supplements with a scientific base to promote good health and vitality. Visit Julie’s site now to discover the natural vitamins and supplements that Julie personally uses and recommends.