Olive leaf extract effect – tips on the right dosage with health benefits
The people of the Mediterranean region have known for a long time that the olive leaf extract is effective against gastrointestinal complaints and many other health problems. This brings with it several potential health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Although scientists have done much of the research on animals, the extract also shows promising results in some human trials. As a dietary supplement, olive leaf extract can act as a natural source of wellbeing and have therapeutic properties. Just read on to learn more about its health benefits, as well as possible risks and dosage.
Achieve health benefits with olive leaf extract
As mentioned above, the use of olive leaves has long been a part of the Mediterranean diet and traditional medicines there. These contain several important polyphenols such as oleacein and oleuropein. Polyphenols occur naturally in plants. Research suggests that these agents can help protect against a number of diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Additionally, polyphenols may underlie some of the potential health benefits of olive leaf extract’s effects. These properties mean that the olive leaf extract can have beneficial effects on weight loss, heart health, and even the occurrence of herpes. For example, the oleuropein found in olive tree leaves can help prevent weight gain.
In a 2016 study, researchers gave oral oleuropein to obese laboratory mice. They did this while the test animals were on a high cholesterol diet. After 8 weeks, they had a lower body weight, less adipose tissue and an improved metabolism. Another 2014 study found that oleuropein supplementation reduced body weight and weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. So these results suggest that olive leaf extract shows effects through oleuropein. In addition, it has the potential to decrease weight gain and lower the risk of obesity. However, more studies are needed to confirm these potential health benefits in humans.
Olive leaf extract dosage and use
There are no official guidelines on how much olive leaf extract a person should ingest. According to experience reports, the daily nutritional supplement from the extract is 500 to 1000 milligrams. Accordingly, you can divide the amount into a few doses per day. However, start with a smaller dosage if you are taking the olive leaf extract for the first time. Then gradually increase this as your body allows. This is mostly available in the form of olive leaf extract capsules, tablets and tea, although you should first discuss taking it for the treatment of certain diseases with a doctor. Taking olive leaf extract can also help with the following problems:
- reduces cardiovascular risk such as arteriosclerosis
- lowers high blood pressure
- helps treat type 2 diabetes
- supports weight loss
- eliminates free radicals
- strengthens immunity
- fights herpes
- reduces inflammation
- prevents cancer
When buying the olive leaf extract, you should carefully read and follow all the instructions that are on the packaging of the brand you have chosen. The strength and dosage can vary between manufacturers. It also doesn’t hurt if you read testimonials about the possible effects of the olive leaf extract. Some of these claim that the extract’s oleuropein nutrient contributes to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You may also have heard that the Mediterranean diet has been linked to a decrease in chronic illnesses, particularly cardiovascular diseases. However, the focus is mostly on olive oil, while the leaves are a bit “neglected”. These have been a part of traditional medicine for centuries in countries like Greece, Morocco and Tunisia. For example, to treat herpes with olive leaf extract, drop 1 to 2 droplets on a cotton ball and then place it on the wound. Its antiviral and antimicrobial factors prevent a herpes virus from invading surrounding cells.
Does olive leaf extract have any effect on diseases?
It has been shown that oleuropein could also offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease. The olive leaf extract also has antioxidant effects that prevent the loss of dopamine neurons. These are also linked to Parkinson’s disease. Researchers believe olive leaf extract may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, which is the highest risk factor for heart disease. High LDL cholesterol levels and total cholesterol are other risk factors for developing this disease. Animal studies from 2015 looked at the effects of olive leaf extract on cholesterol levels. Laboratory mice that took the extract for eight weeks had significantly reduced cholesterol levels. In addition, olive leaf extract can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A study from 2017 produced successful results in this regard. Accordingly, the low blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.
In addition to its heart-healthy benefits and the protection offered by type 2 diabetes, it is worth mentioning that the olive leaf extract also works when losing weight. A 2014 animal study looked at the extract’s prevention of high-fat, diet-related obesity. Olive leaf extract has been shown to prevent obesity by regulating the expression of genes that affect existing weight gain. In addition, it can also help reduce food intake. Olive leaf extracts even seem to stop cancer cells from growing. Research suggests that the extract has powerful antioxidant properties and thus could act as a natural anti-cancer drug.
Lower high blood pressure
Olive leaf extract also appears to help with high blood pressure. In a 2011 study, researchers randomized people with stage 1 high blood pressure to take either 500 milligrams (mg) of olive leaf extract or 12.5–25 mg of captopril, a drug used for high blood pressure, twice a day. After two months, blood pressure was significantly lower for both groups. The team concluded that the olive leaf extract was just as effective in lowering blood pressure as the drug in people with stage 1 hypertension. In another study from 2017, researchers randomized people with stage 1 hypertension to take either an olive leaf extract containing 136 mg of oleuropein or a placebo per day. After 6 weeks, those who took the extract had much lower blood pressure than those who took the placebo.
Affect cholesterol levels
Preliminary study results suggest that olive leaf extract may help improve cholesterol levels. In a 2015 study, researchers gave laboratory mice either a high-cholesterol or a normal diet. They also added olive leaf extract to some test animals in both groups. After 8 weeks, the cholesterol-fed mice had higher levels of total cholesterol and lipoprotein as well as lower density LDL cholesterol. These values were significantly lower in the animals that also consumed the olive leaf extract. These findings can also apply to humans. A 2008 study compared the effects of supplementing with olive leaf extract on lifestyle changes in 40 identical twins with high blood pressure. After another 8 weeks, the team found that olive leaf extract significantly lowered the LDL cholesterol level within the twin pairs in a dose-dependent manner. This means that larger doses of it could have a greater effect.
Cause type 2 diabetes
Olive leaf extract can also help reduce a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In a 2013 study, researchers randomized 46 overweight middle-aged men to take either olive leaf extract or a placebo. After 12 weeks, people in the olive leaf extract group showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic reactivity compared to those who took a placebo. Doctors consider decreased insulin sensitivity and pancreatic reactivity to be important factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Are there any side effects when taking olive leaf extract?
Drug regulatory agencies consider olive leaf extract more of a dietary supplement. For this reason, they cannot recommend a dose or combination with other medications. As seen so far, there is also limited scientific data on possible side effects or long-term safety. Some reports show that experiences such as muscle discomfort or headaches are possible with olive leaf extract. People who experience severe side effects should therefore stop taking the extract as soon as possible and talk to a doctor about it. It’s also not clear whether olive leaf extract can interact with other drugs. In the case of prescription drugs, therefore, medical advice is also recommended before taking the extract. If you are taking blood pressure medication or blood thinners, or are diabetic, you should also consult a doctor before taking olive leaf extract. This is because it is possible to develop severe allergic reactions of the respiratory tract.
Most importantly, it is important to seek advice from an expert before trying olive leaf extract. Also, keep in mind that some changes can be subtle and gradual over time. There may be no differences in health status at all when used. This is not a panacea, but it can help with your weight loss, health improvement, and immunity goals. So most of the preliminary studies suggest that olive leaf extract could bring multiple health benefits. It also includes lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reducing the risk of cancer and the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, scientists need to conduct more extensive human studies to confirm these results and determine the long-term safety of taking olive leaf extract.
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