A tree whose fruits and leaves have miraculous effects on people has been identified. What is this tree all about?

Olive oil is often synonymous with the Mediterranean diet – both its health benefits are well-researched and documented. Previous studies have already shown that olive oil reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature death; olives also contain numerous beneficial nutrients. Now, scientists have discovered something even more intriguing, as reported by Science Alert.

There is increasing evidence of the health benefits of olive leaves. In a new study, researchers found confirmation of this theory. What do olive leaves contain, and who might benefit from their extract?

According to Evangelin Manzioris, director of the nutrition and food science program and a practicing dietitian at the University of South Australia, olive leaves have traditionally been brewed as tea in the Mediterranean and used to treat fever and malaria. They are known to contain high levels of an antioxidant called oleuropein. Interestingly, olive oil and olive fruits also contain it, but in much smaller amounts.

Researchers have already determined that the greener the leaves, the higher the oleuropein content. Therefore, leaves harvested in spring have a higher level compared to those collected in autumn, indicating that oleuropein levels decrease as the leaves age.

Additionally, olive leaves contain other antioxidants, such as:

• hydroxytyrosol;
• luteolin;
• apigenin;
• verbascoside.

What are the benefits of olive leaves?

One review that combined data from 12 experimental studies involving 819 participants showed that olive leaves improve risk factors for heart disease. This included healthier blood lipids (fats) and reduced blood pressure. The results also indicated that the effect was more pronounced in individuals with higher blood pressure. Most studies in this review administered olive leaf extract in capsule form with daily doses ranging from 500 milligrams to 5 grams over 6-48 weeks.

Another review covering 12 experimental studies demonstrated significant benefits in improving blood glucose and lipid control, as well as reducing blood pressure. However, researchers note that these advantages were observed in individual studies. When the data were combined, no significant health effects were noted.

In another review, individuals who took oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol (antioxidants found in olive leaves) showed significant improvements in body weight, blood lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, and enhancements in bones, joints, and cognitive functions.

Thus, scientists concluded that olive leaf extract may help lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid levels, and assist the body in managing glucose.

Can olive leaves be eaten?

It is known that some people use olive leaves to brew tea, as well as add them to salads and smoothies. However, the leaves are bitter due to the antioxidants, making them difficult to consume, and the tea becomes unpalatable.

Olive leaf extract is also added to bread and other baked goods. Researchers found that this increases the antioxidant levels in these products, and people report that the food becomes tastier.

Are olive leaves dangerous?

According to Manzioris, no toxic effects from consuming or drinking olive leaf extract have been reported. Studies indicate that consuming up to 1 gram per day seems quite safe, but there are no official recommendations.

There have been reports of potential toxicity when taking more than 85 mg/kg of body weight per day. For comparison, this equates to 6.8 grams per day for a person weighing 80 kg, which is significantly higher than the doses used in studies. Olive leaf extract is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as scientists do not know if it is safe.

Overall, according to Manzioris, individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or elevated blood lipid levels can consume olive leaf extract to improve their health. However, experts caution that it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, be sure to consult a physician.