Olive leaf extract is a natural source of wellness with therapeutic properties that are:

1. gastroprotective (protects digestive system)
2. neuroprotective (protects central nervous system)
3. antimicrobial (inhibits microorganism growth)
4. anticancer (reduces risk of cancer)
5. anti-inflammatory (reduces risk of inflammation)
6. antinociceptive (reduces pain stimuli)
7. antioxidant (prevents oxidation or cell damage)

Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of an olive plant. It contains an active ingredient called oleuropein. This nutrient is thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract.

You may have heard how a Mediterranean diet has been linked to a decrease in chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. This is thought to be due to the focus on olive oil, leaves, and fruit in the diet. It’s been used as traditional medicine for centuries in countries like Greece, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Here’s what research says about the biggest reported benefits of olive leaf extract.

Protects the brain against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Oleuropein is also shown to have a protection against Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant effects of olive leaf extract may also help with preventing damage or loss of dopamine neurons that’s associated with Parkinson’s disease as well.

Improves heart health

Researchers believe olive leaf extract can have positive effects on atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, which is the highest risk factor for heart disease. High levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and total cholesterol are risk factors for developing this disease. One animal study from 2015 assessed the effects of olive leaf extract on cholesterol levels. Rats who took the extract for eight weeks had significantly decreased cholesterol levels.

Lowers blood pressure

Olive leaf extract may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A 2017 study found that olive leaf extract successfully lowered blood pressure. A lower blood pressure can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Treats type 2 diabetes

A review of olive leaf extract and type 2 diabetes found that olive leaf oil extract can help improve insulin secretion in cells. Animal studies have shown that olive leaf extract may:

• reduce hyperglycemia
• reduce hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood)
• reduce blood glucose, plasma malondialdehyde, and other signs of oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals that can harm the body)
• reduce cholesterol
• decrease serum glucose
• increase serum insulin

Supports weight management

Along with heart-healthy benefits and type 2 diabetes protection, it makes sense that olive leaf extract could also help with weight loss. An animal study from 2014 researched the effect of olive leaf extract in preventing high-fat, diet-induced obesity. It’s thought that olive leaf extract prevents obesity by regulating the expression of genes that affect weight gain. It can also aid in reducing food intake.

Reduces cancer risk

In one cell study, olive leaf extracts were shown to stop cancerous cell growth. Researchers suggest that the extract has strong antioxidant properties, but this is also one of the first studies on olive leaf extracts and their anticancer effects. More research is needed to prove this benefit.

Buy our premium Olive Leaf Extract here.

This is an abridged version of the original article appearing in www.healthline.com