Olive leaves are obtained from the olive tree, from whose fruits a very valuable and healthy oil is obtained.
It has been widely used in folk medicine in Mediterranean and European countries since ancient times. It shows antiviral, antioxidant and anticancer properties with the active compounds of phenolic, triterpene and flavonoid structure it contains.
Olive leaves can be used by extracting their oil or drying them. Dried leaves can be brewed as tea or ground and consumed directly by adding them to foods.
When consumed as tea or powder, olive leaves provide benefits for stomach and intestinal disorders, oral and dental health, and prevention of heart diseases.
Extracts from olive leaves prevent the development of infection on the skin and have an anti-aging effect. Olive leaf extract is suitable for oral consumption for its benefits. In some cases, oils obtained from olive leaves can be added to olive oil obtained from fruits.
BENEFITS OF OLIVE LEAF
Olive leaf shows antioxidant, antibacterial, antilipidemic and anticancer properties. It can be preferred as a preventive and auxiliary treatment in areas such as protecting heart health and treating diabetes. Olive leaf benefits can be listed as follows:
It lowers cholesterol with its antilipidemic properties.
It balances high blood sugar.
It relieves the symptoms of respiratory diseases. It is effective for asthma, flu and cold.
It lowers blood pressure and relaxes the veins. It protects cardiovascular health by preventing vascular occlusion. With its diuretic effect, it both lowers blood pressure and removes excess edema.
When an allergenic substance enters the body, the defense mechanism increases histamine secretion. Olive leaf reduces the effects of allergic reactions by reducing histamine secretion.
It helps treat inflammatory diseases in the body with its anti-inflammatory effect. It reduces the effects of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
It may be preferred for the treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases. It helps get rid of bacteria that cause disease in the intestine.
It protects against diseases by strengthening the immune system.
DAMAGES OF OLIVE LEAVES
Olive leaf is considered more reliable than synthetic products. However, any product that is not used in the correct dosage and manner may have toxic effects. Olive leaf damages can be listed as follows:
When people with chronic diseases and medications use olive leaf, undesirable results may occur as a result of drug interaction.
When consumed by people with a sensitive stomach, side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. If such a side effect occurs, its consumption should be stopped.
Fluctuations in blood sugar may occur when people with low blood sugar consume high amounts.
Due to its lowering effect on blood pressure, it is beneficial for people who use blood pressure medication to consume it by consulting their doctor.
For use by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, an expert should be consulted first.