The first pressing of oil from olives, referred to as extra virgin
olive oil, is highly prized among chefs worldwide, and is credited with
playing an important role in the overall healthy nature of the
Mediterranean diet. Easy-to-cook-with and delicious in flavor, olive oil
has earned a reputation for its health benefits as well as for its
versatility of use.
But another part of the olive harvest is less known, yet imparts
tremendous health benefits. That part of the harvest is olive leaf – a
traditional medicinal herb whose therapeutic uses date back centuries.
Early references to the olive leaf as medicine can be found in the Bible: "The fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." (Ezekiel 47:12)
The ancient Egyptians attributed heavenly powers to the olive leaf, and used preparations of it in the process of mummification.
In traditional Moroccan medicine, an infusion of olive leaf has been
consumed to stabilize blood sugar and control diabetes. This use has
been corroborated in published studies.
Today, olive leaf is becoming increasingly well-known and appreciated
outside of olive-growing regions, as science on its benefits expands.
One of the primary compounds in olive leaf, a substance called
oleuropein, has attracted scientific attention since the early 1900s.
An iridoid by definition, oleuropein exhibits antibacterial,
antiviral and antifungal activity, and is useful for fighting various
types of internal infections. Oleuropein also appears to increase the
body’s production of thermogenin, a substance that helps us to burn fat
more efficiently.
In early studies, oleuropein demonstrated blood pressure-lowering
properties. Studies conducted in Milan have shown that this compound is a
potent antioxidant, inhibiting the oxidation of lipids in the blood,
and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In fact, the antioxidant activity of olive leaf is higher than that
of green tea. A significant body of science shows that antioxidant
compounds derived from plants provide profound health benefits, and help
to reduce the risk of many chronic and degenerative diseases.
Olive leaf is an especially good source of the anti-cancer compounds
apigenin and luteolin, and is a source of the anti-malarial agent
cinchonine. And oleuropein has also shown protective capabilities
against breast cancer.
Olive leaf extract also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Like oxidation,
inflammation is a key factor in chronic and degenerative diseases.
Animal studies additionally suggest that olive leaf extract may protect
against nerve damage, and may be of value in cases of stroke.
In the world of medicinal plants, it is often the case that
traditional use of plants precedes, by centuries, the science that
corroborates the same uses. This is certainly true with olive leaf.
Regarded as somewhat of a tonic cure-all in ancient times, olive leaf
and olive leaf extracts appear to promote better health overall and help
to ward off a variety of serious health disorders.
Even though the leaf of the olive tree is far less well-known than
the fruits of the tree and the precious oil derived from them, a
steadily growing body of science points to the leaf as highly valuable,
and worthy of its ancient medicinal reputation.
Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all
over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at
the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In
Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies
and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field
research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France.
Source : Fox News, By Chris Kilham, 23/1/13