The Mediterranean Diet as an approach to healthy eating has
been widely recognised as a way of improving your health and quality of life.
Observational studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet protects against
heart disease, may prevent some types of cancer and promote longevity.
When we think about a Mediterranean diet we often associate
it with olive oil. The benefits have been widely discussed in nutritional
textbooks, and typing ‘Olive Oil benefits’ into any search engine will give
over 20million results, proving just how popular this oil has become.
The Olive tree is one of the most cited plants in Western
literature and dates back thousands of years, where it has become a symbol of
peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power & purity. Its fruit are a hugely
popular edible food as is the Oil, which is widely used for culinary and
medicinal purposes.
This wonderful tree is a rich source of beneficial plant
compounds such as phenolics, flavanoids, anthocyanins and tocopherols. In
recent years studies have focused on the phenolic composition of olive oil.
Authors published in ‘Critical reviews in food science & nutrition’ suggest
that over 36 phenolic compounds have been identified in Olive Oil and some have
been implicated in providing significant health benefits. Two such compounds
are known to be potent antioxidants, which is important as they can prevent the
DNA damage which can lead to cancer & cardiovascular disease.
However research is now indicating that the most important
health benefits may not come from the oil but from the leaves of the Olive
tree. Its leafy branches – a symbol of abundance glory and peace.
Olive leaves are rich in the trees phenolic compounds
exhibiting antioxidant levels 30 – 40 times higher than those found in Olive
Oil. Anti oxidants help keep our bodies functioning at their best – keeping the
effect of harmful free radicals in check – free radicals are well known for
causing damage which leads to premature ageing, cancer and many other diseases.
Plants from the Mediterranean have developed high levels of
antioxidant defences to protect themselves against environmental stress. Just
as these anti oxidants protect the plant they also protect us from ageing and
disease. And due to the high number of antioxidants occurring in olive leaf
they all work synergistically to provide far superior anti oxidant protection.
OLIVE LEAF FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT
The winter season brings with it plenty of sniffles, sore
throats, colds and the dreaded flu, which can certainly leave us feeling under
the weather somewhat. How well we cope with infection or recover from diseases
is a direct reflection of how well our immune system is functioning. Recurrent
infections or illness are a clear indicator that you immunity may be low.
Olive leaf has been used for centuries in many cultures for
medicinal purposes and is constantly recommended to boost the immune system,
particularly for those who suffer from recurrent infections. Common conditions
where olive leaf has been effective in boosting the immune system include colds
& flu, ear infections, warts, cold sores, urinary tract infections, yeast
issues and many more.
It is thought to work by supporting your body’s innate
immunity through interaction with white blood cells known as macrophages. By
improving the function of macrophages, our first line of defence is increased
and our ability to repel harmful microorganisms enhanced.
In laboratories, olive leaf has been demonstrated to be
effective against various viruses, bacteria and fungi, for example, E.Coli,
salmonella, helicobacter pylori, herpes simplex, influenza and candida.
Alongside its benefits for Immune Health and antioxidant
support, evidence is also emerging to show that olive leaf may offer significant
benefits for a number of health conditions such as arthritis, high cholesterol,
increased blood pressure, pain, and increased blood glucose levels. It may also
offer bone protection which is particularly useful for conditions such as
osteoporosis and also reduce signs of premature ageing, whilst aiding skin
conditions.
Olive leaf extract is available to buy from Bare Health in
liquid and tablet form. The ‘fresh’ extract is considered to be the most
effective and beneficial.
Caution should be taken if you are already taking prescribed
medication as Olive leaf may enhance the effects of some prescription
medication. Always seek the advice of your GP or healthcare professional if you
are under medical supervision.
For more information on olive leaf please contact Bare
Health on 01260 408413 or email you enquiries to mel@barehealth.co.uk
References
available on request.
