Have you never heard or experienced the taste of olive leaf tea? You’re not alone. This pleasant-tasting tea is not a common staple in tea houses or shops. But, it should be. Olive leaf has been a staple in the diet of many Mediterranean cultures for centuries. These same cultures enjoy a low incidence of viruses, heart disease, and cancers. We have all heard researchers, scientists, and nutritionists promote the health benefits of olive oil and the Mediterranean diet.
What they don’t tell you is that you can also enjoy the health benefits of olive leaf in a wonderfully enjoyable tea. For those who are counting their fat grams and calories, this is one way to enjoy the health benefits of the essential oils in olive leaf without the fat.
Since ancient times, olive leaf tea has been given to help combat many things of the times. The British gave olive leaf herbal tea to colonists and soldiers who were ill after returning from a tropical climate. The stories about the improvements in these individuals have promoted modern science to know these claims.
Scientists discovered that the active compounds in olive leaf are oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and other powerful antioxidants. In a 2005 study conducted by the Australian Center for Complementary Medicine Education and Research, olive leaves were revealed to have five times the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C. This herbal tea was also found to have nearly twice the antioxidant power than green tea and grape seed extract. The high antioxidant content may also be useful in helping the body fight premature aging and other diseases.
The component, oleuropein, is a natural pesticide and also helps protect the olive tree from bacterial damage. The properties of the oleuropein component have been shown to help protect the human body from viruses, bacteria and fungal infections.
The component, hydroxytyrosol, found in olive leaf, is believed to be a powerful antioxidant. Is ten times more powerful than the antioxidant value found in green tea. Tyrosol is another powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against oxidative damage.
Oleuropein has been shown to have powerful antibacterial and antiviral effects. It seems to work as a broad spectrum antibiotic. It is also responsible for the well-touted heart health benefits. This component inhibits the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) and relaxes the arterial walls, helping to lower blood pressure.
Here is a summary of some of the health benefits of olive leaf tea.:
- antiviral properties
- Known to lower cholesterol.
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Has anti-fungal properties
- It has antibacterial properties.
- Improves and maintains a strong immune system.
- Lower blood sugar.
- Fight premature aging
- Increase energy levels
- Elevate your mood
Scientists and researchers are still investigating the health benefits of olive leaf tea. Until then, making olive leaf tea a part of your daily routine may be something you should investigate for yourself. As a naturally organic product, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of a natural beverage until up-and-coming researcher and scientists put their stamp of approval on it. This unique drink deserves a place on your tea shelf.
Of course, consult your health care provider about the use of herbs for specific health problems. The information provided here should not be taken as medical advice or as an actual preventative or cure for any known medical condition or disease.