Curious About Olive Leaf Extract?

[Guest guest]

Curious About Olive Leaf Extract?

 

" I've been reading about olive leaf extract being so good for so many things.

What can you tell me about it? "

 

-- Anonymous

 

(Published 08/04/2000)

 

Olive leaf extract (Olea europa) is being heavily promoted these days as a

treatment for a variety of viral conditions (including the flu) as well as for

the prevention of heart disease. The active ingredient is said to be oleuropein,

a bitter substance that is removed from olives during processing. In fact, a

number of laboratory studies have shown that this compound may help protect

against both heart disease and cancer. Scientists in Rome, for instance,

recently published results from a study with rabbits. They found that a diet

supplemented with oleuropein had a beneficial effect on the bunnies' low density

lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol -- making it more resistant to oxidation, a change

that would lower the risk of heart disease if it were proven to work in humans,

too.

Preliminary research from Italy looks promising. A recent study concluded that

the lower rates of heart disease among people who follow a Mediterranean diet

were due to the consumption of olive oil itself, as well as the " unique

antioxidant properties " of the phenol compounds (including oleuropein) it

contains.

Olive leaf extract has also shown promise as an antiviral in the treatment of

hepatitis C and is an ingredient in the formula Chinese physician Qingcai Zhang,

M.D., has developed to treat this disease.

All of this is very promising, but so far, there are few studies confirming that

olive oil extract benefits the heart. However, we have ample evidence that the

Mediterranean diet -- which relies on olive oil as its principal dietary fat --

is protective against heart disease and cancer. I have long advocated using

olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, in place of polyunsaturated vegetable oils or

saturated fats such as butter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

The New Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.