All Arab Americans Should Know About the Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
By: Nana Osei/Arab America Contributing Writer
The olive leaf extract has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. In addition, scientists have recently found out this is because the olive tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea, produces oleuropein in its leaves. Oleuropein is the olive leaf extract that has many miraculous health benefits. Here are the benefits of olive leaf extract for Arab Americans:
Diabetes
The chance of having diabetes is found to be much higher in Arab Americans than in the general U.S population, according to a study funded by the American Diabetes Association. Lucky for you, olive leaf extract can actually help with this issue! Olive leaf extract lowers blood sugar levels. How? They increase the levels of natural antioxidants in our bodies and also slow the chemical breakdown of starches into sugars. Taking olive leaf extract also lowers cholesterol levels. Furthermore, in one study, lab rats were fed unhealthy food along with olive leaf extract. Scientists found that their risks for developing diabetes were lower than without the extract.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the worst diseases in the world. Arab American women are found to have a higher chance of getting thyroid cancer than any other race. In addition, Arab American men are found to have a higher chance of getting bladder cancer than most races. These are based on a study by the American Public Health Association. Olive leaf extract has actually been found to stop the growth of cancer cells. Some doctors speculate it is because of its exceptional antioxidant properties. The reason why the extract is so effective is that it attacks the cancer cells at their earliest stages. It inhibits cancers’ ability to grow and disrupts their ability to send signals.
Weight Control
Olive leaf extract is shown to have the ability to prevent weight gain. This is due to the fact that it is a polyphenol. Polyphenol is a structural class of chemicals that works as a reducing agent. A study was done in 2016 which featured obese rats. After 8 weeks the rats had reduced body weight, fat mass, and serum lipids levels. That’s an amazing improvement – so imagine what it could do for you!
Heart Health
Arab-American men have a higher risk of dying of a heart disease-related issue more than any other race. Luckily, the miracle-working olive leaf extract can help with heart health too! This was found in a study by the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Olive Leaf Extract has been found to have a prominent effect in fighting against atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is what happens when fats and cholesterol build up in your arteries causing them to narrow. Olive leaf extract combats this by inhibiting adhesion molecules and reducing platelet aggregation.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the biggest fears for anyone reaching old age. It causes inflammation in your joints which limits movement and causes pain. However, olive leaf extract can help! In the Mediterranean region, olive leaf extract has actually been a traditional medicine used to alleviate Arthritis. Studies have found that olive leaf extract reduces gout which causes a buildup in joints. It also can treat the health issues caused by rheumatoid arthritis. When given to animals who had arthritis, olive leaf extract was shown to decrease inflammation greatly.
Blood Pressure
As you get older, blood pressure is a health issue that many Arab Americans worry about each day. High blood pressure can lead to drastic health problems – and even lead to death. Olive leaf extract has been shown to reduce blood pressure significantly in animal trials. By reducing your blood pressure, olive leaf extract also reduces your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Olive leaf extract also reduces pressure in your heart’s left ventricle which leads to better blood flow.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is one of the diseases I fear the most that comes during old age. It destroys your memory and mental functions limiting your abilities greatly. Luckily, the olive leaf extract is found to protect the brain and nervous system from a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s.
Check Out Arab America’s Blog Here!
