Tag: benefits

The benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

Today’s post is all about Olive Leaf Extract.

Around this time of year many chemists and health food stores have big displays of this product along side other cold & flu preventatives.

I have always considered olive leaf extract a great supplement for the immune system. However, it helps the body with so much more than colds & flu.

The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. In several civilisations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism.

Recently, accumulating experimental and clinical studies have given support to the traditional beliefs of the health benefits provided by olives and olive derivatives.

 What is Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of an olive plant. Just like olive oil, the extract from the plants leaves is chock full of potent antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids.

In particular, a polyphenol called oleuropein. This nutrient is thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract.

How does it improve our health?

Besides protecting the body from harmful free radicals, oleuropein is also a well-documented antiviral. The oleuropein works on the protein coat of the virus. It is thought to inactivate micro-organisms by dissolving the outer lining of the microbe and penetrating the infected cells.

For its antimicrobial properties, oleuropein can be used for the treatment of respiratory tract and intestinal infections.

In addition, studies have shown that olive leaf extract also supports fat loss by improving how efficiently insulin works in your body, thereby reducing the amount of fat your body stores.

Olive leaf extract also helps stimulate the immune system to destroy infectious organisms. This can prevent the onset of colds, flu, and a range of viruses, yeast, fungal and mould problems, bacterial infections and parasites.

Several different studies have shown that the therapeutic properties of olive leaf extract may help in –

  • Lowering inflammation.
  • Protecting the digestive system and the central nervous system.
  • Inhibiting microorganism growth and preventing oxidation or cell damage.
  • Stabilising blood sugar and lowering cholesterol.
  • Protecting the brain against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  • Improving heart health and lowering blood pressure

Another beneficial compound found in olive leaf extract is oleanolic acid. A 2006 study found that this acid interacts with the body in a way that increases the metabolism. It also boosts the thyroid, and ultimately leads to increased energy.

 How much should we take?

There are no official guidelines on how much olive leaf extract a person should take. In the human studies discussed above, participants usually took 500–1,000 mg per day of a standard olive leaf extract. Some of these were in divided doses.                 (Sources – www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.hindawi.com, www.webmd.com,)

 There are so many research articles and other information available on the benefits of olive leaf extract, I could have written so much more.

Basically, I think that all of this information shows that this extract, taken from the leaves of olive trees, is so good for us. We should take it every day to stay well and healthy.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper.

The lesser known benefits of Oranges

Todays post is all about Oranges.

We have an orange tree in our garden and this winter we harvested several buckets of oranges. So for a while, we are able to enjoy some lovely fresh fruit or juice every day.

Most of us are aware that this fruit is an abundant source of vitamin C. The average medium orange will provide an adult with the recommended daily dose.

However, studies in both animals and humans indicate that regular consumption of oranges is associated with various health benefits.

 The other health benefits.

Oranges also contain health-promoting compounds known as flavanones. Research suggests that these flavanones help support the body, protecting it from conditions such as heart disease and cancer. These compounds also have some anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial benefits.

One antioxidant compound found in oranges, called hesperidin, may be beneficial in helping to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. Clinical studies have found that daily intake of orange juice actually has a blood-thinning effect.

This fruit is also a good source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and potassium. The main fibres found in oranges are pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Studies have also found that these citrus fibres also play a part in decreased blood cholesterol levels.

Oranges, and other fruits of the citrus family, are high in citric acid and citrates, which contribute to the taste. Research indicates that citric acid and citrates from oranges may help prevent kidney stone formation. Both vitamin C and citric acid can increase the absorption of iron from the digestive tract Therefore, when eaten with foods rich in iron, oranges can help reduce the risk of anemia.

Oranges also contain choline, and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Choline is nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

 Oranges and the eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that give the yellow or orange colour to various foods. Numerous studies have identified these carotenoids to be essential components for eye health.

They constitute the main pigments found in the yellow spot of the human retina, which protect the macula from damage by blue light, improve visual acuity and scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

A 15yr study has shown that people who regularly eat oranges are less likely to develop macular degeneration than people who do not eat oranges. Lead Researcher Associate Professor Bamini Gopinath from the University of Sydney said the data showed that flavonoids in oranges appear to help prevent against the eye disease. “Even eating an orange once a week seems to offer significant benefits.”

 Eating oranges is generally healthier than just drinking the juice. One cup of orange juice has a similar amount of natural sugar, as two whole oranges, without the fibre.

Interestingly, the peel actually contains higher amounts of certain nutrients than the flesh, so using recipes that incorporate the zest of an orange will give your diet an extra boost.

I wonder if oranges are going to be called the next ‘super food’?

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

All about Oats, are they healthy?

Todays post is all about Oats.

With the cooler weather, many people turn to oats or porridge for breakfast. It has certainly become one of our favourites. There are also many differing opinions regarding how healthy this cereal is. I decided to do my own research and, as usual, share the results.

What are Oats?

The oat (Avena sativa), is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed, which is known by the same name. Oats have been around for a very long time. Researchers have found significant evidence that hunter-gatherers ate oats 25,000 years before the spread of farming.

In Scotland, oats became the staple grain. This is because oats are better suited than wheat to the country’s low temperatures and high humidity. As a result, the cereal grain is held in high esteem, as a mainstay of the national diet.

As a food, oats are most commonly rolled or crushed into oatmeal, or ground into fine oat flour. Oatmeal is chiefly eaten as porridge, but may also be used in a variety of baked goods, such as oatcakes, oatmeal cookies and oat bread. Oats are also a staple ingredient in cereals such as muesli and granola.

Oats are naturally free of gluten. They do however contain proteins called Avenins, which are similar to Gliadins from wheat. Avenins can trigger celiac disease in a small proportion of people. Other gluten-containing grains, mainly wheat and barley, also frequently contaminate oat products.

 Are oats really healthy?

They are generally considered healthy due to containing several essential nutrients.

A 100-gram serving provides 389 calories and is an excellent source of protein, dietary fibre, several B group vitamins and numerous minerals. Research has proven that the consumption of the whole grain, and oat-based products, significantly reduces total cholesterol concentrations.

Studies have also shown other possible health benefits of this cereal grain. These include reduced risk of coronary artery disease, lowering levels of cholesterol, and reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

A unique type of soluble fibre found in oats called beta-glucan, has numerous benefits. It nourishes and restores healthy gut bacteria and helps reduce blood sugar levels.

A few studies also indicate that oats may boost the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites

Oats contain a range of molecules that act as antioxidants; this includes avenanthramides, which are polyphenols. Studies have revealed that Avenanthramides may play a role in keeping blood pressure low.

They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties when applied topically to the skin.

Using oats on the skin.

Oats contain zinc, which is an anti-inflammatory. They also contain compounds called saponins, which are natural cleansers. Oat extracts can also be used to soothe skin conditions, and their emollient properties are used in cosmetics.

It certainly seems that oats are good for us, inside and out.

Till the next post, 

Live clean n prosper