Tag: flavonoids

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.

Gut Health and Strawberries

Today’s post is about Gut Health and Strawberries.

Lately there has been a lot of focus on Strawberries. All scandals aside, these sweet berries are very good for us. In particular, Strawberries are very good for supporting our gut health.

Very early on in my blog, I wrote about how a healthy gut and its ‘microbiome’ is linked to our overall health.

 So, what is the Gut Microbiome?

Our ‘gut microbiome’ is made up of the trillions of microorganisms and their genetic material that live in our intestinal tract. These microorganisms live in the digestive system and play a key role in digesting food we eat; they also help with absorbing and synthesising nutrients.

The gut microorganisms are involved in many other important processes that extend beyond the gut. These organisms contribute to metabolism, body weight, immune regulation, as well as brain functions and mood.

Our gut began to populate with bacteria very early in life. As we grow, there continue to be many things that can shape the bacteria that live in our gut. We all live our day-to-day lives in different environments with different combinations of habits and surroundings. Because of this, our microbiome is like a bacterial fingerprint, uniquely individual.

Some things are difficult to change, like genetics, stressful events or illness. There are other factors we can modify or control, such as our lifestyle behaviours – particularly diet.

 What is a ‘Healthy Gut’?

Generally speaking, a healthy gut has a barrier that is effective at keeping the contents of the gut, such as its micro biota, undigested food particles and toxins, from escaping into the bloodstream. Apart from performing all of its usual digestive and regulatory functions, a healthy gut has several other important jobs, including helping to fight off infection.

 What about the Strawberries?

Recent research has found that Strawberries contain ‘anti-inflammatory’ compounds that reduce gut inflammation and increase healthy gut bacteria.

Strawberries are also rich in Potassium, which helps reduce high blood pressure.

The presence of ellagic acids and flavonoids in strawberries protect hearts from bad cholesterol.

Strawberries also contain Fisetin which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that Fisetin could help to protect brain cells against the effects of ageing. The Journal Annals of Neurology published that eating strawberries more than twice a week has been shown to delay cognitive ageing by up to 2.5 years.

 

We have always enjoyed eating Strawberries and it has been great to learn how good they are for us. Not that we needed a reason to eat more of them.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper