The oldest olive tree in the world is located in Greece and is reported to be over 2000 years old.
That must be one hearty tree, surviving all of those years, the average olive tree lives to about 500 years or more. The olive tree is naturally rich in healthy compounds, the small fruit produced is the olive. Olives are full of powerful antioxidants and high in Vitamin E which can benefit heart health and may protect against some cancers and osteoperosis.
The olive tree is known for producing olive fruit, olive oil, fine wood and more recently olive leaf extract.
The olive leaf extract is the extract from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) .
After research was conducted, Scientists were surprised when they found out that olive leaf extract contains up to 40 times more polyphenols than even the freshest olive oil. This makes it one of the most powerful, free radical-scavenging antioxidants. Polyphenols are micronutrients that we get through certain plant-based foods. They’re packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits.
To fight free radicals, the body needs antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, etc. Recent study found that Olive leaf complex is 400% more potent antioxidant than Vitamin C.
BENEFITS
- anti viral and anti microbial properties – inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
- lowers blood pressure
- boosts immunity
- reduces inflammation
- helps treat type 2 diabetes
- supports weight loss
- can protect against some cancers
- can protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
- heart disease
Next time you get a sore throat, have a spoon full of olive leaf instead of an over the counter cough syrup and reap the benefits from this amazing ancient tree. 😀
