Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, causing one in four deaths, according to the CDC.
One in four.
Protecting our hearts, literally and figuratively, may be the most important thing we can do for our health.
So are there natural options available to us that helps us take power into our own hands?
Perhaps olive leaf extract can be that option.
Researchers from the University of Reading in the UK and Massey University in New Zealand looked into whether olive leaf extract could lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers.
The reason for this is due to the high polyphenol content of olive leaf and the belief that dietary polyphenols are beneficial to these markers of cardiovascular health.
To examine olive leaf extract’s effects, they conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled study involving 60 pre-hypertensive males with a mean age of 45.
Compared to the polyphenol-free control, they found significant reductions in daytime and 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those who consumed olive leaf extract. They also found reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Lastly, the olive leaf extract group also exhibited a reduction in interleukin-8, which is an important inflammatory marker, while other markers of inflammation were not affected.
Sounds great!
So what are the caveats?
First of all, these results are very encouraging. This was a study done on actual human beings with a need to experience the potential benefits of the treatment.
What we do know is that this particular test group experienced good results at the dosage provided.
What we do not know is if this can/will be replicated in other test groups, specifically in those who are actually hypertensive rather than pre-hypertensive, as this group was.
Also, are other dosages/concentrations as effective or more effective?
These are fairly minor and expected questions to have after a study such as this, however.
It also must be noted that this study was funded in part (50%) by the manufacturers of the olive leaf extract used. That on its face does not mean the results are skewed.
It can be a good thing when nutritional supplement manufacturers set out to prove whether or not their supplement works. Many ride the coattails of folk wisdom or anecdotal claims with no scientific backup.
On the other hand, in most cases when you pay for something, you want to see the results you were looking for.
Although there is no readily apparent reason to be skeptical in this case, it must be noted.
So, if things like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or inflammation are important or of concern to you, be sure talk to your licensed health care practitioner today to see if olive leaf extract could be helpful and safe for you.
Perhaps this is another way you can take back the power over your own health.
Thanks for being here!
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26951205/
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