Olive Leaf Tea
Olive leaf tea is one of the most common, traditional herbal teas used among Mediterranean people to treat disease.1 It has been used for centuries for the treatment of conditions and diseases such as the common cold, malaria and tropical illnesses.2
“In 2007, researchers in Australia studying the antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs found olive leaf {extract} had the highest radical-scavenging activity of all herbs studied – more than twice that of Camellia sinensis (green tea) and Silybum marianum (milk thistle).2 ”
Health Benefits of Olive Leaf Tea
Research shows that components of the olive leaf (most prominently, oleuropein) may have beneficial effects on health – such as benefits for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia.1-3
A study, published in 2018 has showed beneficial effects of continuous intake of olive leaf tea on haematological parameters.4
This study found that red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematorcrit were increased significantly in the olive leaf tea group versus the green tea group at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention.
A recent study, published in 2019, investigated the healthy effects of olive leaf tea (OLT) in prediabetic adults.5
The randomized control trial compared the health effects of olive leaf tea (OLT) and low-concentration olive leaf tea (LOLT) as the control in 57 prediabetic adults who were mildly obese or had a normal to high body mass index (BMI). Subject consumed 330mL of OLE or LOLT three times a day for 12 weeks. No other changes to diet or lifestyle was recommended. 5
Results indicated a significant decrease in serum lipids (long-transformed triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in those who consumed OLT compared to LOLT. 5
Research related to the specific health benefits of olive leaf tea is limited, and presents an opportunity for interested researchers, to grow and develop this area of evidence. However, there is an abundance of evidence around the bioactive components found in the olive leaf, as detailed on the Olive Leaf Extract page.
References