This article will address the question, ‘does olive leaf extract lower pressure’ so you can determine whether you want to include it in your dietary routine.
Many people turn to natural sources to lower blood pressure. This keeps their heart healthy while helping them avoid Western medications that can be expensive and cause unwanted side effects. Keep reading to learn how olive leaf extract can lower blood pressure.
What is olive leaf extract?
Olive leaf extract is sourced from the leaves of olive trees. It can be taken in supplemental form for the health benefits it provides. It can be combined with other herbs, and it can also be consumed in an olive leaf tea.
Does olive leaf extract lower blood pressure (hypertension)?
Olive leaf extract provides many benefits. But does olive leaf extract help lower blood pressure? The answer is yes. There have been several clinical studies that serve as evidence that olive leaf extract can lower blood pressure. These will be reviewed later in the article.
Benefits of olive leaf extract on hypertension
Olive leaf extract is good for hypertension due to its rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants are molecules in the body that fight free radicals and oxidative stress. They prevent disease and can counter signs of aging.
It has been shown that drugs that contain antioxidants are most effective in reducing hypertension. This may be due to their ability to affect molecular mechanisms which are involved in the regulation of vascular function and oxidative stress.
Clinical Studies: Olive Leaf Extract / High Blood Pressure
There have been several clinical studies that show the beneficial effects olive leaf extract has on high blood pressure. Here are some to consider.
New Zealand is a country with a high rate of people suffering from high blood pressure. A study conducted in the region showed that olive leaf extract significantly lowered blood pressure levels to the point where it was comparable to a prescription medication.
The study also revealed that it can lower blood lipid levels which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It may also improve risk markers for other heart related issues including inflammation, platelet aggregation and oxidation of glucose and bad cholesterol.
A 2011 study looked at people with stage 1 hypertension. The participants were asked to take either 500 mg of olive leaf extract or 12.5 to 25 mg of captopril, a popular blood pressure medication, twice a week.
After the 8-week study concluded, both groups showed a remarkable reduction in blood pressure levels. This proved that the extract could be as effective as a Western medication in keeping blood pressure under control.
A 2017 study asked people with stage 1 hypertension to take either an olive leaf extract containing 136 oleuropein (a powerful polyphenol in the oil) or a placebo each day. After 6 weeks, participants that took the extract had much lower blood pressure levels than those who took the placebo.
Where can I buy an olive leaf extract supplement?
Olive leaf extract can be purchased at most health food stores, both online and offline. It may also be available at some grocery stores. Before purchasing a supplement you should do a bit of research about the brand. Is the supplement all natural? Is it made in the USA? Is it non GMO? The supplement aisle or Google search can be overwhelming. Finding an all natural supplement is easy when you shop Longevity By Nature products.
Benefits of olive leaf extract supplements
We know that the answer to the question, can olive leaf extract lower blood pressure, is a resounding yes. But what other benefits can it provide? Here are some to consider.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Olive leaf extract lowers blood pressure, but it can also improve heart health in other ways. It increases blood flow to promote circulation throughout the body. It also prevents bad cholesterol from building up in your arteries. Animal studies show it can also restore a normal heartbeat in people with arrhythmia although more research is needed to prove if this is true.
Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
The antioxidants in the extract can lower and stabilize blood sugar and decrease insulin levels. This means it can reduce diabetes risk.
Strengthens the Immune System
Olive leaf extract is rich in oleuropein and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system protecting it from viruses and bacteria. They also lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, Parkinson’s, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Some studies suggest it can stop cancer growth.
Weight Management
Studies have shown that oleuropein can lower body fat and reduce wait gain in animals fed high cholesterol and high fat diets. It may also provide satiety to minimize overeating. This makes it effective in weight management.
Other benefits of olive leaf extract supplements can include:
- Improved immune system health
- Maintain healthy cells from becoming senescence cells
- Provide your body with bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannin, organic acids, and vitamins that your body cannot naturally produce
How long does it take for olive leaf extract to work?
Olive leaf extract is highly bioavailable so it should be absorbed into your system in 24 hours or less. It should be fully absorbed by your tissues within 1-2 days.
However, it will only stay in your body about 2-3 days after ingestion. That’s why it’s important to keep taking it on a regular basis.
It may take some time before your blood pressure levels actually start lowering. But if you look at the studies above, you will see that participants started seeing results in 6-8 weeks. This is a pretty good indication of when you will start experiencing the supplement’s full benefits.
Can olive leaf extract cause health risks?
We know the answer to the question, can olive leaf extract lower blood pressure is yes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with its share of health risks.
The extract is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so you can never be sure what the extract contains. That’s why it’s important to source it from a trusted brand.
It has also been known to produce mild side effects such as coughing, vertigo, stomach pains and headaches. If you are allergic to pollen you may experience a reaction when taking olive leaf.
It may also react with certain blood pressure medications. It may not be safe for people with liver disease, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.
In general, it is best to talk to a doctor before you begin taking an olive leaf extract.
Shop Longevity by Nature
Longevity By Nature is known as an innovator in the natural health industry. With 3 decades and counting of experience, we are proud to offer 100% natural supplements that can help you live a long and healthy life. Our products are made with high end pharmaceutical food grade ingredients that are encapsulated with all constituents intact.
If you are looking for an olive leaf extract supplement, you will want to try Longevity By Nature’s Olea25. Olea25 25% Hydroxytyrosol Supplement has the highest ORAC value discovered to date worldwide and combats five predominant reactive species, along with an amphiphilic structure (organic compound) that is an endogenous phenolic molecule, cell permeable nutrient and essential for cellular longevity.
Try Olea25 Natural Hydroxytyrosol Supplement risk free today!
Explore more best selling supplements from Longevity by Nature
