Why olive leaf is nature’s answer to cholesterol management

You may be familiar with olive oil and its benefits for heart health, but you may not be as familiar with olive leaf. Olive leaf is an extract from the leaves of the olive tree that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Olive leaf extract is a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to promote heart health by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and inflammation.

HOW DOES OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT WORK?

Cholesterol is a type of fat essential for the body’s function. However, too much cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. This can cause heart disease and stroke. Olive leaf extract works by inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Oleuropein, the main active compound in olive leaf extract, has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

In addition, oleuropein inhibits an enzyme that promotes inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect may help to protect against heart disease.

WHY IS OLEUROPEIN SO POWERFUL?

Inflammation is a major factor in the development of heart disease. Oleuropein is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation.

Oleuropein has also been shown to reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. This effect may help to protect against heart attacks and strokes. Oleuropein helps reduce the stickiness of platelets, blood cells that clump together to form clots. This may help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Another benefit of olive leaf extract is that it can help to lower blood sugar levels. This is important because high blood sugar levels can damage the arteries and lead to heart disease.

HOW TO USE OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

It’s essential to choose a high-quality product that contains at least 20% oleuropein.  Take olive leaf extract in divided doses throughout the day.  The recommended dosage is 500 mg two to three times daily. You can also take olive leaf extract in capsule form. There is no official dose; take what works best for you.

You should start to see a difference in your cholesterol levels within four to six weeks of taking olive leaf extract. If you don’t, you may need to increase your dose. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT SIDE EFFECTS AND SAFETY

Olive leaf extract is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most people. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you experience these side effects, stop taking olive leaf extract and call your doctor.

Before consuming olive leaf extract, you must speak with your doctor if you are taking any medication. Olive leaf extract has been known to lower blood sugar levels; therefore, individuals with diabetes should also consult a medical professional before use.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking olive leaf extract because there is insufficient information on its safety.

CAN YOU TAKE OLIVE LEAF OIL IN ADDITION TO CHOLESTEROL MEDICINE?

Yes, olive leaf oil can be taken in addition to cholesterol medicine. In fact, olive leaf oil may help increase cholesterol medicine’s effectiveness. A study published in the journal Atherosclerosis found that taking a combination of olive leaf extract and statin medication was more effective at lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol than taking statin medication alone. Be mindful when you combine the two, though. It’s essential to make sure your cholesterol levels don’t drop too much.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR OLIVE LEAF FOR CHOLESTEROL MANAGEMENT?

If you have high cholesterol, olive leaf extract may help to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing your HDL (good) cholesterol. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

Not everyone with high cholesterol will benefit from olive leaf extract. Some people may need a higher dose, while others may not see any benefit. Talk to your doctor about other options if you don’t see a difference in your cholesterol levels after taking olive leaf extract for four to six weeks.

IS OLIVE LEAF BETTER IN CAPSULES OR LIQUID?

You can take olive leaf extract in capsule or liquid form. The dosage is the same for both forms. Some people prefer capsules because they’re easy to take and don’t have a taste. Others prefer liquid because it gets into your system faster. There’s no right or wrong answer, so it’s up to you to decide what form you want to take.

If you have trouble swallowing pills, olive leaf extract in liquid form may be a better option for you. You can also mix the liquid with water or juice to make it easier to take.

DOES IT MATTER IF YOU TAKE OLIVE LEAF WITH FOOD FOR CHOLESTEROL MANAGEMENT?

No, it doesn’t matter if you take olive leaf with food or on an empty stomach. It is important to take it simultaneously daily to build up your system.

Some people prefer to take olive leaf extract with food because it can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Taking it with food may help to reduce these side effects.

DOES OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT HAVE ANY OTHER BENEFITS?

In addition to lowering cholesterol, olive leaf extract may also have other benefits. Olive leaf extract is a source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. It may also help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Diabetes management responds well to olive leaf extract.

Olive leaf extract is a powerful natural remedy for high cholesterol. It can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. To try it yourself, check out My Olive Leaf extract and gel.