Olive leaf extract: benefits, uses & side effects

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or not, it’s undeniable that the region has a pretty healthy diet.

One of the mainstays on many menus are olives – tiny fruit full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and lots of vitamin E.¹

If you’re looking for even more ways to benefit from these nutrient-packed plants, why not try a product containing olive leaf extract?

Here’s what you need to know…

So, what is olive leaf extract?

As its name suggests, olive leaf extract is a substance that’s extracted from the leaves of olive trees.

It has different properties to olive fruit, with the key active ingredient being oleuropein.

Olive leaf extract benefits

Just like olive oil, olive leaf extract has potential health benefits.

These are mostly associated with the fact olive leaves contain high amounts of polyphenols –antioxidants and various other nutrients.²

6 science- backed olive leaf extract benefits

If you’re considering taking it as a supplement, it’s worth knowing the following olive leaf extract uses:

1. It may aid with weight loss

The oleuropein (a type of polyphenol) in olive leaves has led some researchers to believe that it may aid with weight loss.³

2. It could help control cholesterol levels

For a similar reason as above, olive leaf extract has been shown in several studies to successfully lower some people’s levels of “bad” cholesterol over eight weeks.⁴

A study carried out by the University of Reading showed that cholesterol was significantly lower in participants after six weeks of using olive leaf extract.

This demonstrated a positive use of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular disease.⁵

3. It’s been linked to lowering blood pressure

As above, the same study suggest that olive leaf extract may lower blood pressure.

The thought is that it helps improve cardiovascular risk factors and may improve overall health.

This is thought to be a considerable breakthrough given that cardiovascular disease is linked to many premature deaths throughout the world.⁶

4. It’s possibly beneficial for brain health

Olive leaf extract’s high antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds which can help helps protect cells from oxygen-free radicals.^7,8

A recent study showed that taking olive leaf extract regularly over several weeks could have some success at reducing blood pressure.⁹

5. It might support your immune system

The polyphenols in olive leaf extract may contribute to the normal function of your immune system.¹⁰

6. May promote healthier skin

Olive leaf extract contains high levels of polyphenols within its leaves, which have been known to have a positive effect on damaged skin, which may make the skin look younger and healthier.¹¹

Olive leaf extract side effects

Olive leaf extract is not officially regulated, so it’s considered safe for use for most people.

It’s been used for thousands of years in the Mediterranean with no real complaint.

However, if you have any conditions that you feel that olive leaf extract may interfere with then you should seek professional advice from a health professional.

Is olive leaf extract suitable for everyone?

As per the above, olive leaf extract is considered safe.

However, if you have an allergy to pollen it may be that you have some mild symptoms after use.

Should anyone avoid olive leaf extract?

There are no significant known risks of taking olive leaf extract.

Nevertheless, you may want to consult a medical professional first if you’re diabetic, currently taking blood thinners, or medication to help control blood pressure.¹²

Olive leaf extract dosage

There appears to be no official dosing recommendation, but studies indicate that olive leaf extract is most effective when taking between 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily.  

When to take olive leaf extract supplements

You can begin taking olive leaf extract supplement at any time. You can find them by shopping for olive leaf extract supplements at our online shop.

Last updated: 16 July 2021