OLIVE LEAF

By Dori Cranmore RN

We’ve all heard how healthy it is to include olive oil in our diet, and from a health perspective, the oil may not even be the most important product of the olive trees. The omega-9 monounsaturated fat called oleic acid is considered a “healthy” fat and it is even said that those who use it regularly are less likely to have heart disease. The Mediterranean Diet hierarchy says it not only protects the heart but also the brain!

A bestselling author, Dr. Wildman asks, “What is the secret behind olive trees living thousands of years and resisting attacks from bacteria, virus, fungus and a range of micro-organisms?”

Thousands of years of recorded evidence of the olive leaf’s medicinal use is available. It was first found to be used by ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures to treat a wide variety of health conditions. In recent times health experts are taking notice because of its remarkable antioxidant qualities. It is quickly becoming the more popular supplement for supporting a healthy immune system because of its naturally occurring broad-spectrum cell-protecting polyphenols. Why do we need antioxidants? If you think about our cars, boats, snow machines, etc. being left out in the weather unprotected, the paint can become dull and there is a white residue that takes over. That is called oxidation. A similar scenario can happen in our bodies when we ingest toxins or free radicals from our environment and foods. Tobacco smoke, air pollution, pesticides, herbicides, and water contaminants, all form free radicals that we can take in by breathing, drinking and eating. It contributes to the aging process and disease that eventually can kill us. You’ve noticed how some people age faster than others right? This is the effect of protecting the body with antioxidants…. Or not.

The free radicals destroy genetic DNA, overload the immune system and destroy a cells identity. Most of those free radicals that cause us to age rapidly also cause cancer. Tobacco smoke is literally a turbo-charged free radical factory on steroids! How about the pesticides sprayed on our crops? “Pesticides kill the pest by creating free radicals”, says Dr. Hari Sharma, a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. A study done by the U.S. FDA said that at least 53 cancer-causing pesticides are applied in large amounts to the major food crops. In 2005, 73% of fresh vegetables and fruits contained pesticide residues and 61% of processed fruits and vegetables, 22% soybeans, 75% of wheat, 99% of milk and cream and 16% of bottled water! If that’s not bad enough the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found 116 pesticides and other artificial chemicals in human blood and urine. According to the Environmental Working Group they found the most contaminated of all were peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes.

Plants like olive trees have their own built in protection against oxidative damage. The phenolics in the olive tree have a powerful ability to eat up the free radicals in our body and are an amazing weapon in fighting our own oxidative damage and premature aging. In an independent laboratory test in Australia, Barleans’ Olive Leaf Complex liquid had a higher ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) rating than Noni, Mangosteen, Acai and Gogi juice and 400% higher than vitamin C, and twice as high as green tea or grape seed extract. The amazing benefits that have been reported from Olive Leaf liquid include lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system (an absolute must during cold and fl u season), helping to regulate high blood sugar; helps destroy the replication of virus cells, and it can delay the growth of staphylococcus aureus. Doctor Jack Ritchason says to take two teaspoons every 6 hours for the common cold, flu, sinus infections and basic respiratory tract infections. For acutely swollen glands, sore throat or fever he recommends 3 teaspoons every 6 hours. For prevention it is recommended to take one tablespoon daily. Be sure to use quality Olive Leaf, preferably a liquid complex. Barleans uses non GMO and pesticide free olive leaves in their Olive Leaf Complex. From Biblical references to modern researchers and doctors, they all seem to agree that taking this wonderful supplement can be important to anyone’s health. How important is antioxidant power to your health? I’ll let you decide how fast you want to age.

For more information call 907-376-8327.

Information provided is for Educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases.