What is olive leaf extract good for, anyway? You see it listed as an ingredient in dietary supplements and cosmetics. But, what are the benefits? What do the scientists have to say?
In the US, supplement manufacturers are careful about the claims that they make, but on the internet, you will see the extracts promoted for anti-aging benefits, stimulation of the immune system and sometimes as natural antibiotics.
Four separate studies have proven that, when taken orally, the extracts may be beneficial for people with hypertension (high blood pressure). Tests conducted using laboratory test tubes, Petri dishes and cell lines have shown that compounds within the leaves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity.
Like many other compounds found in plants, researchers have seen natural anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity. In one study, a liquid made from the leaves was shown to have four times the antioxidant activity of vitamin C and twice that of green tea.
When it comes to the skin’s health and appearance, natural anti-inflammatories may be beneficial for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne. Antioxidants help to modulate the effect of UV rays from the sun and may delay the aging effects caused by free radical damage.
So, what is olive leaf extract good for? Wow, it looks like it could be good for a lot of things. But, are there any drawbacks?
Now, what is olive leaf extract good for when applied directly to the skin? As an ingredient in a natural cleanser, it is a good alternative to chemical antibacterial agents, such as triclosan. It may be beneficial for healing blemishes and for preventing new ones from forming, but other natural ingredients are likely to be more effective.
For example, active manuka honey seems to have the highest level of antibacterial activity of any natural ingredient. The ingredient is not a common one, but it is found in some of the better cleansers and lotions.
In addition to wondering; what is olive leaf extract good for, you might be wondering why the oil is in your body lotion. We might love cooking with it or using it on a salad, but the idea of rubbing it on your body might not be pleasant.
It really depends on the emulsification technique used by the manufacturer. If you take a bottle of extra virgin and pour it all over your body, you probably won’t like the way that it feels. For one thing, it would take a long time to penetrate.
In conclusion, a good emulsification will contain a “lipid fraction” of the oils, which will penetrate quickly and deeply. So, what is olive leaf extract good for, when it comes to moisturizing or “de-aging” the skin? It really depends on the form.
To learn more about vitamins for healthy skin, and other incredible natural substances for natural healthy skin care, visit my website today.
