The Secret of the Mediterranean Diet

Never heard of or experienced the taste of olive leaf tea? You are not alone. This pleasant tasting tea is not a common staple in tea houses or stores. But, it should be. The olive leaf has been a diet staple in many Mediterranean cultures for centuries. We all have heard researchers, scientists and nutritionists promote the health benefits of olive oil and the Mediterranean diet.

What they do not tell you is that you can enjoy the health benefits of the olive leaf in a wonderfully pleasant tea as well. For those that are counting their fat grams and calories, this is way to enjoy the health benefits of the essential oils in olive leaf without the fat.

Since ancient times, olive leaf tea has been given to help fight many ailments of the times. The Brits gave olive leaf herbal tea to colonists and soldiers that were sick after returning from a tropical climate. The stories about the improvements in these individuals have promoted modern day science to find out about these claims.

Scientists found that the active compounds in the olive leaf are oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, as well as other powerful antioxidants. In a 2005 study done by the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research revealed that olive leaves have five times more antioxidant capacity than Vitamin C. It also found that this herbal tea has almost double the antioxidant power of green tea and grape seed extract. The high antioxidant content may also be useful in helping the body fight against premature aging and other illnesses.

The component, oleuropein is a natural pesticide and helps protect the olive tress from bacterial damage, as well. The properties of the oleuropein component have been proven to help protect the human body from viruses, bacteria and fungal infections as well.

The component, hydroxytyrosol, found in the olive leaf, is thought to be a powerful antioxidant. It is ten times more powerful than the antioxidant value found in green tea. Tyrosol is another powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against injury due to oxidation.

Oleuropein has proven to have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. It appears to work like a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is also responsible for the heart healthy benefits that are so well promoted. This component inhibits the oxidation of LDL (the bad cholesterol), and relaxes the arterial walls, helping to lower blood pressure.

Here is a summary of a few of the health benefits of olive leaf tea:

• Anti viral properties
• Known to lower cholesterol
• Helps lower blood pressure
• Has anti-fungal properties
• Has anti-bacterial properties
• Enhances and maintains a strong immune system
• Lowers blood sugar.
• Fights premature aging
• Increase energy levels
• Elevates your mood

Scientists and researchers are still investigating the health benefits of olive leaf tea. Until then, making olive leaf tea part of your daily routine may be something you should investigate yourself. As a naturally organic product, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of a natural beverage until the promising researcher and scientists put their seal of approval on it. This unique beverage deserves a place on your tea shelf.

Of course, please consult your health care provider about the use of herbs for specific health concerns. The information provided here is not be taken as medical advice or as actual preventative or cure for any known medical condition or illness.