Olive Leaf Extract for Cholesterol - Does Olive Leaf Lower Cholesterol?

 

Olive leaf is one of the staple foods in the Mediterranean diet and this type of diet has been associated with better overall health. Research suggests this type of diet is directly linked to better heart health, lower risk of many cancers, and improved longevity.

Researchers believe the olive tree plays a major role in the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Olive leaf extract is a concentrated dose of olive leaves and olive leaf extract is rich in various antioxidants.

These antioxidants are believed to have a profound effect on various health markers, including cholesterol. In fact, according to WebMD, olive leaf extract is one of the best natural supplements for cholesterol.

Olive Leaf Extract for Cholesterol – What Science Says

Several studies suggest that olive leaf extract may help improve total cholesterol levels.

A 2008 study evaluated the effects of olive leaf extract in 40 identical twins with high blood pressure. The research team found that olive leaf extract significantly lowered LDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Results were dose dependent indicating a higher dose of olive leaf extract led to a greater reduction.

In a 2012 systemic review of 12 studies, olive leaf extract’s effects on various cardiovascular markers. Researchers concluded that olive leaf extract had beneficial effects for blood pressure and lipid profile in adults, especially in patients with hypertension.

In the review, olive leaf supplements directly led to a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

These effects have also been observed in animals. In a 2015 study, rats were either given a high cholesterol or normal diet. A portion of both groups were also given olive leaf extract as well.

After eight weeks, rats given olive leaf extract had lower levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. This was observed in rats given a high cholesterol diet and a normal diet.

Olive Leaf Extract Dose for Lowering Cholesterol

There is not an official olive leaf extract dosage for those looking to use it to help lower their cholesterol. However, according to the studies we listed above, as well as in other studies, a dosage between 500mg to 2,000mg demonstrated effective results.

The bigger key appears to be the amount of oleuropein found in olive leaf extract. Oleuropein is a unique polyphenol compound found in olive leaves and fruit that provide it with most of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits.

Look for an olive leaf supplement with an oleuropein dosage of 100mg to 500mg per day. This dosage appears to be effective enough for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and to experience all of the other benefits of olive leaf extract.

Is Olive Leaf Extract Safe?

For the most part, olive leaf extract is tolerated overwhelmingly well and should not cause any potential negative effects. It has not been studied in pregnant or nursing women and should be avoided by women under these circumstances.

Like any other supplement, you may experience some slight stomach discomfort or headache, especially during the first few days of use. This is rare and does not tend to last long.

In general though, olive leaf extract does not cause side effects and should not negatively impact your health in any way.

Where to Order Olive Leaf Extract

If you're ready to try olive leaf extract for yourself, then you're in luck. Here at Simple Life Nutrition. We have pure olive leaf extract capsules comprised of approximately 1,500mg of olive leaf extract per serving.

Even better,  each two capsule serving contains an ideal dose of 300mg of oleuropein to maximize the potential health benefits of olive leaf.

To order our pure olive leaf extract capsules, click here.