Olive oil is largely synonymous with the Mediterranean diet—the health benefits of both are well studied and documented. Previous studies have already shown that olive oil reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and premature death; Olives also contain many beneficial nutrients. Now scientists have discovered something even more curious, writes Science Alert.

There is now growing evidence for the health benefits of olive leaves.. In a new study, scientists have found confirmation of this theory.. What is contained in olive leaves and who can benefit from their extract

U Focus. Technologies has its own Telegram channel. Subscribe so you don't miss the latest and most exciting news from the world of science!

In the Mediterranean, olive leaves were traditionally brewed as a tea and used to treat fevers and malaria, according to Evangeline Mantzioris, director of the nutrition and food sciences program at the University of South Australia.. They are known to contain high levels of an antioxidant known as oleuropein. By the way, olive oil and olive fruits also contain it, but in much smaller quantities..

Scientists have already found that the greener the leaves, the more oleuropein they contain.. Therefore, leaves collected in the spring have higher levels compared to those collected in the fall, indicating that oleuropein levels decrease as leaves age..

In addition, olive leaves contain other antioxidants, such as:.

One review, combining data from 12 experimental studies and involving 819 participants, found that olive leaves improved risk factors for heart disease.. This included healthier blood lipids (fats) and lower blood pressure. The results also indicate that the effect was more pronounced in people with higher blood pressure. Most of the studies in this review gave olive leaf extract in capsule form with daily doses ranging from 500 milligrams to 5 grams for 6 to 48 weeks.

Another review covering 12 experimental studies showed significant benefits in improving blood glucose and lipid control and lowering blood pressure. However, scientists note that these benefits were observed in separate studies. However, when the data were combined, no significant health effects were observed.

Another review looked at people who took oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol (antioxidants in olive leaves). This revealed significant improvements in body weight, blood lipid profiles, glucose metabolism and improvements in bone, joint and cognitive function.

Thus, scientists have concluded that olive leaf extract can help lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid levels, and also help the body cope with glucose.

Some people are known to use olive leaves to make tea, as well as add them to salads and smoothies.. However, the leaves are bitter due to antioxidants, making them difficult to eat and causing the tea to taste unpalatable.

Olive leaf extract is also added to bread and other baked goods. Researchers have found that this increases the levels of antioxidants in these foods, and people say the food tastes better.

According to Mantzioris, there are no documented toxic effects from eating or drinking olive leaf extract.. Studies show that at intakes of up to 1 gram per day, olive leaf extract appears to be quite safe, but there are still no official recommendations..

There have been reports of potential toxicity with doses greater than 85 mg/kg body weight per day. This compares to 6.8 grams per day for an 80kg person, which is many times higher than the dose used in the studies. Olive leaf extract is also not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as scientists do not know if it is safe.

In general, people with high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated blood lipid levels can consume olive leaf extract for improved health, Mantzioris says.. However, experts warn that you should consult a doctor before doing so..

Previously, Focus wrote that scientists told how much olive oil you should eat per day.

Important! This article is based on and does not contradict the latest scientific and medical research. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice.. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.