Olive Leaf Extract by SWAN LIFE
 
Olive Leaf Extract
 
The olive tree is a small tree native to the eastern Medditeranian and parts of Asia Minor. This tree has been raised since ancient greek times and thrives along coastlines. Olive trees have thorny branches and grow between 25 and 50 feet tall. Leaves are smooth and thin and range from 4 to 10 centimeters long. They are dark grey in color with a white tinge on the underside. The trees are adorned white small, white flowers that turn into the small, green olive fruit. 
 
Olive Trees grown for leaf production are usually kept small to deter fruit growth. When the leaves are ready to be harvested, large sections of the branches are cut off and then milled down for extraction. The leaves are then covered in oil and stored in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks. After the leaves are properly extracted, the solids are strained out and left with a pure Olive Leaf Extract. 
 
The consumption of Olive Leaf Extract has many possible benefits:

Research suggests that Olive Leaf Extract may help to lower cholesterol. Specifically, it is thought that it helps prevent narrowing of the arteries which is a contributing factor to developing heart disease. Olive Leaf Extract may also help reduce blood pressure. In a six week long study, researchers noted that hypertensive men taking daily Olive Leaf Extract reported overall lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a contributing factor for developing heart disease and Olive Leaf Extract may promote heart health. 
 
Before times of modern medicine, Olive Leaf Extract was used to naturally boost immunity and help prevent ailments like colds and influenza. It is believed that Olive Leaf Extract stimulates phagocytosis which is the defense immune system cells use when eliminating foreign organisms. The polyphenols in the leaves of the Olive Leaf Extracts are thought to be a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are important for ridding the body of harmful free radicals that can trigger the onset of many ailments and diseases.