The olive leaf and its properties
Do you know the UN flag? One of the elements that most attracts attention is that in it appear Two branches of our favorite tree: the olive tree. Neither more nor less than from ancient Greece, the leaves of the olive tree became a symbol of peace. It was thanks to Athena, the goddess of fertility.
The truth is that the Curiosities that surround the olive tree and its leaves They are endless, and very interesting! In this post we are going to try to reveal them all.
Olive tree, what are its parts?
Olea Europaea is the name by which the olive tree is scientifically known and, if this species is characterized by something, it is for being long-lived, resistant and for having an enormous capacity to adapt to different environmental conditions.
Like any other tree, it has different parts:
- the roots, strong and deep, that allow you to survive even the most extreme conditions of drought. There are for something Millennial olive trees!
- the trunk, sturdy and hardwood and dense.
- The branches that grow more and more, forming a wide and open glass.
- The leafs, perennials, grayish green on the beam and paler on the underside. Then we tell you more details about them!
- Flowers. To Olive flower We already dedicated a post to it, do you remember?
- its fruit, olives or olives. As you know, from them we get our extra virgin oil, both IMPLERT as Arbequina. There are no words!
Characteristics of the olive leaves
Now yes, we are going to focus on the protagonists of this post: The leaves of the olive tree. Let’s start with a good description How are the olive leaves?
- shape. The leaves of the olive tree are lanceolate in shape, which means that they are narrow and elongated, but widen in the center. Its size varies between 4 and 10 centimeters long and 1 and 3 cm wide.
- color and texture. As we mentioned before, its color is grayish green on the beam and they have a lighter shade on the underside. This is because they have a dense layer of trichomes, a kind of fine hairs that give them a very special texture.
- Duration. We are talking about evergreen leaves, which live throughout the year and are renewed every two or three.
- Adaptability. As you know, the olive leaves adapt and can survive conditions of drought and extreme heat, typical of Mediterranean climates.
- uses. And what are these sheets used for? Well, this surprises you, because they are used in the preparation of extracts, teas and dietary supplements. You will have to keep reading to find out why!
Olive Leaf Properties
Here is the most important curiosity, which you surely wanted to know: Olive leaves have been highly valued throughout history for their multiple health-beneficial properties.
This is so because they contain a number of bioactive compounds that give them antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic and antimicrobial effects.
What are those compounds? because they are rich in phenols and flavonoids, such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, and routine.
Olive Leaf Benefits
Olive leaf extract can be consumed in various ways, such as capsules, powders and teas. That is why it is so common, for example, to take a Olive infusion for tension.
Given the medicinal properties of the olive leaf, its benefits are not few. Let’s try to summarize them all:
- protect the body against free radical damage, preventing chronic diseases such as cancer.
- They reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis.
- They are used for the treatment and prevention of infections Of all kinds, thanks to its antimicrobial properties that act against a wide variety of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
- They improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and improving the health of our blood vessels.
- Help regulate blood sugar levels And improve insulin sensitivity, that’s why they are so beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes!
- They offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Now what, do you dare to try an infusion of olive leaves? From Beloleum We highly recommend it! And another recommendation that you will like even more: our EVOO. You have to try it!
It leaves our mill, located in the Bajo de Aragón, which is practically 150 years old. So, as you can imagine, it is not just any product.
It is a pleasure for the 5 senses, a Premium oil unmatched. Do you dare to check it out for yourself?
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