Are you ready for winter? As cold and flu season approaches, prioritizing wellness becomes even more important. The cold months often bring challenges like seasonal illnesses, dry skin, and fatigue. Integrating health-boosting elements into your daily routine can help you stay strong throughout the season. One powerful ingredient that deserves your attention is olive leaf extract.
With up to 30 times more antioxidant polyphenols than extra virgin olive oil, and up to 400% (5 times) more antioxidant power than Vitamin C, this remarkable extract offers various benefits, from boosting your immune system to increasing your health and energy levels. This guide will show you how olive leaf extract can elevate your health this winter.
What is Olive Leaf Extract and why could be great for cold an flu?
Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), a plant valued for centuries for its health benefits. It contains oleuropein, a compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Historically, ancient civilizations used olive leaf for its potential health benefits. Today, modern research supports its significance, making it increasingly popular among those seeking to enhance their well-being.
Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract for Winter Wellness
1. Immune Support
Winter is notorious for colds and flu. One major advantage of olive leaf extract is its ability to bolster the immune system. Research has shown that compounds like oleuropein stimulate the immune response, making it better equipped to fight off germs. In fact, a study indicated that people taking olive leaf extract had a 20% reduction in cold occurrences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8641117/
By adding olive leaf extract to your routine, you could decrease the severity and frequency of winter illnesses, helping you enjoy the season without setbacks.
Olive leaf extract (OLE) is an over-the-counter supplement that contains polyphenols, mostly oleuropein, elenolic acid and hydroxytyrosol, it has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may reduce URI (Upper respiratory infection) rates.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine (NIH/NLM)), "a recent meta-analysis reported that flavonoids, a sub group of polyphenols, decreased URI incidence by 33% after at least 7 days’ supplementation." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6412187/
The same source (above) explains some results where 32 high school athletes from an elite sports team participated in a study where they were randomly assigned to either a daily placebo or olive leaf extract (OLE) supplement (equivalent to 20g of olive leaf, with 100mg oleuropein) for nine weeks during their competitive season. Well being, training load, and respiratory illness were recorded twice a week. OLE supplementation led to a 28% reduction in sick days. OLE shorten the duration of illness, potentially helping athletes return to play faster.
2. Antioxidant Properties
The winter months can lead to increased oxidative stress due to factors like pollution and less sunlight. Antioxidants play a critical role in protecting your body. Olive leaf extract is rich in antioxidants, which help eliminate free radicals, reducing cell damage.
Integrating this extract into your routine allows you to enhance your body’s defenses against oxidative stress during the winter months, leading to better overall health and consequently, getting sick or ill less often.
3. Energy Boosting
In addition, many experience fatigue and sluggishness during winter. Olive leaf extract might provide a natural energy lift. Studies suggest that it can improve blood circulation, enhancing oxygen delivery throughout your body—an essential factor for energy production. OLE contains oleanolic acid, which activates TGR5, increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and energy production in cells. This could help the body utilize energy more efficiently.
If you feel the winter blues, olive leaf extract could help you regain your vitality and enthusiasm. "Preliminary research suggests that oleuropein, along with other antioxidants, may aid in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder–induced anxiety, stress, and depression by increasing serotonin levels."
4. Skin Health
Cold weather can lead to dry, irritated skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of olive leaf extract can soothe and protect your skin. Its antioxidants also guard against environmental damage.
Consider applying olive leaf extract topically or incorporate it into your skincare regimen. Many skincare products now feature olive leaf extract, which can boost hydration and skin health during the harsh winter months.
How to Incorporate Olive Leaf Extract into Your Routine
1. Supplements
Olive leaf extract is available in different forms, mostly pills, but for more effective results, we suggest the liquid form because it is more assimilable by our body. Olive leaf extract is a herbal, all natural supplement that provides a concentrated source of numerous benefits and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
"Compared to capsules, olive leaf extract in liquid formulation led to greater oleuropein peak levels in plasma."
3. Skincare Products
For better skin health in winter, look for skincare products that contain olive leaf extract. Many creams, lotions, and serums feature this ingredient to help nourish your skin throughout the cold season. OLE is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties for skin, helping with not only nourishing and protecting skin barrier, but is very effective for eczema and psoriasis inflammation.
Important Considerations
When choosing olive leaf extract, it's vital to select high-quality products from reputable brands to ensure safety and effectiveness, preferably choose one that has 20 percent oleuropein.
Embrace Winter Wellness
Be ready for the cold and flu season with the power of olive leaf extract !
It’s that time of year again—time to swap your iced lattes for something a little warmer, dust off your winter coat, and get ready for the annual battle of stuffy noses, dry skin and way too many layers. With its rich history and health advantages, the humble olive leaf extract might be an invaluable part of your winter strategy.
As studies have shown that OLE can enhance immune activity, this immune modulation could lead to a lower risk of infection or a reduced severity of symptoms when exposed to viruses, transforming your winter experience into a healthier one.
Embrace the chilly season ahead with renewed confidence and vitality and with Verdepuro Vita, the liquid olive leaf extract, your winter wellness journey awaits!
Verdepuro VITA is a highly concentrated and pure olive leaf extract, with 20% oleuropein and enriched with Calendula flower, popular for its naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, Gluten Free and Vegan OK.
Health is everything! Just remember is essential to invest wisely in high quality products that really offer the health benefits you are looking for. Do your research. Knowledge is Power!
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