THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE GOOD LEAF With Dr. Jackie Evans

Science has a lot to learn from human history, according to Dr. Jackie Evans, Comvita’s Head of Research. Even though our ancestors have been using natural ingredients for thousands of years, now we are only just beginning to understand how these complex natural systems work at a detailed scientific level – and we're learning from the best – from Mother Nature herself.

"Nature does nothing without purpose or in vain." - Aristotle.

Science has played a key role in Comvita’s history in helping to understand and boost the efficacy of natural ingredients used in our products. Dr Jackie Evans hosted an IGTV session  to explore the science behind Olive Leaf Extract and what makes it so powerful.

WHAT IS OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT?

Sourced directly from the olive leaf, Olive Leaf Extract has been used in Western medicine for thousands of years for a variety of health benefits to support a healthy immune system. Oleuropein, is the main component and the hero of the extract, as research shows it’s full of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and other bioactive properties.

ANTIOXIDANTS FOUND IN OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Olive Leaf Extract is packed with bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, more commonly known as antioxidants. The most abundant beneficial polyphenol compounds found in Olive Leaf Extract are oleuropein and its derivative hydroxytyrosol – these same polyphenol compounds are found in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and they are what give a really good Extra Virgin Olive Oil its dark green colour, delicious bitter peppery taste. Olive leaves contains around 60 times the amount of the beneficial polyphenols that the fruit or the oil of the olive tree!

NEUTRALISING FREE RADICALS

Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals in the body – free radicals are unstable molecules that run around our bodies causing damaging to our DNA, cells and tissues – Antioxidants are compounds that donate spare electrons to these unstable molecules making them more stable reducing the risk of them causing damage. To have a well-functioning immune system it’s important practice self-care and good nutrition, this means limiting exposure to factors that increase oxidative stress such as stress, alcohol, cigarette smoke, pollution and sun exposure, getting plenty of exercise and rest and eating a diet high in antioxidants.

Research shows that Olive Leaf Extract is a powerful antioxidant, in one study Olive Leaf Extract ranked highest for antioxidant capacity compared with 55 other herbal medicines, it’s even higher in antioxidant activity than other well-known antioxidants such as vitamin C and green tea.

Dr. Jackie and the team are constantly discovering more about the science behind this amazing product. In Jackie’s words, “We are constantly discovering more about the science behind this amazing product and the more we learn the more I think how right Aristotle was when he said "Nature does nothing without purpose or in vain." We are just borrowing what nature does best and bringing it to you to help support your wellness”.

Always read the label, follow the directions for use and if you have any symptoms, and they persist, consult your health professional.