When people talk about olives, the focus is almost always on olive oil and its positive impact on human health. However, tea made from the leaves of this plant, thanks to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, also offers a range of health benefits. This type of drink is increasingly attracting the attention of lovers of a holistic approach to health.
Olive leaf tea is prepared from the dried leaves of the olive tree. After harvesting, the leaves should be washed, air-dried, and stored in a container kept away from direct sunlight. It’s recommended to pick the leaves in spring, while they are young, to maximize their benefits.
How to prepare olive leaf tea:
- Heat 300 ml of water until it boils.
- Add 15-20 dried olive leaves and boil them for 2-3 minutes.
- Cover the pot and let the leaves steep in the water for another 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and, if desired, add a bit of honey or lemon.
The tea has a mildly bitter and earthy taste, similar to green tea but with unique aromatic notes that give it a refreshing quality. It’s often referred to as an enhanced version of green tea, as studies have shown it contains twice the antioxidants and vitamin C. An additional benefit is that it does not contain caffeine.
This drink can help with stress relief, heart health, immune support, energy boost, and maintaining vitality. It has antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. The key compound in olive leaves is the powerful antioxidant – oleuropein, which has numerous positive effects on the body.
We come to the conclusion that olive leaf tea offers much more than just flavor, so it is definitely recommended to include them in your routine and experience all their benefits. For those who aren’t fans of this popular hot beverage, we recommend incorporating Kristofola extra virgin olive oil into your diet, available at kristofola.com/web-shop-2/. It’s another natural choice to enhance overall health and, consequently, improve quality of life.
