The results of a new research review highlighted by OVIVO, a new antioxidant, Organic Olive Leaf Infusion drink, has revealed that the olive leaf has even higher levels of healthy antioxidants than previously thought.

The new paper reveals the health benefits of the plant compound hydroxytyrosol — one of the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidants known to man. Hydroxytyrosol is found in olives and olive oil, but the highest concentrations occur in the leaf. This is also true of oleuropein, another potent plant compound which also has proven antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammation activity.

Although most olive leaf extracts are standardised to ensure a set level of oleuropein, only one — OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion with Calendula — works to deliver a dose of hydroxytyrosol.

OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion also has up to 30 beneficial plant compounds and phytochemicals found in the Mediterranean diet in one handy, concentrated dose.

The research was reviewed on behalf of OVIVO by Dr Pamela Mason, an expert nutritionist and chair of the Government’s Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (an advisory committee which reviews foodstuffs such foods that are specially formulated for people with medical conditions), who suggests the dynamic duo of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein may hold the key to many of the health benefits associated with olives and the Mediterranean diet.

A double-blind study found a twice-a-day 500mg dose of olive extract was as effective as an ACE inhibitor at reducing both diastolic and systolic blood pressure, but unlike the prescription-only blood pressure pill, the extract also significantly lowered levels of dangerous triglicerides.

A trial investigating the impact of olive leaf extract on blood sugar control reported a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity after just 12 weeks, while a study in patients with type 2 diabetes found the extract improved insulin levels and reduced HbA1c, a marker associated with a greater risk of diabetes-related complications.

Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire agrees: “The study highlights the advantages olive leaf extract can bring to our health and wellbeing when introduced to our diet. We’ve known about the health benefits of olive oil for a long time but this new research confirms the importance of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein and their power as an antioxidant.

“EFSA has ruled that olive products must provide a minimum of 5mg of hydroxytyrosol a day to show antioxidant activity and qualify to carry health claims relating to cholesterol benefits, but the Authority warns that some olive oils may be too low in the antioxidant to reach this target.

“The great news is that a 70ml dose of OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion, an olive leaf extract combined with soothing calendula, provides at least twice this amount — as a readily absorbed drink, for maximum bioavailability.”

OVIVO Co-Founder, Susan White said: “We are so convinced of the health-boosting properties of OVIVO that we are on a mission to spread the word far and wide about this natural route to wellness. We are proud to be supporting on-going research into the compounds of the olive leaf in order to find new ways to extract its natural goodness.”

OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion delivers hydroxytyrosol — one of nature’s most potent antioxidants — and up to 30 beneficial plant compounds and phytochemicals found in the Mediterranean diet in one handy, concentrated dose.

The no-fuss infusion is made from 100 per cent organic ingredients including freshly picked olive leaves (from Italy), soothing calendula, grape and lemon juice and spring water. All ingredients are non-GM and pesticide free.

Each 500ml bottle delivers seven days of natural wellness in 70ml shots, and because there is no added sugar and only a trace of fat, each dose contains a mere 13kcal.

OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion can be drunk neat, or mixed with fruit juice of smoothies. For something more sophisticated try mixing four shots of OVIVO with 100ml of elderflower cordial, 700ml of sparkling water and crushed ice. Serve with mint leaves and wedges of lime for a delicious aperitif bursting with antioxidant action.

OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion is the brainchild of British couple Dom and Susan White who have lived in Italy for 15 years and have two children who were born there. They founded the business in 2011 after hearing stories about the remarkable health benefits of olive leaf infusions and years of experimentation to perfect their infusion process.

They are now on a mission to spread the word about this natural way to wellness and fund further research into the potent plant compounds and phytonutrients which give olive leaf extracts an edge over other antioxidants.

OVIVO Organic Olive Leaf Infusion costs £13.99 for seven doses and is available from selected Boots stores, Wholefoods, Holland & Barrett and independent health stores in the UK and Ireland.