Recent studies show that the Mediterranean diet, with its heavy use of Olives and olive oils, is one of the healthiest in the world. Olive leaves contain a number of compounds, called phenols and lignans, that protect the plant from environmental stress. Humans experience the same health benefits from these plants. Oleuropein is one of the best-known active constituents of the olive leaf.

“Green coffee” beans are coffee seeds (beans) of Coffea fruits that have not yet been roasted. Chlorogenic acid in green coffee is thought to have health benefits.

Green coffee became popular for weight loss after it was mentioned on the Dr. Oz show in 2012. People often take green coffee by mouth for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and bacterial infections.

Phaseolus vulgaris is a bean plant with that includes various dry beans such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and more. Sometimes, these dry beans, as well as the remaining husk, can be used to make an “extract.” This extract has been used as medicine. Phaseolus vulgaris is most commonly taken by mouth for weight loss and obesity and is also commonly taken for diabetes.

Acerola is a fruit rich in vitamin C and packed with vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. For centuries, people have used this extract for medicine in the treatment of diseases such as Scurvy, which is caused by a vitamin C deficiency. Acerola is also used for preventing heart disease, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), blood clots, and cancer.

Some people use it to treat the common cold, pressure sores, bleeding in the eye (retinal hemorrhages), tooth decay, gum infections, depression, hay fever, and collagen disorders. Athletes use acerola for improving physical endurance.

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant, a perennial plant grown mostly in Southeast Asia. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. For centuries, turmeric has been used for a plethora of health disorders and diseases including arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, hemorrhage, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, itchy skin, headaches, acne, and more!

Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, sprains, swellings, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, inflammatory skin conditions, and gum disease.

Banaba is a species of crepe myrtle tree that is native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. People use the leaves to make medicine.

Banaba is used for diabetes and weight loss.