Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, has a reputation for being significantly healthier than other oils such as canola, soybean, grape seed, avocado, and coconut oil. But do you understand why? It’s not only the good monounsaturated fats, either. It’s partly because EVOO contains polyphenol chemicals.Polyphenols are found in all extra virgin olive oils, however, some have substantially higher quantities than others. “High-polyphenol olive oil” or “high-phenolic olive oil” is what they’re called. Learn more about The Health Benefits of Polyphenols in Olive Oil in this article:
Polyphenols are a type of bioactive ingredient or natural chemical molecule that can be found in small amounts in foods including grapes, tea, chocolate, almonds, and olives. Due to their antioxidant and other qualities, most polyphenol compounds provide health benefits. Polyphenols, in particular, are one of the most thoroughly researched groups of olive oil bioactive compounds, with research demonstrating their protective effects against oxidative stress—a type of physiological stress that can cause DNA mutations and lead to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Extra virgin olive oil with a high percentage of polyphenol components is known as polyphenol-rich olive oil. It usually has a vivid flavor and a spicy peppery finish, as well as more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, testing for polyphenol levels is costly, and hardly everyone does it. Polyphenol levels also decrease over time, making it difficult for a producer to guarantee that their oil will continue to meet the health claim standard throughout its shelf life. Polyphenol levels in olive oil are influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of olives used, weather patterns, farming practices, harvest time, manufacturing conditions, and more.
Extra virgin olive oil offers numerous health benefits, but high-polyphenol EVOO is the best in its class when it comes to fighting chronic diseases and other health issues.
Polyphenol-rich olive oils, according to research, may help:
- Cholesterol levels are reduced (and oxidation of cholesterol)
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Reduce your blood pressure.
- Boost cognitive function and brain health
- Encourage mental wellness.
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Diabetes risk is reduced.
- Help in fighting cancer
- Improve gut health
- Weight loss assistance and a lot more
In addition to being healthier, having a high polyphenol content makes olive oil more stable. Antioxidants help to slow down the oxidation process. This indicates that polyphenol-rich olive oil will age more slowly than other supermarket olive oils.