The Wonder Factor in High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Extra virgin olive oil is known for its potential health benefits, especially regarding heart health. At Olio2go, we’ve found that the three most common questions about the superfood extra virgin olive oil are:
What are polyphenols?
What is the polyphenol level of your olive oils?
How much olive oil should I consume each day?
To answer these questions, let’s take a closer look at polyphenols, which are a class of antioxidant in olive oil that is frequently studied. Hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal are among the polyphenols that this research has focused on.
Olive oil has been investigated for its benefits in preventing oxidative damage, increasing of HDL cholesterol, reducing of triglycerides, controlling and preventing diabetes, and for weight management.
We are excited to share this paper with you.
Health Effects of Phenolic Compounds Found in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, By-Products, and Leaf of Olea europaea L. This paper was published on 1 August 2019 in the journal Nutrients.
Within the article, extra virgin olive oils were classified as:
Low-phenol (2.7 mg/kg)
Medium-phenol (164 mg/kg)
High-phenol (666 mg/kg)
During the study, participants were given a three-week prescription for 25 mL of extra virgin olive oil per day. That’s 5 teaspoons, or a bit less than 2 tablespoons, so it’s a very reasonable amount for the average person to consume on a daily basis.
The following are some of the notes from the conclusion that we’d like to highlight:
“EVOO is a functional food with legal health claims, certified as cardioprotective. These characteristics are related to the content of minor polar compounds, in particular to HT [hydroxytyrosol] and its various derivatives. Therefore, among all dietary plans, a MD [Mediterranean Diet] based on the daily consumption of EVOO as a source of fat, is an ideal dietary model for its beneficial cardioprotective effects, longevity, and prevention of NCDs [chronic non-communicable disease]… Biological and biomedical activities of many secondary metabolites from Olea europaea L. have been scientifically demonstrated. Studies on the innovative use of standardized fractions in HT content as precursors for the synthesis of new biologically active molecules with rich bioavailability have already been processed. For this reason, the olive tree is an unmatched sustained resource for unique bioactive compounds with diverse health benefits.”
These and other studies support the health claims associated with extra virgin olive oil. The polyphenols in olive oil are major contributors to these health benefits.
To help you enjoy the potential health benefits of regular EVOO consumption, we’ve reviewed our selection to find the products with polyphenol content. As of 2023, these are our “top” polyphenol olive oils at Olio2go. Each of the products on this list fit the category of high polyphenols:
Le Tre Colonne Olisir, 1000+ (1088 mg/kg)
Le Tre Colonne Coratina (843 mg/kg)
Fonte di Foiano Grand Cru (850 mg/kg)
Fattoria Ramerino Dulcis (803 mg/kg)
Fonte di Foiano IGP Toscano (696 mg/kg)
Fonte di Foiano Zefiro (597 mg/kg)
Fattoria Ramerino Cultivar Frantoio (963 mg/kg)
These are the top eight Italian extra virgin olive oils with high-polyphenol content available from Olio2go, with levels ranging from 625 to 1068 mg/kg.
As for taste, intensity is the key word here. Starting with the extra virgin olive oils highest in polyphenols, these oils tend to be intense, bitter, and peppery. The intensity of all characteristics becomes gradually milder as you move down the list to oils with a lower polyphenol level.