Is Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil The Healthiest Olive Oil?
The Health Benefits of Polyphenols in Olive Oil
Not all oils are created equal, especially not when it comes to their impact on your health. While health risks are associated with many mass-produced and low-quality cooking oils, high-quality olive oils like extra virgin olive oil, or “EVOO,” can provide significant health benefits. Within the category of EVOOs, the oils that offer the strongest array of health benefits are those richest in polyphenols, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oils, or “HP-EVOOs.” From boosting metabolic and skin health to reducing the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease, the health benefits of polyphenols in olive oil present a strong case for making polyphenol-rich olive oil a staple in your diet.
What is Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil?
An olive oil must meet strict criteria for taste and acidity in order to be designated an extra virgin olive oil. As a result, EVOOs are celebrated for their superior taste, often described as peppery or grassy, and their outstanding health benefits, such as their high concentration of antioxidants. EVOOs are the primary fat included in the Mediterranean diet, lauded by many health care experts and dieticians as among the healthiest dietary lifestyles.
Much of the credit for the health benefits of EVOOs can be attributed to polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants in plants that help prevent disease and slow aging. Polyphenols are the compounds that help plants fight off threats like UV rays and insects, and they also benefit the humans who consume plant-based products. Polyphenols are found in many obvious plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, but also in more surprising indulgences including red wine, chocolate, and cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil.
The olive oil we produce at Frantoio Grove is rich in polyphenols, making it not just an EVOO, but an HP-EVOO. We aim for a high but not overpowering concentration of polyphenols in the range of 300-400 ppm, which results in an HP-EVOO bursting with health benefits yet balanced in flavor. We are proud of our process for crafting high-polyphenol olive oil which begins with growing strong and healthy olive trees and extends to our careful harvesting, milling, and storage practices, all aimed at preserving the delicate polyphenols that set our olive oil apart.
Metabolism, Free Radicals, and Oxidative Stress
In order to explain how polyphenol-rich olive oil can benefit your health, we first need to dive into a little bit of biology. When we metabolize food, the fat, protein, and carbohydrate molecules that we consume are broken down into energy at the cellular level.
Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Offers Better Antioxidant Protection
Eating a diet rich in antioxidants is one of the best ways to combat oxidative stress. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols help neutralize free radicals present in your cells. Happily, it’s not hard to add antioxidants to your diet. These helpful compounds are present in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and, of course, high-quality extra virgin olive oils.
Make High-Polyphenol Olive Oils from Frantoio Grove Part of Your Everyday Diet
Despite being recognized as a healthy fat, high polyphenol olive oils aren't always easy to find. High quality EVOOs require careful methods of harvesting, production, and storage. Our Frantoio Grove EVOO is produced with those priorities in mind.
Lastly, we like to say that there’s no point in buying polyphenol rich olive oil if you don’t actually use it. We highly recommend checking out our recipes collection which showcases the versatility and flavor of our olive oils.
