We have all heard about the powerful health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. One of the main reasons for it’s health benefits are the phenolic compounds in olive oil. Phenolic compounds are anti-oxidants that are in olives. However, not all olive oils are equal when it comes to the phenolic content. Your average olive oil from the grocery store although good for you doesn’t contain as much of these phenolic compounds called polyphenols.
High polyphenol olive oil comes from specific types of olives that are grown in regions with high heat and low rainfall. This stresses the plant increasing the content of the polyphenols in the olives. To increase the polyphenol content they are picked before they are ripe. They also pick them by hand never allowing them to bruise from falling on the ground. They are then gently cold pressed. And now you have high polyphenol olive oil.
The amount of phenolic compounds can be measured through lab analysis. The average grocery store extra virgin olive oil has polyphenol count of 100 to 300. To be considered a high polyphenol olive oil it has to have a polyphenol count of at least 500. The higher the count the more protective the olive oil is.
High polyphenol olive oil is very anti-inflammatory and protect’s our heart, blood vessels, brain, central nervous system, liver, joints and protects against dementia, Alzheimers, cancers, diabetes, obesity and immune modulated and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus! It helps lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce higher blood sugar levels by improving insulin resistance. It has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure and help improve neurodegenerative diseases.
Studies tell us the olive oils with a high polyphenol content are powerful and can substantially reduce the risk of many adverse conditions.
There are several companies promoting high polyphenol olive oils. Most do not offer a lab analysis proving their polyphenol power. I think having that lab analysis is important. I want to know it has the amount of polyphenols they claim. So, I recommend buying from a source that provides the lab analysis. Additionally, some high polyphenol olive oils can be ridiculously expensive compared to grocery store brands. A little research goes a long ways and I am helping you some with the recommendations below.
In my opinion the best brands for high polyphenol content are;
Liokareas Rx HPEVOO, 1296 count (no analysis available) $59.00 for 325ml
Olive From The Raw, 1400 count SOLE che SORGE $44.00 for 500ml (analysis available for current batch) Because its a small producer the supply can be limited.
Atsas Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2000 count $45.00 for 100ml (analysis available for 2020)
I am not affiliated with either brand and do not receive any commission from their sales.
Regardless of the brand make high quality olive oil a part of your daily life. It can improve the quality of your health and longevity! Studies show that as little as 1 tablespoon of high polyphenol olive oil a day can be very protective!
Yours in health,
Anti-inflammatory Activity of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenols: Which Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases?
Altered inflammatory response characterizes chronic immunemediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and psoriasis. Accumulating evidence indicates that regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic degenerative disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. The beneficial effects on health of EVOO have been attributed, besides to the monounsaturated fats content, to the presence of phenolic compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29141574/
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Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols
The Antioxidants Oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and their derivatives are polyphonic compounds are abundant in olive oil. They are powerful antioxidants displaying anticancer, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
10 Science Backed Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil is helping put an end to the myth that fat makes you fat. In recent study, women with excess body fat who supplemented their breakfast with approximately 1.5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil experienced significantly greater weight loss and reduction in blood pressure than women consuming an equal amount of soybean oil, prompting researchers to recommend that EVOO be included in programs for obesity treatment. These findings support an earlier study on more than 7,000 college students, which found that higher consumption of olive oil was not associated with weight gain over the course of 28 months.
https://www.oliveoil.com/10-science-backed-health-benefits-of-olive-oil/
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The contents of the email or written communication are not medical advice and should not be considered as such! This blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your physician or health care provider if you have medical issues and before changing your diet or lifestyle or taking herbal or dietary supplements. Never start an exercise program with getting your doctors approval. Never quit taking medications unless advised to do so by your doctor. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs.
