What are polyphenols?
The unique taste of olive oil is due to the presence of polyphenols.
That's the polyphenol!
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in plant foods such as tea, cocoa, vegetables, fruit, and olive oil. Some polyphenols act as antioxidants, meaning they neutralize harmful free radicals that potentially damage the body's cells and lead to conditions like heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
Polyphenols are one of many reasons why eating more plant foods is important to your overall health. Studies show that polyphenols help fight inflammation and may help lower the risk of several diseases — including heart disease, some cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
What is high polyphenol olive oil?
Olive oil contains at least 30 different phenolic compounds, including oleoresin, tyrosol, and hydroxytyrosol. By definition, high phenolic olive oil contains at least 250 mg of polyphenols per kilogram of oil. Therefore, not all olive oils are high in polyphenols - it depends on how the oils are processed and stored.
In the European Union (EU), bottles of olive oil high in polyphenols are allowed to carry the health claim "Olive oil polyphenols help protect blood lipids from oxidative stress" provided they contain at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g of olive oil. There is no similar health claim in the US or Canada, but of course, the health benefits would be the same.
Health Benefits of High Polyphenol Olive Oil
A well-known benefit of olive oil is its high level of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Olive oil is about 98 percent fat, but the remaining two percent is made up of polyphenols and other minor compounds that give olive oil health benefits.
Many studies have examined the health benefits of high-quality, high-polyphenol olive oil in conjunction with the Mediterranean diet. This is an eating plan that includes lots of vegetables and fruits, cuts down on meat and sweets, and relies on olive oil as the primary source of dietary fat. Studies show that regular use of extra virgin olive oil as part of the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of developing several diseases — including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
How is olive oil healthy?
The simple answer is that not all oils are created equal. When it comes to boosting your health, no oil is quite as powerful as extra virgin olive oil.
According to numerous research studies, extra virgin olive oil is far superior to its regular counterpart because it is made from pure, cold-pressed olives. While most regular store-bought olive oil is a cheap blend of more processed oils and just a few extra virgin olive oils, extra virgin olive oil is different - largely because it is high in phenolics.
STORY AUF EINEN BLICK
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Extra virgin olive oil is superior to its regular counterpart
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High phenolic olive oil has a high percentage of phenolic compounds
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Phenolic compounds are linked to the many health benefits of extra virgin olive oil
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Extra virgin olive oil can boost the human immune system
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Polyphenols are linked to successful weight loss
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High phenolic extra virgin olive oil lowers blood pressure
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You must carefully select the best high phenolic extra virgin olive oil
First things first – what is high phenolic olive oil?
In short, high phenolic olive oil is olive oil that is high in phenolic compounds. Also known as polyphenols, these compounds are directly linked to the many health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, which we'll get to in a moment.
Do all olive oils have polyphenols?
Almost every variety of olive has the potential to produce extra virgin olive oil — but only a select few carry high levels of polyphenols. This is why it is so important to choose an extra virgin olive oil that is high in polyphenols.
Why do we need polyphenols?
Phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil keep the oil stable while exhibiting certain anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties (protection against heart disease), as well as powerful antioxidant activity.
SUMMARY
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Extra virgin olive oil is superior to regular olive oil
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It is made from pure, cold-pressed olives
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It is rich in phenolic content
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Phenolic compounds are linked to the many health benefits of extra virgin olive oil
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Phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil keep the oil stable
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Contains anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties
