A Secret Hidden in a Bottle: The Magic of Polyphenol-Rich EVOO
22.01.2024.
Polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil is not only a key element of a healthy diet, but also increasingly the focus of scientific interest. These powerful natural antioxidants present in the oil play a crucial role in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular Health
Polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil significantly benefit heart and circulatory health. They improve arterial function and reduce blood pressure. Moreover, they decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart diseases, and stroke.
Neuroprotective Effects
Extra virgin olive oil contains Oleocanthal, a polyphenol with brain protection potential. Regular consumption of this oil helps reduce inflammation in the brain. This reduction is particularly important in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Anti-inflammatory Properties and Immunity
Polyphenols act as strong anti-inflammatory agents, reducing inflammation markers in the body. They are known to bind free radicals, preventing oxidative stress. This leads to a decreased risk of chronic diseases linked to inflammation, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. With such strong anti-inflammatory properties polyphenols also enhance the immune system.
Other Health Benefits
Besides the above, polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil offers numerous other health benefits. It supports a healthy gut flora, crucial for good digestion and overall health. Polyphenols contribute to skin health, protecting it from oxidative stress and promoting a youthful appearance. Including this oil in the diet can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, thanks to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
In Oliveri, we are focused on preserving phenolic compounds and vitamins, by ensuring optimal harvest timing and twice-daily processing, which reduces fruit oxidation. Cold pressing at 25-27℃ and proper storage guarantees highest quality. Monitoring the ripeness and determining the perfect moment of harvest for each individual variety is our mission, ensuring the constant quality of our products.
The level of polyphenols in olive oil varies depending on the olive variety, climate, agricultural practices, and harvest timing. Early harvest and varieties like Istarska Bjelica and Coratina are richer in polyphenols. Our red label extra virgin olive oils like Istarska Crnica, Istarska Bjelica, and Coratina exceed 1000 mg/kg of total phenols each year. Recognizable for their intense fruitiness and flavor, they have notes of freshly cut grass, green apple, tomato, and artichoke, with a pronounced bitterness and pungency reminiscent of chili peppers. For those who prefer milder flavors, we offer products with phenols ranging from 350 to 800 mg/kg, such as our yellow and green selections of monovarietal extra virgin olive oils
In conclusion, regular consumption of polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil can provide significant health benefits, especially for the cardiovascular system and brain health, and in the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory conditions..