It’s common knowledge that the Mediterranean diet along with its shining star, olive oil, has many health benefits. From reducing the risk of cardiovascular-related diseases to fighting Alzheimer’s disease, olive oil consumption has many proven benefits. But what exactly makes olive oil so good for you?
Turns out that one key is a tiny component: polyphenol. However, not all olive oils contain significant amounts of this important compound.
What is a Polyphenol?
Polyphenol is a micronutrient that occurs naturally in several plant-based foods. Because it is high in antioxidants, polyphenol are helpful in protecting against disease.
Many people take supplements that contain polyphenol but it’s also possible to receive their health benefits by simply consuming foods that contain polyphenols. This includes foods like dark chocolate, red wine, and olive oil.
Health Benefits
According to several studies, oleocanthal, one of the phenols present in certain varieties of olive oils, reacts similarly to ibuprofen. The compound exhibits powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, allowing for the prevention or treatment of common diseases like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
Oleacein, a different type of phenol present in some olive oils, is an anti-oxidant and is known to improve blood lipid function. As a result, this can help fight against aging-related illnesses like heart failure and high blood pressure.
With all these health benefits, olive oil may be one of the healthiest oils for you. Yet it’s important to note that not all olive oils are equal.
How to Choose the Best Polyphenol Olive Oil
There are several elements that can influence the polyphenol levels in a bottle of olive oil. For instance, factors like soil type, olive age, and average growing temperature can drastically affect polyphenol content.
Older olives are more oxidized, which causes a decrease in polyphenols. Similarly, more refined olive oils contain fewer polyphenols.
Above all, it’s essential to only purchase extra virgin olive oil if you’re looking for the added health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is not refined and only uses the highest quality olives, delivering the most powerful punch of polyphenols.
Several brands now test the polyphenol content of their products and adjust their methods to ensure a high content. Below we recommend a few producers crafting this special type of oil.
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