Did you know we sell olive oil with particularly high levels of polyphenols?
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are anti oxidant compounds that are found in plants. Scientists have found that they are anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing (BBC).
‘Polyphenol content in olive oil can affect flavour and preservation. Oils rich in polyphenols might have a more robust, complex taste. In addition to improving taste, polyphenols help protect olive oil from spoiling. Oils with higher levels of these compounds are said to be more resistant to oxidation’ (SousChef).
Why are they good for you?
‘“Antioxidant" is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells” (Harvard).
“Beneficial effects of natural plant polyphenols on the human body have been evaluated in a number of scientific research projects“ (NIH).
“Polyphenols are believed to reduce morbidity and/or slow down the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer” (NIH).
“There’s growing evidence that polyphenols could help to prevent a range of chronic conditions, says Daniele Del Rio, professor of human nutrition at the University of Parma in Italy. This includes lower risks of developing cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
“There is also research to show that polyphenols reduce inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
“In one study, participants who reported having the most polyphenol-rich diets had a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease than those who reported consuming the lowest amount of polyphenols” (BBC).
Where can you find polyphenols?
They can be found in fruits (especially dark berries), vegetables, nuts with the skin on, tea, cocoa (including dark chocolate), dried herbs, spices and seeds, tempeh….and Extra Virgin Olive Oil! (BBC)
Which olive oil has the most polyphenols?
Short answer:
Olive Branch Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml and The Greek Kitchen Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml. Find them in our online store or at our market stall.
Long answer:
All Extra Virgin Olive Oils naturally contain polyphenols, but some factors tend to increase the level. Look for olive oils harvested earlier in the year which have a strong peppery taste. Some olive varieties are known for being higher in polyphenols, like Coratina, Koroneiki, Picual, and Moraiolo (SousChef).
Olive Branch Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made with early harvest Koroneiki olives and has a Great Taste Award. It is also handpicked, which is better for local wildlife and reduces bruising of the olives.
The Greek Kitchen Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made from Koroneiki olives and has a Great Taste Award. This oil is a source of 30 different polyphenols! It is organic, meaning no pesticides are used on the olive groves.
Sources:
https://www.souschef.co.uk/blogs/the-bureau-of-taste/polyphenol-count-in-olive-oil-everything-you-need-to-know
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5877547/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4997428/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/polyphenols