High-Polyphenol Olive Oils

Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in olives that give extra virgin olive oil its bitter and peppery taste. They help protect the oil from oxidation, which extends its shelf life, and also offer health benefits by reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals. Only extra virgin olive oil retains high levels of polyphenols, while refined or blended oils lose most of these compounds during processing.

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants in olive oil that affect both its flavor and health benefits. They give the oil a bold, slightly bitter and peppery taste, help extend its shelf life by protecting it from oxidation, and offer anti-inflammatory properties. High-polyphenol olive oils are best used raw, for finishing dishes or in salads, while regular olive oils with lower polyphenol content are milder and more suitable for cooking.

High polyphenol olive oil provides powerful health benefits due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps neutralize free radicals, supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and improving blood flow, and may aid in brain function and memory. Compounds like oleocanthal act like natural pain relievers, and it may also help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Polyphenol levels in olive oil are influenced by several factors. Early harvest olives contain more polyphenols than ripe ones. Some olive varieties naturally have higher antioxidant content. Climate also plays a role—regions with hot days and cool nights tend to produce olives with more protective compounds. Cold extraction methods help preserve polyphenols, while poor storage with exposure to heat, light, or air can reduce their levels over time.

Olive oil is considered high in polyphenols when it contains at least 250 milligrams per kilogram of total polyphenols. In the European Union, oils with 5 milligrams or more of hydroxytyrosol and related compounds per 20 grams of oil can claim antioxidant benefits. At Giving Oil, we offer select extra virgin olive oils with over 500 milligrams per kilogram, providing exceptional flavor and health benefits.

In the Nemechek Protocol, high polyphenol olive oil is used as a nutritional support to help reduce inflammation and improve gut and brain function. It contains powerful antioxidants like oleocanthal and oleuropein that support the immune system and protect against oxidative stress. The protocol typically recommends daily doses of five to thirty milliliters, aiming for at least five milligrams of polyphenols per serving. High polyphenol oils are preferred for their therapeutic benefits, and some specialized products, like Nemechek Gold, contain over five hundred milligrams per kilogram to ensure potency and effectiveness.