EVOO & Health

 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a highly nutritious oil that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Daily consumption of a couple of tablespoons of EVOO can help you meet the recommended amount of this type of fat if you do not get enough from your diet.

 

High-polyphenol EVOO is considered a top-of-the-line oil when it comes to combating chronic diseases and improving overall health. Research suggests that EVOOs rich in polyphenols may have the following benefits:

  • Lowering cholesterol levels and reducing oxidative stress on cholesterol
  • Reducing heart disease risk
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Improving brain health and cognitive function
  • Supporting mental health
  • Easing inflammation and pain
  • Reducing diabetes risk and stabilizing blood sugar
  • Fighting cancer
  • Improving gut microbiome health
  • Aiding in weight loss
  • And loads more...

Most premium olive oils are produced in Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece) and many of those with high polyphenols aim to meet the European Health Claim, which was approved by the European Food Safety Authority in 2012. To meet this claim, the oil must contain at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g of olive oil.

 

EVOOs produced by The Olive Temple meet the European Health Claim and their Premium EVOOs, especially those in the Laurel & Flame line, exceed it by three to four times, boasting some of the highest polyphenol content in the market.

 

It's important to note that high polyphenol oils can have an intense taste with a high bitterness and a hot, peppery finish. To get the full health benefits of EVOO, it's important to find an oil that you enjoy and can consume daily.

 

For those following a healthy lifestyle, it's recommended to have 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of a premium EVOO on an empty stomach to enhance its medicinal properties and increase daily consumption of healthy fats.

 

In addition to its potential health benefits, EVOO is also recognized as the cornerstone of Mediterranean nutrition, which is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. It has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to support healthy memory and brain function, mood, gut microbiome, immune system, blood sugar levels, and weight management.

 

A chief medical editor at Harvard Health Publishing, Howard E. LeWine, stated in an interview on 11/01/2021 that "observational studies have shown a link between lower risks of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and even dementia in people who consume higher amounts of olive oil than those who use little or none. Extra-virgin olive oil offers something extra that regular olive oil does not. It is mechanically pressed from ripe olives and processed without high heat or chemical solvents, which protects the phenols in the oil. In contrast, highly processed olive oils lose these chemicals, and small laboratory-based experiments suggest that higher concentrations of phenols may provide extra antioxidant effects."

 

Please note that the evaluations mentioned in this article have not been officially confirmed by the FDA.