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Imagine this: You’re at the grocery store, scanning shelves of olive oil, and you spot a bottle labeled “high phenolic olive oil.” You might wonder, “What’s so special about this olive oil? And why does it sound like something I should know about?”
Well, pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee because we’re about to dive into one of the most fascinating and health-boosting secrets in the world of olive oil. And trust me, by the end of this chat, you’ll want a bottle of this golden liquid goodness in your kitchen.
Let’s Break It Down: What Is High Phenolic Olive Oil?
To put it simply, high phenolic olive oil is like olive oil on steroids—except natural and completely healthy. The key difference? It’s all about those phenols, or polyphenols, to be exact.
Phenols are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, and in olive oil, they’re the superstars responsible for many of its health benefits. The higher the phenolic content, the more potent those benefits. It’s like comparing a regular car to a turbocharged sports car. They both get you from point A to point B, but one does it with a whole lot more power.
But here’s the catch: Not all olive oils are created equal. Most extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) contain phenols, but in varying amounts, with an average of 100mg/liter. What qualifies as high phenolic olive oil? Well according to official health claims, It’s olive oil with a phenolic content of at least 250 mg/liter, though some oils, like Oleaphen, can have levels up to 30 times higher than your average EVOO. That’s right—30 times!
Why Should You Care About Phenolic Content?
Alright, I hear you—why does phenolic content matter? Isn’t olive oil already good for you?
It sure is! But high phenolic olive oil takes those health benefits and cranks them up a notch. Let’s explore why these phenols are so important:
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Phenols are powerful antioxidants, which means they help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals (those pesky molecules that can accelerate aging and lead to chronic diseases). In other words, phenols help keep you feeling younger, longer.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: High phenolic olive oil is like nature’s answer to ibuprofen. The polyphenols in it, particularly oleocanthal, have anti-inflammatory effects, which is great for anyone dealing with chronic inflammation—think arthritis or even general aches and pains after a long day.
Heart Health: Numerous studies have shown that a diet rich in phenolic compounds can reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, the Mediterranean diet, which is full of high phenolic olive oil, is famous for its heart-protecting benefits. And hey, who doesn’t want to keep their ticker in top shape?
Brain Boost: If you’re interested in brain health, here’s where it gets really exciting. Polyphenols, especially those found in high phenolic olive oil, have been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. They help by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. So, you’re not just nurturing your body, but your brain too!
To learn more about the full spectrum of health benefits of High Phenolic Olive Oil, visit our dedicated page Here
To learn about when to take High Phenolic Olive Oil according to your health goals, read our dedicated article Here
How Is High Phenolic Olive Oil Made?
You might be wondering, “How do they get so many phenols into this oil?” The process is where the magic happens.
The olives used for high phenolic olive oil, like Oleaphen’s, are harvested before maturity, when they’re still completely green. This early harvest is crucial because green olives have the highest concentration of polyphenols, but there’s a trade-off: It results in much lower yields of oil—sometimes 5 to 10 times less oil per kilogram of olives.
At Oleaphen, we take this one step further. We’ve developed our own proprietary extraction method to ensure every drop of oil is as phenol-rich as possible.
We also take every precaution with our olives before the mill, as soon as the olives are picked from the tree, they go directly into our refrigerated truck, which is parked right under the tree. This immediate cooling helps preserve the phenolic compounds, ensuring maximum potency.
It’s not the easiest or most efficient way to produce olive oil, but we believe it’s the best way to deliver the highest quality oil to you.
What Makes Oleaphen Stand Out?
Now that you’re a pro on phenols, let me introduce you to Oleaphen, one of the leading brands offering high phenolic olive oil. There are two main categories of Oleaphen oils that you should know about, and each one comes with its own set of benefits:
High Potency Phenolic Olive Oil: This one is for those looking to get the maximum punch of phenols in just a small dose. With a recommended daily dosage of just 5ml (that’s about a teaspoon), it’s a super-concentrated form of high phenolic olive oil. Perfect for those who want to take their health seriously but prefer a minimal approach. You can drizzle it over a salad or just take it straight up. Easy peasy!
High Phenolic Olive Oil: If you’re more into using olive oil as part of your daily meals, this option is your go-to. It’s recommended that you take about 15ml a day (roughly a tablespoon), which is easy enough to work into your cooking. Toss it on your roasted veggies, mix it into pasta, or swirl it into your morning smoothie (yes, that’s a thing!). Not only are you getting a healthy fat, but you’re also boosting your phenol intake. Win-win!
Is It for Everyone?
High phenolic olive oil is packed with incredible health benefits, but there’s something you should know—it’s generally super bitter and peppery, especially when you’re dealing with oils like Oleaphen High Potency. That’s because the phenols responsible for its health-boosting properties are also responsible for that sharp taste. If you’ve ever tried a high phenolic olive oil and felt that peppery kick in your throat, you know what I mean!
That said, we get it—this bold flavor isn’t for everyone, especially if you’ve got a more sensitive palate. Kids, for example, might not love the strong taste of high potency oils. That’s why Oleaphen’s High Phenolic Olive Oil is designed to be a bit easier on the taste buds, making it a great option for families or those new to the world of high phenolic olive oil.
The Takeaway: Phenols Matter
Next time you’re in the olive oil aisle, you’ll know exactly what makes high phenolic olive oil stand out. Whether you’re taking a teaspoon of Oleaphen’s High Potency Phenolic Olive Oil each day or drizzling their High Phenolic Olive Oil over your favorite dish, you’re doing your body—and your health—a big favor.
And who knew that something as simple as olive oil could be so powerful?