Polyphenols are natural preservatives in olive oil. They are secondary chemical compounds from olive tree metabolism that are synthesized in response to crop stress. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the polyphenols in olive oil due to their antioxidant properties and their role in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and various cancers.
Obtained from olives solely through physical processes, virgin olive oil is the only plant-based oil that contains polyphenols, mainly derived from hydroxytyrosol, which is a polyphenol exclusive to olives, with outstanding biological properties and antioxidant capacity.
Throughout history, olive oil has been used in many cultures as a natural remedy. High-polyphenol extra virgin olive oils work in the body to protect us from a number of diseases:
OXIDATIVE CELLULAR STRESS : Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that help protect blood lipids (fats) from oxidation. This is the basis of the EU-approved health claim for polyphenols in olive oil. Oxidative stress is linked to a number of diseases such as high cholesterol, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, etc.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE : Olive oil helps maintain good levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, while polyphenols limit the oxidation of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which causes plaque. Plaque blocks arteries and restricts blood flow to our heart, brain, and other organs, causing heart attacks, strokes, etc.
BRAIN CONDITIONS : Polyphenols limit lipid oxidation and reduce the formation of plaques that travel through our bloodstream and cause obstructions or reduced blood flow in our brains, resulting in strokes. Recent studies have also shown that people who consume olive oil are less likely to experience age-related cognitive decline (such as Alzheimer's disease).
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM : The fat profile of olive oils makes it a unique oil that is the only one completely digested by the body. It aids the digestive system at every stage, from reducing reflux to improving digestion in the large intestine, which can even help relieve bad breath.
Did you know that Finca el Trueno extra virgin olive oil contains a high amount of polyphenols and is excellent for your health?
The International Olive Council (IOC) has already approved an official method for analyzing polyphenols, and the EU, in its list of authorized health claims for foods, has included olive oil polyphenols as a beneficial substance.
The phrase the EU allows to be included on the labels of olive oils with a high polyphenol content is:
"Olive oil polyphenols help protect blood lipids from the harmful effects of oxidation."
We include this phrase on all our labels.