‘High phenolic’ or ‘Polyphenolic’ olive oil is the name given to scientifically
measured Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) that has much higher concentration
in healthful polyphenols than regular extra virgin olive oil.
Benefits
After many years of discussion, European Union legislation (Reg. EC 432/2012) started
decorating with a health claim EVOOs that have over 250 mg/ml phenolic concentration.
There are increasing scientific researches and evidence that polyphenols help to:
– lower blood pressure.
– protect the arteries from damage.
– lower bad cholesterol.
– reduce the risk for type II diabetes.
– prevent many types of cancer.
– prevent strokes.
– fight premature aging.
– decrease the risk for depression and dementia.
– slow the progression of Alzheimer’s up to 40%.
– reduce inflammations in the body.
No pain no gain
But that comes with a price for the producer (and the consumer’s wallet eventually)!
Forget the farming practices that offer high harvests and easy life. High phenolic
concentration requires painstaking methods, knowledge, investment and sacrifices:
- No olive trees wateringwhich means lower quantity.
- Early harvests which means lower quantity.
- Proper pruning.
- Immediate and careful transfer of harvested olives to the olive mills. Never store harvested olives in plastic bags.
- Cold extraction which means again lower quantity.
- Proper storage in top notchtechnology tanks.
And some tips
All types of Extra Virgin Olive Oil face the same enemies:
Temperature – Sunlight – Atmospheric air.
Therefore consumers should better follow the tips below:
-
Avoid transparent olive oil bottles no matter if they look more fancy. You are buingolive oil, not perfume!
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Store in a cool dark place. Ideally close to 15 oC. Olive oil and wine have similarstorage requirements therefore if you have a wine-fridge, keep some space for yourphenolic bottle.
- Close the tap after usage to prevent as much as possible air entering into the bottle.
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And a last advice: Better take it raw. Cooking destroys polyphenols. Buy a good EVOOfor cooking and keep the best only for raw consumption.