A diet high in polyphenols has been linked to many health benefits. Polyphenols are phytonutrients found in many foods. However, extra virgin olive oil retains the highest levels of phenolic compounds.
Research suggests that a diet rich in phenolics can help prevent or reduce inflammation by blocking certain signaling pathways and reducing the upregulation of inflammatory enzymes. It also acts as a natural vasodilator, helping to lower blood pressure.
Protects the Heart
High-phenol olive oil has been linked to reduced inflammation, lowered cholesterol levels, fewer strokes and heart attacks, lower blood pressure, and better mental health. It’s also known to lower blood glucose levels and reduce the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing atherosclerosis risk; check out Gundry MD Olive Oil reviews.
When looking for high-phenol olive oil, look for harvest dates and taste descriptors like “pungent” or “bitter.” The higher the phenol content, the more protective it is for your health. Particularly for extra virgin olive oil, this is accurate.
Lowers Cholesterol
Adding polyphenol-rich olive oil can help lower “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. A recent study found that people who ate more olive oil had less blood fat called triglycerides and higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
The phenolic compounds in olive oil can also protect the heart and reduce inflammation. A high level of phenolics in the oil can help reduce oxidative stress and slow down the build-up of plaque in the arteries that leads to heart disease and stroke.
Look for a bottle that displays its phenolic content on the label. In addition, taste signifiers like pungency (the peppery kick at the back of your throat) and bitterness indicate a high phenolic content and antioxidant power.
Prevents Cancer
The phenolic compounds found in olive oil, like oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol, can reduce inflammation and prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. The main risk factor for heart disease and various types of cancer is inflammation.
Studies also show that those who eat a Mediterranean diet, including extra virgin olive oil, have lower blood pressure and a healthier lipid profile than those who don’t. Eating olive oil also increases immune system function and makes autoimmune diseases less likely to occur.
Look for spice and bitterness as taste signifiers indicating high polyphenol content. However, the phenolic composition of olive oil can change with temperature and storage conditions. So, keep your olive oil in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light and oxygen.
Lowers Risk of Alzheimer’s
The phenolic compounds are powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agents. They also have strong neuroprotective properties and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
According to research, oleocanthal interacts with your body’s complement system, boosting phagocytic cells and antibodies to help remove harmful bacteria and damaged cells. According to the study, the blood-brain barrier and functional connection between different brain areas were also shown to be enhanced by oleocanthal.
Medical News Today reported on a study that showed that a Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil helped reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. This was because oleocanthal improved autophagy, your brain’s natural process of ridding itself of toxic waste and protecting neurons from damage. Further studies are needed in humans, but oleocanthal’s promising results are encouraging.
Rich in Vitamin E
The phenolic compounds help protect your immune system and make you less susceptible to inflammation. They also reduce your risk of a blood clot, which can lead to thrombotic disorders and stroke.
People who follow a Mediterranean-style diet with olive oil have significantly lower heart disease and stroke rates. One study showed that a diet rich in polyphenols and low in saturated fat lowered cholesterol levels by 40 percent in people at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
