You’ve probably heard that olive oil is good for you, but do you know why? It’s because of special compounds called polyphenols that are naturally found in plants, fruits and vegetables. The best olive oil brands will always boast about their products having a high polyphenol count because of the health benefits that come along with them. So what are polyphenols, and which polyphenol-rich olive oil should you buy?
What are polyphenols?
Without getting overly technical, polyphenols are compounds that have been proven to reduce health risks and increase antioxidants. Polyphenol-rich olive oil has been the subject of many scientific studies, and it has been found to help promote heart health, brain health, immune system function, and even prevent cancer. Olives, and therefore olive oil, are naturally high in polyphenols. This is a big reason why the Mediterranean diet is said to be one of the healthiest diets in the world.
Which types of olive oil have the most polyphenols?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the amount of polyphenols in olive oil is affected by the type of extraction and filtration methods used in its production. “Unfiltered olive oil preserves additional polyphenols,” the NCBI states. Additionally, cold extraction or cold-pressed olive oil also tends to yield a higher polyphenol count. Both of these types of extra virgin olive oil retain the olive’s natural properties and bold flavors. A simple way of determining a healthy olive oil is by taste: the more peppery and bitter flavors it has, the better.
What polyphenol-rich olive oil does Supermarket Italy carry?
Supermarket Italy’s online gourmet grocery store has a vast selection of extra virgin olive oil. All of our extra virgin olive oil is authentic and imported from countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece. Some of the best olive oil brands for polyphenol-rich oils are Paesano, Olivar Santamaria, and Frantoi Cutrera.