Let's Discuss Polyphenols

There is a lot of discussion around polyphenols, freshness, and olive oil terminology, which can make it hard to know what matters most when choosing an extra virgin olive oil.

Our goal is to make that choice clearer by focusing on quality, freshness, and flavor.

Extra virgin olive oil offers both flavor and nutritional value. It is naturally rich in monounsaturated fats, which can support healthy cholesterol levels, and it contains phenolic compounds, often called polyphenols, that help set high-quality olive oil apart.

What matters is not just the total amount of phenolic compounds, but which ones are present. Compounds such as hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and oleocanthal are among those most closely linked to the benefits associated with fresh extra virgin olive oil.

For shoppers looking beyond the label, total polyphenols do not tell the full story. The more useful measure is the share of compounds most closely tied to the oil’s benefits. There is no single standard for an ideal level, but fresh extra virgin olive oil is generally the best indicator of strong quality and value.

It is also important to remember that any polyphenol number reflects the oil only when it was tested. Over time, and especially without proper storage, those levels decline. That is why freshness is one of the clearest signs of quality in extra virgin olive oil.

Using about 2 tablespoons of fresh olive oil each day is a simple way to add both flavor and nutritional value to your meals. Regular use also helps you enjoy the oil while it is at its best.

Did you know that the bioavailability of the fat-soluble vitamins and micronutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamins E and K in vegetables is 0 if they are not consumed with fat? Olive oil assists carrots, tomatoes, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, orange & red peppers, broccoli, green beans and sweet potatoes to deliver on these nutrients.

Explore our collection of fresh extra virgin olive oils to find the flavor profile that suits you best. At Olive Oil of the World , we are committed to offering the healthiest, most delicious farm-to-bottle extra virgin olive oils made from the current year’s harvest.