Why Are Polyphenols Important?
Polyphenols are valued because they:
- Help protect the oil from oxidation.
- Contribute to the fresh, peppery flavour of quality olive oil.
- Are naturally occurring antioxidants.
- Are widely studied as part of healthy dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet.
Which Foods Are Rich in Polyphenols?
Some of the best natural sources include:
|
Food |
Polyphenol Content |
|
Cloves |
★★★★★ |
|
Cocoa powder |
★★★★★ |
|
Berries |
★★★★☆ |
|
Green tea |
★★★★☆ |
|
Extra virgin olive oil |
★★★★☆ |
|
Walnuts |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Red onions |
★★★☆☆ |
The exact amount varies depending on the variety, growing conditions and processing.
What Makes Olive Oil High in Polyphenols?
Not all olive oils are the same. Several factors influence polyphenol levels:
- Early harvest – Greener olives generally contain more polyphenols.
- Olive variety – Varieties such as Koroneiki are naturally rich in polyphenols.
- Cold extraction – Gentle processing helps preserve natural compounds.
- Freshness – Recently harvested oils generally contain higher levels.
How to Choose a High-Quality Olive Oil
When shopping for extra virgin olive oil, look for:
✓ Early harvest
✓ Extra virgin grade
✓ Cold extracted
✓ Harvest date
✓ Olive variety
✓ Independent laboratory testing
Transparent producers who provide this information make it easier to understand the quality of the oil you're buying.
The Purely Sourced Difference
Our High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced from single-origin Koroneiki olives grown in Messinia, Greece. It is early harvested, cold extracted and independently laboratory tested, giving you complete confidence in its quality and provenance