More People Are Asking for "Healthy Olive Oil"
Over the past several years, we've noticed a growing trend in our stores and online. Customers are increasingly asking for "the healthy olive oil."
While there isn't a single olive oil marketed under that name, what many people are actually looking for is high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a premium olive oil naturally rich in antioxidant compounds that contribute to exceptional flavor and complement a Mediterranean lifestyle.
High polyphenol olive oils have become one of the most talked-about topics in the olive oil world, but they also generate a lot of questions.
What exactly are polyphenols?
How much is considered "high?"
Why do some olive oils taste peppery?
Can you cook with them—or should you drink them?
Let's explore.
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds found in olives. During careful harvesting and proper milling, these beneficial compounds are preserved in fresh extra virgin olive oil.
They contribute to many of the qualities olive oil lovers appreciate, including:
- Fresh, vibrant flavor
- Peppery finish
- Pleasant bitterness
- Excellent stability
Simply put, the fresher and more carefully produced the olive oil, the more likely it is to retain significant polyphenol content.
Why Are Polyphenols Important?
Researchers have spent decades studying the Mediterranean diet, and extra virgin olive oil continues to be one of its defining components.
While no single food is a magic solution, premium EVOO has become an important part of many people's wellness routines because it naturally contains:
- Polyphenols
- Oleocanthal
- Oleacein
- Vitamin E
- Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
These naturally occurring compounds have been the subject of ongoing research into healthy aging, cardiovascular wellness, and inflammation.
Known Health Benefits
Doctors and nutritionists are now often recommending high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) because it is essentially a potent, food-based medicine rich in natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Polyphenols, such as oleocanthal, oleuropein, and hydroxytyrosol, go far beyond basic healthy fats by actively protecting your cells and fighting chronic disease.
The primary health benefits of high-polyphenol olive oil include:
- Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Compounds like oleocanthal inhibit COX enzymes in the exact same way low-dose NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) do, offering natural pain and inflammation relief without the gastrointestinal side effects.
- Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol, prevents the buildup of arterial plaque (atherosclerosis), and supports healthy blood pressure. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) authorizes specific claims that olive oil polyphenols protect blood lipids from oxidative stress.
- Brain & Cognitive Support: High-polyphenol oils help reduce chronic neuroinflammation, which is linked to slowing age-related cognitive decline and lowering the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Bone Health: Studies show olive oil polyphenols stimulate bone-building cells while suppressing the ones that break it down, which can significantly boost bone formation markers.
- Metabolic & Cancer Protection: These oils improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, phenolic compounds have been shown in preclinical studies to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and promote cancer cell death.
Section References & Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5877547/
https://www.highphenolic.com/health-benefits-olive-oil
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/extra-virgin-olive-oil-may-be-healthier-than-regular-olive-oil
Understanding Polyphenol Levels
Not all extra virgin olive oils contain the same amount of polyphenols.
Factors that influence polyphenol levels include:
- Olive variety
- Climate
- Growing conditions
- Harvest timing
- Milling techniques
- Storage
- Age of the oil
The Olive Tap's High Polyphenol Collection
At The Olive Tap, we carefully select oils known for both exceptional flavor and naturally high polyphenol content.
Kalamata Ultra High Polyphenol EVOO
Current Polyphenol Count: 1,307 mg/kg
Origin: Greece
Produced from an award-winning family estate, this remarkable early harvest EVOO delivers bold pepperiness, vibrant green fruitiness, and exceptionally high polyphenol content.
Ideal for:
- Finishing vegetables
- Salads
- Enjoying by the spoonful
- Bread dipping
- Wellness routines
Coratina 100% EVOO
Current Polyphenol Count: 726 mg/kg
Origin: Italy
A Gold Award Winner at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, Coratina has been one of our customer favorites for years.
Its bold herbaceous flavor, grassy notes, and peppery finish make it ideal for anyone looking for a robust everyday EVOO.
Athenolia 100% EVOO
Current Polyphenol Count: 636 mg/kg
Origin: Greece
Harvested early by a multi-generational Greek producer, Athenolia offers bright fruitiness, balanced bitterness, and naturally elevated polyphenol levels.
It's an excellent introduction for customers exploring high-polyphenol olive oils for the first time.
Why Do Some Olive Oils Make You Cough?
One of the questions we hear most often is:
"Why did this olive oil make me cough?"
That peppery sensation at the back of your throat comes largely from naturally occurring compounds such as oleocanthal.
Among olive oil enthusiasts, you'll often hear references to the "one-cough," "two-cough," or even "three-cough" test.
While this isn't a scientific measurement of quality, it's a fun way people describe the bold character often found in fresh, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oils.
Are People Really Drinking Olive Oil?
Yes.
Many olive oil enthusiasts enjoy one tablespoon of fresh extra virgin olive oil daily as part of a balanced Mediterranean lifestyle.
Others simply use premium EVOO generously throughout the day by:
- Drizzling over salads
- Finishing grilled vegetables
- Pouring over soups
- Tossing with pasta
- Dipping artisan bread
- Adding to grain bowls
Whether enjoyed by the spoonful or incorporated into meals, high-quality EVOO offers outstanding flavor while fitting naturally into everyday meal preparations.
How to Store High Polyphenol Olive Oil
To preserve freshness and flavor:
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Keep the cap tightly sealed.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight.
- Enjoy while the oil is fresh for the highest polyphenols, best flavor and aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are higher polyphenol levels always better?
Not necessarily, it depends on your health goals and culinary needs. If your goal is maximizing naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, higher polyphenol oils are an excellent choice. If you're selecting an olive oil for a specific recipe or flavor profile, a more balanced EVOO may be just as enjoyable. At The Olive Tap, we believe the best olive oil is the one that inspires you to use it every day.
Can I cook with high polyphenol olive oil?
Yes. You can cook with high polyphenol olive oil. However, for everyday sautéing and roasting, many customers prefer our traditional 100% EVOOs or flavored olive oils while reserving ultra-high polyphenol oils for finishing dishes or enjoying fresh.
Here's a few Tap's Tips:
- If your goal is maximum polyphenol intake, use high-polyphenol EVOO as a finishing oil. Drizzle it over salads, grilled vegetables, soups, fish, or even enjoy a spoonful.
- If you're cooking, don't be afraid to use premium EVOO. While some polyphenols naturally diminish with heat, extra virgin olive oil remains an excellent choice for sautéing, roasting, and everyday cooking, while adding exceptional flavor.
Why do polyphenol numbers change?
Polyphenol content naturally changes with each harvest and over time. Weather, rainfall, temperature, olive maturity, harvest timing, milling techniques, and storage all influence laboratory-tested polyphenol levels. That's why reputable producers test each harvest individually whenever possible.
How do I know if an olive oil is high in polyphenols?
Not every producer measures or publishes polyphenol content. When available, look for laboratory-tested polyphenol levels, harvest information, and details about the olive variety. Early-harvest extra virgin olive oils often contain higher levels of naturally occurring polyphenols than later harvest oils. Our Olive Tap Tasting Specialists are always happy to help you choose the right extra virgin olive oils based on your taste preferences, health goals, and culinary needs.
Ready to Experience High Polyphenol Olive Oil for Yourself?
Explore The Olive Tap's collection of premium extra virgin olive oils and discover the unique flavors and characteristics of each harvest. See Our 100% EVOO Line-up.
