What Are Polyphenols in Olive Oil?

  • By David McCoper

Published: Friday, Jul 13, 2025

Unlocking the Secret of Its Antioxidant Power

Olive oil is more than just a cooking ingredient — it's a natural source of wellness. Its reputation as a health-promoting food is largely due to one powerful component: polyphenols. But what exactly are polyphenols? How do they affect your health, and how can you tell if an olive oil is rich in them?

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and role of polyphenols in olive oil, their health benefits, how they influence flavor, and how to recognize a high-polyphenol olive oil when you see one.

 

What Are Polyphenols, and Why Are They Found in Olive Oil?
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Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds found in plants. In olive oil, they come from the olive fruit itself — including the skin, pulp, and pit.

Some of the most important polyphenols in olive oil include oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleocanthal. These compounds contribute not only to the oil’s nutritional value, but also to its stability and taste.

Polyphenols are transferred into the oil during the pressing of olives, and their concentration depends on several factors such as harvest timing, processing temperature, and whether or not the oil is filtered. The less intervention, the more polyphenols are preserved.

In the olive tree, polyphenols serve as a natural defense mechanism against environmental stress and disease. When the oil is properly extracted, this protective strength is preserved and delivered straight to your kitchen.

Why Are Polyphenols Important for Your Health?
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Polyphenols are key to making olive oil a functional, health-supporting food. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases.

Research has shown that polyphenol-rich olive oil may offer the following benefits:

  • Supports heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and improving blood vessel function
  • Acts as an anti-inflammatory, especially thanks to oleocanthal, which has a natural ibuprofen-like effect
  • Protects cells from damage and may contribute to healthy aging
  • Supports brain function, with long-term consumption linked to cognitive preservation

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), olive oils that contain at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g of oil may carry health claims related to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.

In short, polyphenols turn olive oil from a simple kitchen staple into a science-backed source of wellness.

How Do Polyphenols Affect Flavor?
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The first time you taste a high-quality olive oil, you might notice a bitter or peppery sensation on your tongue or in your throat. This is not a defect — it’s the signature of polyphenols at work.

Compounds like oleocanthal and oleuropein are responsible for these intense flavors. Oils with high polyphenol content typically offer:

  • A bold, slightly bitter taste
  • A peppery kick at the back of the throat
  • Fresh, green, or herbal aromas

In contrast, olive oils with lower polyphenol levels are milder, fruitier, and more neutral in taste — often made from riper olives.

While flavor preferences vary, high-polyphenol olive oils are ideal for raw uses such as salads, dipping, or drizzling, where their complexity can be fully appreciated.

How Is Polyphenol Content Measured and Labeled?
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Polyphenol concentration in olive oil is usually measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/kg. For example, an oil with 500 ppm contains 500 milligrams of polyphenols per kilogram of oil.

These values are determined by laboratory testing, but they are not always shown on the label. That’s why it's important to choose brands that provide transparency and share lab results or certifications for their products.

According to EFSA, oils that meet the 5 mg hydroxytyrosol threshold may include related health claims, though not all producers include this on packaging.

As a general rule, 250 ppm and above is considered high in polyphenols.

How Can You Identify a Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil?
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Choosing a high-polyphenol olive oil doesn't have to be a guessing game. Here are some practical tips:

Taste it: A bitter, peppery finish is a strong sign of high polyphenol content.

Check the harvest time: Early-harvest oils tend to have more polyphenols than late-harvest oils.

Look at the processing method: Cold-pressed and unfiltered oils retain more antioxidants.

Pay attention to packaging: Dark glass bottles protect the oil from light, helping preserve polyphenols.

Look for lab reports or stated values: If a producer shares third-party lab results with polyphenol numbers, it’s a good sign of quality and transparency.

 

Most importantly, check the harvest date, not just the bottling date. Freshness is closely tied to antioxidant levels.

Garisar Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Its Polyphenol Value

At Garisar, our mission goes beyond great taste — we aim to preserve the natural strength of the olive itself. Our Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a direct result of this philosophy.

Harvested in the earliest weeks of the season and cold-pressed under 24°C, our oil is bottled unfiltered to retain its full complexity. This careful process protects its most valuable compounds — especially polyphenols.

Independent lab tests consistently show that Garisar Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains over 600 ppm of polyphenols. This places it well above international standards for high-antioxidant olive oils.

Its richness in natural antioxidants, along with its clean, bold flavor, makes it both a healthy choice and a gourmet experience. Whether you're drizzling it over a salad or taking a spoonful daily, you’re choosing a product backed by care, science, and authenticity.
Title

Poliphenol  (+600 ppm) 

Acidity (Max 0.2 Mg)

Garisar High In Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

NYIOOC Gold Medal Winner 
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Poliphenol  (+600 ppm)

Acidity (Max 0.2 Mg)

Garisar High In Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

NYIOOC Gold Medal Winner 
BUY NOW