How recipes with high polyphenol count extra virgin olive oil contribute towards health benefits
Updated March 13th 2023
SUMMARY:
- The bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and gut microbiota, referred to as the gut-brain-axis, has been of significant interest in recent years. Increasing evidence has associated gut microbiota to both gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases. Dysbiosis and inflammation of the gut have been linked to causing several mental illnesses including anxiety and depression, which are prevalent in society today.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains a unique antioxidant called oleocanthal, a powerful anti-inflammatory that also acts as a prebiotic. Research has shown extra virgin olive oil can act as a prebiotic by encouraging the growth of good gut bacteria.
- Prebiotics have the ability to restore normal microbial balance, and therefore have a potential role in the treatment and prevention of anxiety and depression.
- We are so proud of our new harvest of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil and not least because it has the highest ever amount of health boosting polyphenols at 644mg/ kg.
CONTENTS:
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are a group of over 500 phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring micronutrients in plants. These compounds give a plant its colour and can help to protect it from various dangers. When you eat plants with polyphenols, you reap the health benefits as well.
Polyphenols are a key component in extra virgin olive oil and are considered to be one of the best health enhancing benefits within the oil. They are a potent antioxidant that can decommission nasty molecules in your body called free radicals. Free radicals can ricochet around inside your body and harm good cells. Antioxidants, such as the polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil, work to neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from their harmful antics. It’s also thought that polyphenols contribute to keep the body being in an anti-inflammatory state. This is also associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases.
As well as Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Polyphenols are present in a range of other delicious foods, including:
- Berries
- Nuts
- Vegetables
- Cocoa powder and dark chocolate
- Cloves and other seasonings
- Beans
Why Cook With Polyphenol Rich Food?
All of these foods can be in easily incorporated into your diet and have the potential to help you fight off a range of nasty diseases and keep your immune system in check.
Studies show that people who have polyphenol-rich diets – consuming more than 650 milligrams per day – have lower death risks than those who get less than 500 milligrams per day. Polyphenols can help to manage blood pressure levels, reduce chronic inflammation (another risk factor for heat disease) as well as help to control your blood sugar levels. This is particularly helpful in reducing your risk of conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Courtesy of foodmatters.com, we have found a wonderful summer salad that takes polyphenols to a new level and can be rustled up in no time. Introducing…
The Polyphenol Pomegranate & Walnut Salad
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 cup rocket
- 1 small purple carrot cut in half
- ¼ pomegranate fruit
- ¼ sliced beetroot
- ¼ cup shredded purple cabbage
- Small handful of raw walnuts
- Sprig of fresh mint
Method
- Combine ingredients in a bowl
- Dress with fresh Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil and balsamic dressing
Which Polyphenols Are In Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
The types of polyphenol present in extra virgin olive oil is influenced by the extraction / pressing process. To be extra virgin olive oil, the extraction needs to be done solely by mechanical means and at low temperatures. This has a direct effect on the resulting polyphenol content. There also must be no mixing or blending with other oils and no chemical additives. This is how the natural goodness and health enriching qualities of the extra virgin olive oil is preserved.
We have further information on all of the main polyphenols in our extra virgin olive oil explained in detail on our website. Click on the links below for more detail:
Although you can also get polyphenols by taking supplements, which come in powder and capsule forms, why not add some of these delicious foods to your shopping list and increase your intake the fun way!
