Professional Partner:
Masworth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
November Harvest
Masworth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Hey folks, as you know I’m a huge advocate of eating real food which includes healthy fats daily. When choosing an oil to either cook with or drizzle over your vegetables or salads or even into your porridge or smoothie as I do, you cannot get any better than extra virgin olive oil.
High in monounsaturated fats but much more importantly a high-quality oil will also contain large amounts of antioxidant polyphenols which have numerous health benefits – but especially for those with or at risk of cardiovascular disease. I consume around 3 tablespoons daily of the best EVOO to help reduce my risk of coronary heart disease.
Unfortunately choosing a good oil is a bit of mine field and many of the supermarket oils are of low quality and this is reflected in their low price. Fake EVOO promoted as the real deal is an ongoing problem so it’s always good to know where your olive oil comes from (can it be traced back to the producer)?
Fortunately I have become good friends with a Greek Producer who has created and harvested an exceptional olive oil from Crete. This is the oil that I consume daily and highly recommend. The good news is as a paying member of The Lifestyle Physiologist you get exclusive discounts to this incredible olive oil!
Below is some more detail on the premium product “November” Early Harvest:
Early Harvest Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Our exclusive extra virgin olive comes from the groves of protected geographic indication in Chania, Crete. It is cold-pressed from the Koroneiki olive variety, a rare fruit that is only suitable for cultivation in this area of the world. Our estates are situated to the northeast of Chania, between the northern coast and the White Mountains. The microclimate of the region draws out the special characteristics of the Koroneiki olive, which are fully expressed in the oil. Our use of organic cultivation methods contribute to the local terroir, bringing out an additional depth of flavour to the oil.
Freshness is key in producing a healthy olive oil, so we ensure our oil harvested early in the season. This reduces the quantity of oil produced in any given year but drastically improves the quality. One of its essential constituents which provide its health-giving properties is the polyphenol content. Our oil has been lab proven to contain a high polyphenol content, as well as a high amount of antioxidants. It is then delivered to our customers in dark bottles to protect the integrity of the product from light damage. Enjoy this unique olive oil drizzled on roasted meats, vegetables or with a Greek salad.
Masworth Olive Oil
Polyphenols: Nature’s Medicine
Countless articles backed by scientific research make compelling health claims for following a Mediterranean diet partly because the diet is rich in foods (including a significant amount of Olive Oil) that contain a high content of polyphenols.
Polyphenols are the micronutrients which naturally occur in plants and are potent antioxidants which work to eliminate the free radicals that continually attack the body damaging healthy cells. This process, known as oxidation, is a natural result of our metabolism and the oxidative stress it produces in our bodies is linked to certain diseases as well as the ageing process. It turns out that the antioxidant properties of polyphenols can, however, help reduce abnormal cell formation, combat inflammation and over time, restore cells back to normal health.
There are over 500 types of polyphenols, collectively known as phytochemicals which can be further categorised into Flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes and lignans. The most important polyphenols found in EVOO with respect to health claims include OLEUROPEIN, TYROSOL, HYDROXYTYROSOL, OLEOCANTHAL, CAROTENES and OLEACEIN.
Each of these possesses very strong antioxidant properties that can help fight specific physical and neurological diseases by reversing the damage caused to healthy cells. High quality extra virgin olive oil and the Mediterranean diet are proven to reduce the risk of the following chronic diseases:
- Prevent heart disease
- Prevent cardiovascular issues
- Help control diabetes
- Delay the ageing process
- Slow down the progress of Alzheimers disease
- Counter the free radicals that cause certain cancers
- Strokes
- Hypertension
- Poor cholesterol profile
- Cancer
- Parkinsons disease
- Kidney disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Asthma
- Depression
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Premature death
These health claims are backed by significant scientific research and possibly why even in ancient civilisations, Olive Oil was a prized commodity, referred to by Homer as “Liquid Gold”. The Greeks believed that the Olive Tree was even a gift from the Goddess Athena herself.
Olive Oils: Not all are rich in polyphenols
Olive oils are categorized based on how they are processed and not all offer the same benefits. It is worth noting that the Olive Oil Health Claim (EU 432/2012) applies only for olive oils that contain at least 250 mg/kg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol or their derivatives. The benefits are obtained with a daily intake of 20 gr of olive oil. Fresh, early harvested Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is always the best option to ensure a good concentration of polyphenols.
November Early Harvest Organic EVOO contains above 450mg/kg of polyphenols and is, therefore, an excellent choice for the discerning purchaser. Why not start your new year by adding a great quality EVOO to your pantry that will bring you some incredible health benefits!