Question 1

How many phenols do you recommend we look for in an olive oil?

Accepted Answer

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulations state that EVOO will improve the health of an individual when the oil contains about 5 mg of phenols per 20 grams of EVOO (approximately 30 ml or 2 tablespoons).  In layman’s terms, this mean you want to include in your diet 2 tablespoons per day of extra virgin olive oil that has an approximate total phenol count of 200 mg/kg (gallic eq mg/kg). The total phenol count is often listed on the oil producer’s web site.nEVOO with phenol contents in the 200-400 mg/kg are much healthier for you and will not deteriorate during storage as quickly as those with lower phenol contents. Most commercial EVOO is less than 50 mgs/kg. Remember, oil stored in plastic deteriorates more quickly.  Therefore, my advice is to purchase EVOO that was harvested within the last 12 months, has a phenol count around 400mg/kg and is stored in a glass, tin or foiled lined container to prevent phenol loss through the plastic. A phenol count close to 400 will give a good guarantee that by the time of the next harvest, the olive oil will still have enough potency to protect you medically.

Question 2

How many phenols do you recommend we look for in an olive oil?

Accepted Answer

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulations state that EVOO will improve the health of an individual when the oil contains about 5 mg of phenols per 20 grams of EVOO (approximately 30 ml or 2 tablespoons).  In layman’s terms, this mean you want to include in your diet 2 tablespoons per day of extra virgin olive oil that has an approximate total phenol count of 200 mg/kg (gallic eq mg/kg). The total phenol count is often listed on the oil producer’s web site.nEVOO with phenol contents in the 200-400 mg/kg are much healthier for you and will not deteriorate during storage as quickly as those with lower phenol contents. Most commercial EVOO is less than 50 mgs/kg. Remember, oil stored in plastic deteriorates more quickly.  Therefore, my advice is to purchase EVOO that was harvested within the last 12 months, has a phenol count around 400mg/kg and is stored in a glass, tin or foiled lined container to prevent phenol loss through the plastic. A phenol count close to 400 will give a good guarantee that by the time of the next harvest, the olive oil will still have enough potency to protect you medically.