Polyphenol Olive Oil FAQ

High polyphenol olive oil is a type of extra virgin olive oil that’s naturally rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants have been linked to supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and protecting our cells. Regularly including high polyphenol olive oil in your diet has been associated with benefits for cardiovascular, metabolic, and even cognitive health.

What is high polyphenol olive oil?

High polyphenol olive oil is simply extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that contains especially high levels of natural compounds known as polyphenols. These polyphenols act as antioxidants and are thought to be behind many of the health benefits linked to olive oil.

To achieve these higher polyphenol levels, producers usually use early harvest olives and gentle extraction methods that help preserve these valuable compounds.

What are polyphenols in olive oil?

Polyphenols are natural plant compounds found in olives. In the oil, they help protect it from oxidation, and when we consume them, they may support:

Heart health
Reduced inflammation
Antioxidant protection

More information: Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Health: Nutrition, Polyphenols and What the Research Shows

They also give high-quality olive oil its distinctive bitter taste and peppery finish.

What is considered high polyphenol olive oil?

Polyphenol content in olive oil is usually measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

As a general guide:

Low: under 100 mg/kg
Moderate: 100–250 mg/kg
High: 250+ mg/kg
Very high: 500+ mg/kg

Premium oils such as The Governor EVOO can reach much higher levels, sometimes as high as 1,316 mg/kg.

How are polyphenols measured?

Polyphenol levels are measured by independent laboratory testing, using advanced analytical methods. View How We Test Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What are the health benefits of polyphenol olive oil?

Research, including studies indexed on PubMed, suggests that polyphenol-rich olive oil may help:

Maintain cardiovascular health
Reduce inflammation
Protect cells from oxidative stress
Support brain and mental function

More information: Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Health: Nutrition, Polyphenols and What the Research Shows

Why does olive oil burn or sting the throat?

That peppery, throat-tingling sensation comes from oleocanthal, a natural polyphenol found in high-quality EVOO.

This is actually a good sign, as it indicates:

Freshness
High polyphenol content
Potent antioxidant activity

How much polyphenol olive oil should I take daily?

According to European health claim guidance, beneficial effects are linked to:

20g (around 2 tablespoons) per day

(European Food Safety Authority guidance on olive oil polyphenols)

With high-polyphenol olive oils, many people choose:

1 tablespoon daily

For maximum benefit, it’s best enjoyed raw to help preserve those valuable polyphenols.

Can You Cook with Polyphenol Olive Oil?

Yes, you can absolutely cook with high-quality, high-polyphenol olive oil. It is naturally more stable when heated than many other cooking oils. The polyphenols act as natural antioxidants, helping to protect the oil from oxidation and breakdown during cooking.

Some polyphenols are lost when the oil is heated,

However:

A significant portion remains after normal household cooking
The oil still retains beneficial antioxidant activity
Higher-polyphenol oils retain more overall benefits

Put simply, the higher the polyphenol content, the better the oil stands up to heat.

Which olive oil has the highest polyphenols?

The highest polyphenol olive oils are typically:

Early harvest
Cold extracted
Single estate
Lab tested

Premium oils such as The Governor EVOO are known for their exceptionally high polyphenol concentrations.

Is high-polyphenol olive oil better than regular olive oil?

Yes, olive oils with higher polyphenol levels offer:

Greater antioxidant activity
Stronger anti-inflammatory properties
More intense flavour

More information: Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Health: Nutrition, Polyphenols and What the Research Shows

This means they’re not only healthier, but also offer a more distinctive flavour.

Do polyphenols decrease over time?

Yes, polyphenol levels naturally decline as olive oil gets older.

To maintain quality:

Store in a cool, dark place
Keep bottles sealed
Use within recommended timeframes

What does high-polyphenol olive oil taste like?

High-polyphenol olive oil typically has:

A fresh, green aroma
Slight bitterness
A peppery finish

These qualities are signs of freshness and potency, not faults.

Research context: The Governor EVOO has been supplied for many academic studies investigating high-oleocanthal olive oil. Participation in research does not mean the product has been clinically proven to prevent, treat or cure disease.

★★★★★

I have been using The Governor evoo for 5 months now with my 7 year old daughter who is on the spectrum, since using it I have seen an increased calmness in her and her ability to sit still has improved. I put this down to it being the early harvest and having high polyphenols which help lower inflammation….. based on current research I believe most people would benefit from a daily dose of what I call liquid gold

Jacky

★★★★★

I started using this oil 3 months ago and am noticing the significant health benefits especially in my joints!Would highly recommend it as it tastes great and I don't even like olives!!!!

Mandy Johnson

★★★★★

It really is the Governor of olive oil!!!

Tom Kerridge Michelin-starred chef

★★★★★

I consider the Governor one of the best high phenolic oils Greece produces and always include in my tastings. Cannot think of a more caring and beautiful gift to yourself or a loved one!

Irini Tzortzoglou- Greek cook and winner of the MasterChef 2019 UK

★★★★★

This is the best olive oil we have ever had, it's far superior than any other we have tried, we won't be buying any other. We are on our 2nd bottle now and the added health benefits makes it even more appealing and the service is first class.

Jane Grime

★★★★★

I have bought many Extra Virgin Olive Oils from all over the world and IMHO the Governor Premium is the best of them all.......hands down.Everything from ordering, packaging and of course the quality is exceptional. Wonderful health benefits with this Olive Oil.

Bernand Donnelly

The-Governor-Limited-Edition-Extra-Virgin-Olive-Oil4

The Governor Limited Edition Organic Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil

171 reviews

£49.95

The Governor Premium Unfiltered Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

129 reviews

£39.95

Scientific Advisors

Dr. Prokopios Magiatis and Dr. Eleni Melliou are at the forefront of olive oil research. Dr. Magiatis is a co-founder and vice-president of the Oleocanthal International Society and co-founder of the World Olive Center for Health in Athens. Dr. Melliou is co-founder and general secretary of the Oleocanthal International Society and co-founder of the World Olive Centre for Health in Athens.

The World Olive Centre is a specialised organisation dedicated to the study of the health beneﬁt’s of Olive oil. Its main objective is to provide support for clinical trials using high phenolic extra virgin olive oil.

Prokopios Magiatis research is focused on the isolation, chemical synthesis and bioactivity of natural products especially olive oil. He is an expert on the analyses and measurement of bioactive compounds like oleocanthal in olive oil. Dr. Eleni Melliou research is focused on the chemistry of natural products and particularly on isolation and structural identiﬁcation of bioactive small molecules from foods with the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods.

“We can certify that The Governor is an extremely rare extra virgin olive oil that stands out from the usual oils. It is an oil highly recommended to all consumers looking for olive oil with enhanced properties for health protection”

Prokopios Magiatis, Associate Professor – Athens University Faculty of Pharmacy

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Get Healthier with Oil

Healthy Extra Virgin Olive Oil Recipes

Get Inspired

The birthplace of The Governor extra virgin olive oils

Learn More