What are Nutraceutical Oils and Why are They So Good for You?

While there are various food sources that can be considered nutraceuticals such as garlic, cold water fish, soy beans, even fortified breakfast cereals, there’s one naturally occurring nutraceutical that is unrivaled in its ability to inhibit disease and promote good health and that is Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

However, before we dive into the many positive health benefits that come from incorporating EVOO into your diet, it’s important to note that not all EVOO’s are the same.

For example, many olive oils that are regularly found on grocery store shelves aren’t considered valid nutraceuticals because in order to receive this designation, the olive oil must contain more than 250 mg/kg of polyphenols (polyphenols are a naturally occurring category of beneficial plant compounds known to benefit health) along with at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol (a compound drawn from the olive tree and its leaves as a by-product arising from the manufacturing of olive oil).

While all of this sounds rather technical, the key takeaway here is that in order for an EVOO to earn this coveted designation and be officially labeled as “nutraceutical”, the above criteria must be fully met.

Here at Vignoli, we are proud that several of our EVOO’s have been officially classified as Nutraceutical Oils, which means that these olive oils have met the stringent criteria in order to secure this identification.

Because of this, these EVOO’s are not only rich in key nutrients and valuable healing properties but they are also considered therapeutic.

Now that you have a better understanding of what nutraceuticals are and why Nutraceutical Oils like some of our EVOO’s are so important for maintaining good health, what can they do for you?

1. EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) which has been known to improve blood flow and reduce bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol.

2. EVOO provides healthy fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K which can help to promote healthy cell growth, build strong bones, and protect against cancer.

3. EVOO contains valuable Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which are known to have many health benefits including preventing inflammation, reducing blood pressure, and preserving neurological tissue growth.

4. EVOO can help to combat dry skin and wrinkles since it promotes cell regeneration.

5. EVOO is good for digestion since it helps to facilitate the production of digestive enzymes.

This is just a sampling of the many amazing benefits that Nutraceutical Oils like Extra Virgin Olive Oil can do for you!

To optimize the benefits of this nutritional powerhouse, we recommend ingesting 20–25g (two tablespoons) of EVOO per day. In order to maximize the benefits of Nutraceutical Oils, enjoy your EVOO raw either by the spoonful or drizzled on salad greens, grilled vegetables, meats, or cheeses. Also, it’s best to consume EVOO within twelve to eighteen months from the day of its initial extraction.

Find the perfect EVOO for a healthier you HERE.