UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF OLEOCANTHAL QUANTIFICATION
Oleocanthal, a captivating “Polyphenol,” has captured the attention of many who frequent our website and blog. While its myriad benefits have been well-established, the burning question remains: how can one ascertain the precise amount of Oleocanthal present in our cherished olive oil?
The quantification of Oleocanthal demands a profound understanding of the meticulous scientific methods used in modern olive oil analysis. What was once a mere estimation has now evolved into the realm of extreme accuracy, measuring down to the “milligram per kilogram” or parts per million.
For those unversed in the intricacies of Chemistry, envision this process as akin to navigating a labyrinth of knowledge.
As a humble olive oil producer and not a scientist, allow me to draw a metaphor to elucidate this intricacy. Picture, if you will, the significance of “Polyphenols” in High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) to be akin to the essential vitamins and minerals present in vegetables—an invaluable component of its overall health benefits.
Just as we seek specific vitamins and minerals for targeted health improvements, certain Polyphenols in EVOO hold more prominence than others. Among the roughly 30 Polyphenols found in EVOO, Oleocanthal reigns supreme, responsible for a myriad of health-enhancing effects. The scientific community has tirelessly studied and documented the awe-inspiring potential of Oleocanthal, revealing its manifold wonders.
Various methodologies are employed to quantify Polyphenols, including the Folin Method, HPLC, and NMR. The Folin Method’s scope surpasses phenols, encompassing all reducing substances, thus offering a comprehensive analysis. On the other hand, the HPLC method, an IOOC-approved technique, specifically targets Oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oils.
However, it is the NMR method that stands as the epitome of accuracy, directly measuring the unaltered compound itself, unfettered by derivatives—an innovation revolutionizing the EVOO market. Though expensive, this methodology gains traction in the pursuit of leveraging EVOO’s natural medicinal properties by detecting heightened levels of Oleocanthal.
The quest for determining a “high level” of Oleocanthal varies across borders. Clinical studies suggest that EVOO boasting Oleocanthal levels exceeding 30mg/kg can be deemed healthful.
In the European Union, health claims require a minimum of 250mg/kg of Phenols to classify as High Phenolic; however, Oleocanthal constitutes just one element within this total. Enter the Oleocanthal society, spearheading health research with super High Oleocanthal EVOOs, harboring an impressive 500mg/kg of Oleocanthal alone!
Alas, no definitive answer to the question exists. Yet, at Nestor Olive Oil, we relentlessly pursue excellence, constantly striving to surpass prior accomplishments.
In our most recent endeavor, we crafted premium, high phenolic extra virgin olive oil, achieving staggering levels ranging from 800mg/kg to 1400mg/kg! Among our offerings, the HP EVOO boasts a remarkable 959mg/kg.
Catering to seekers of 30/mg/kg, 250mg/kg, or over 500mg/kg Oleocanthal content. Nestor EVOO got you covered!
