Why Athletes Choose High Polyphenol EVOO for Recovery and Performance

Why Athletes Choose High Polyphenol EVOO for Recovery and Performance

When you train hard, your body doesn’t just feel it – it adapts. Each workout causes tiny tears in your muscle fibres. That micro-damage is necessary for strength, power, and progress. But with it comes inflammation.

A little inflammation? That’s part of the process. But when it sticks around too long, it can slow your recovery, sap your energy, and raise your risk of injury.

That’s why more athletes are turning to food-first recovery strategies: tools that support the body’s natural repair systems without blocking adaptation. And one of the most promising? High-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).

Let’s explore how it works, and why SP360 is trusted by those who take their performance and recovery seriously.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.

How Polyphenols Support Athletic Performance

Polyphenols are powerful plant compounds that help your body manage the stress of exercise. 

In EVOO, a few stand out: oleocanthal, known for its natural anti-inflammatory action (comparable to ibuprofen); hydroxytyrosol, one of the most potent antioxidants found in nature; and oleuropein, which supports circulation, energy and metabolic function.

Together, they help your body bounce back by:

  • Easing inflammation after intense sessions without the side effects of synthetic anti-inflammatories
  • Supporting muscle repair and immune balance
  • Protecting red blood cells and reducing oxidative stress, especially under physical load

In fact, studies show that EVOO can significantly reduce key inflammation markers like CRP and IL-6, which often spike after tough training.

What the Research Shows

The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with health and longevity. But more recently, researchers have started to explore how this way of eating – especially when rich in quality olive oil – supports performance, recovery, and long-term resilience.

Better Blood Flow, Better Recovery

Olive oil supports vascular function, improving how your blood vessels expand and deliver oxygen and nutrients to working muscles. One large review of 30 clinical trials found that EVOO improved a key marker of circulation, helping your body recover faster post-exercise.

Less Muscle Inflammation

Strenuous workouts cause a spike in inflammation. EVOO helps calm that response. In one study, athletes who consumed EVOO before and after training had significantly lower immune stress 24 hours later compared to those who didn’t. 

EVOO also boosts your internal defence systems by enhancing your body’s own antioxidant enzymes – a natural shield against the wear and tear of training.

Stronger Mitochondria, Protected Muscle

Your mitochondria are your power centres and they take a hit when you're pushing your limits. EVOO helps protect them, supporting energy metabolism, muscle maintenance and repair. Key compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol support IGF-1 signalling, a hormone pathway essential for muscle growth and recovery.

Measurable Performance Gains

So what does this look like in action? Athletes following a Mediterranean-style diet (where EVOO is the main fat source) have shown measurable improvements in vertical jump height, grip strength, endurance, functional workouts, and more. In fact, one study showed runners clocking 6% faster times after switching from a Western diet.

More Than Muscle: How SP360 Supports Whole-Body Health

Recovery isn’t just about your muscles. To perform consistently, you need your brain, heart, gut and immune system working in sync.

High-polyphenol EVOO helps support:

  • Heart health by reducing inflammation and improving circulation
  • Brain focus with antioxidant support for cognitive clarity
  • Gut health nourishing the microbiome and easing inflammation
  • Immunity especially useful when training loads increase

That’s why SP360 isn’t your average olive oil. It delivers 1,462 mg/kg of polyphenols – a lab-tested level that exceeds the “medical grade” standard by 46%. Cold-extracted and early-harvested to preserve antioxidant strength, every bottle comes from a single estate and is sustainably packaged to lock in freshness and reduce waste.

This isn’t just a pantry staple. It’s your daily performance ally.

How to Use SP360 for Training and Recovery

Daily consistency is key. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons per day, ideally with meals for best absorption and stable blood sugar.

Here’s how to get it in:

  • After training drizzle over a grain bowl, salad, or sweet potato
  • With breakfast add to eggs, oats or smoothies
  • In everyday meals use as your go-to healthy fat source
  • On recovery days nourish your body, even when you’re off the clock

You don’t need to overhaul your diet – just build this into what you’re already doing.

Train Hard, Recover Smart

You already put in the effort. Give your body the support it deserves naturally.

SP360 offers a clean, science-backed way to recover faster, feel stronger, and perform at your best. It’s not a supplement. It’s real food with real function.

Whether you’re chasing a PB, building strength, or just trying to stay consistent, SP360 delivers:

  • Joint resilience
  • Muscle repair
  • Energy metabolism
  • Mental focus
  • Whole-body recovery

Try SP360. Your muscles (and mind) will thank you.

Ready to train smarter? Explore SP360's high-polyphenol EVOO or subscribe for daily performance delivered straight to your home.

 

 

Sources

(1) Schwingshackl, L., Christoph, M. and Hoffmann, G. (2015). Effects of Olive Oil on Markers of Inflammation and Endothelial Function – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 7(9), pp.7651–7675. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7095356.

(2) Perrone, P. and D’angelo, S. (2025). Original Article Extra virgin olive oil as a functional food for athletes: recovery, health, and performance. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, [online] 25(2), pp.370–381. doi:https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2025.02042.

(3) Bianchi, E., Erbasan, H., Riso, P. and Perna, S. (2024). Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength, Body Composition, and Antioxidant Markers in Both Athletes and Non-Professional Athletes: A Systematic Review of Intervention Trials. Nutrients, 16(20), p.3454. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203454.

(4) Esquius, L., Javierre, C., Llaudó, I., Rama, I., Oviedo, G.R., Massip-Salcedo, M., Aguilar-Martínez, A., Niño, O. and Lloberas, N. (2021). Impact of Olive Oil Supplement Intake on Dendritic Cell Maturation after Strenuous Physical Exercise: A Preliminary Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(8), p.4128. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084128.

(5) Salucci, S., Bartoletti-Stella, A., Bavelloni, A., Aramini, B., Blalock, W.L., Fabbri, F., Vannini, I., Sambri, V., Stella, F. and Faenza, I. (2022). Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), a Mediterranean Diet Component, in the Management of Muscle Mass and Function Preservation. Nutrients, 14(17), p.3567. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173567.

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