High-Polyphenol Olive Oil: The Science-Backed Superfood for Daily Wellness

High-Polyphenol Olive Oil: The Science-Backed Superfood for Daily Wellness

Why Olive Oil is More Than a Kitchen Staple

I'm Amelia. I’m an olive oil sommelier, master miller, and the producer behind SP360 – a high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil made on our family’s award-winning farm. But more than that, I’m someone who truly believes food should be a source of healing, not harm.

This guide is my way of sharing the journey, the knowledge, and the purpose behind SP360. It’s not just about oil – it’s about wellness, integrity, and reconnecting with what real nourishment looks like.

My interest in high-polyphenol olive oil really began with a question. What can we do to counterbalance what’s happening in the food industry today?

We’re living in a time when food is increasingly ultra-processed, and people are hungry – not just for nutrition, but for something real. And then there’s this extraordinary ingredient, straight from nature, that’s been part of Mediterranean life for generations. We don’t see it as a luxury – we start and finish our meals with it. It’s our staple.

For me, I wanted to understand how we get out of nature’s way? How do we preserve this beautiful, powerful product without stripping it of what makes it so special?

With SP360, I’ve had the privilege to not only honour that tradition but to offer something that genuinely supports people’s health in a world that needs it more than ever.

What is High-Polyphenol Olive Oil?

High-polyphenol olive oil is packed with naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that offer amazing health benefits for your body – everything from supporting heart health and brain function to reducing inflammation.

According to the EU health claim, olive oil needs a minimum of 250 mg/kg of polyphenols to provide those benefits. But SP360? We don’t just meet that standard – we exceed it. This year, our oil tested at 1269 mg/kg. That’s five times the minimum requirement.

We achieve this by dedicating a specific plot of our estate solely to SP360. It’s not just a one-year effort – it’s built on years of learning, nurturing the soil, understanding the trees, and refining our technique. The polyphenol level is a result of our entire history with that land.

To ensure accuracy, we send our oil to a third-party lab that uses the method specified by the International Olive Council (IOC).

This isn’t a vague or internal test – it’s conducted by certified chemists, recognised internationally for their precision. There are other less reliable testing methods out there, but we avoid those. Our results are published and completely transparent, so consumers can make informed decisions.

And we don’t just do this for show. We test every season. We analyse what we did, what worked, what impacted polyphenol levels – and we plan forward. It’s about learning and improving, not just ticking a box. That’s the level of detail and care that goes into every bottle of SP360.

What Are Polyphenols and Why Do They Matter in Olive Oil?

Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds – and some also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. They’re found in things like berries, dark chocolate, and certain teas. But olives and extra virgin olive oil contain some of the most powerful ones.

When people ask me how to explain them, I just say: these are compounds your body recognises and welcomes. They're the reason olive oil can be so good for your long-term health.

Science has already identified 36 different polyphenols in olive oil. That number used to be 29. So research is constantly uncovering more.

These compounds are associated with cardiovascular health, cognitive function, hormone balance, and reducing oxidative stress in the body. It’s like giving your body a toolkit to repair and restore itself.

Personally, I notice it most when I don’t take it.

I can feel inflammation creep in – especially in my joints – when I’ve eaten out or had food with seed oils. That’s when I go back to basics and reset with SP360. I have clients who’ve added it to their daily routine during perimenopause and menopause because of its effect on oestrogen modulation. It’s something that’s supported by research, but it’s also something I feel in my own body.

This isn’t about taking a supplement you can’t stand. It’s about adding something to your daily life that you actually enjoy, that supports you in ways you might not even realise unless you stop.

The Proven Benefits of High-Polyphenol Olive Oil

When you look at the research, it’s clear: high-polyphenol olive oil is one of the most powerful foods you can add to your daily routine.

Scientific research has linked polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil to a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the most compelling ways SP360 supports your wellbeing:

  • Heart health: Helps reduce inflammation, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and improves overall cardiovascular function.
  • Cognitive support: Linked to better brain health and protection against age-related cognitive decline.
  • Anti-inflammatory action: Helps reduce chronic inflammation, which is a contributing factor in many modern health conditions.
  • Hormonal balance: Certain polyphenols like lignans support oestrogen modulation, making them especially helpful during perimenopause and menopause.
  • Blood sugar regulation: Supports more stable energy and may help manage blood glucose levels.
  • Cell protection: Acts as a shield against oxidative stress, helping to reduce cell damage over time.

These aren’t just clinical claims – they’re echoed in my own life and in the lives of many clients I speak with regularly. Whether it’s helping with joint pain, improving how you feel day-to-day, or giving your body a steady stream of protective compounds, the benefits are wide-ranging and real.

The key is consistency. Like with any wellness habit, daily use is where the magic happens.

The Daily Dose: How Much Olive Oil Should You Take for Maximum Benefits?

Everyone’s body is different, so I always say – find what works for you. I’m a big believer in intermittent fasting, and sometimes when I’m on the go and not quite ready for a full meal, I’ll break my fast with a teaspoon of SP360. It’s a pure, clean fat that supports you without throwing you off balance. If I do have time to eat, I’ll drizzle it over my food – whether that’s eggs on toast or avocado. It’s delicious, and it sets me up for the day.

Some of my clients take it straight off the spoon first thing in the morning – they love the ritual. Others add it to their food, their coffee, or even blend it into smoothies. And honestly? If taking it on its own feels like a stretch, don’t force it. It’s about creating a habit that feels natural and sustainable.

You want this to be something you can stick to, not a chore. So whether it’s a daily teaspoon taken straight, a drizzle on your lunch, or a tablespoon mixed in your evening salad, the goal is consistency. The more you can incorporate it into your daily life, the more benefits you’ll feel over time.

This isn’t about rules – it’s about rhythm. About choosing something simple, delicious, and proven to support your body, every single day.

How to Identify a High-Quality, High-Polyphenol Olive Oil

The olive oil aisle can be overwhelming, and sadly, many brands rely on vague terms and slick packaging without offering true quality.

Here’s what I tell people to watch for:

  • Harvest date: Not just the bottling date. The oil’s quality begins to decline after harvest, so knowing when it was picked matters.
  • Vague sourcing: “Mediterranean blend” or “EU origin” is a red flag. Choose single-origin oil so you know where it comes from.
  • Unverified polyphenol levels: If a brand doesn’t publish certified lab results, you can’t be sure what you’re getting.
  • Third-party testing: Internal claims don’t mean much. We send our oil to labs recognised by the International Olive Council (ICO).
  • Clear or plastic bottles: Light, heat, and oxygen degrade olive oil. Quality oils come in dark glass or protective packaging.

At SP360, our oil is grown, milled, tested, and bottled with care – and we’re completely transparent about every step. Because if you’re investing in your health, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting.

Cold-Pressed, Single-Origin, and High-Polyphenol: What It Means for You

These three terms – cold-pressed, single-origin, and high-polyphenol – are more than just buzzwords. They represent the heart of SP360’s quality.

1. Cold Pressed

This means no heat or chemicals have been used in the extraction process. For olive oil to retain its beneficial compounds, especially the polyphenols, it has to be kept cool during production.

We take this seriously – our mill is designed to keep everything well below 27°C, which preserves flavour and health benefits alike. You can’t cut corners here.

2. Single-Origin

SP360 comes from one specific plot on our family estate. This matters because it ensures total traceability, but it also means we know the full history of the soil, the trees, and the farming methods.

Unlike mass-market brands that blend oils from multiple sources, we control every step – from harvest to bottle. That consistency is what allows us to deliver such a rich, flavourful, and nutrient-dense oil.

3. High-Polyphenol

Not all olive oils are created equal.

Polyphenol levels vary drastically depending on the variety, harvest time, milling, and storage. With SP360, we’ve spent years refining our process to ensure the polyphenol levels stay consistently high – above 1200 mg/kg. We’re not interested in flashy claims; we’re focused on science and results.

These aren’t just quality markers – they’re commitments. To health, to sustainability, and to creating an olive oil that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives.

What Happens When You Don't Get Enough Polyphenols?

One of the most important things to understand is that not all olive oils deliver the benefits they claim – and that’s often because of how they’re made, stored, or marketed.

Polyphenols naturally degrade over time. So even the best olive oil can lose its potency if it’s not stored properly. Heat, oxygen, light, and age are the four main enemies of olive oil. If the oil is bottled in plastic or clear glass and sits on a shelf under bright lights, those powerful antioxidants start to break down fast.

Like us, olive oil changes with time – but it shines brightest when it's fresh.

That’s why the harvest date matters so much more than the bottling date. When people buy supermarket olive oils that don’t list this information, or they choose oils in flashy packaging that isn’t designed to protect the contents, they’re often buying something that’s already lost much of its value.

The result? You might think you’re supporting your health, but the oil isn’t doing what you expect. The polyphenols may have dropped below effective levels, and the flavour and freshness are likely gone too.

This is why SP360 takes such care – not just in the growing and harvesting, but in how we store, test, and package our oil. We filter our oil to extend its shelf life, maintain stability, and slow the natural breakdown of polyphenols. It’s also why we don’t sell our oil in plastic, and why we educate our customers on how to store their oil once it’s in their home.

If you’re spending money on olive oil for its health benefits, you should get those benefits. That means choosing one that’s fresh, certified, protected – and proven.

Sustainability, Packaging, and Our Refill Revolution

When we created SP360, we weren’t just focused on making one of the highest quality olive oils on the market – we wanted it to reflect our values.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s a responsibility.

We designed our packaging with purpose. The SP360 glass bottle is built to last. It’s UV-protected, dark-coloured, and specifically engineered to preserve the oil’s quality. More importantly, it’s meant to be refilled – not replaced.

Our refill pouches are a game-changer. They’re light, recyclable, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 15 times compared to glass. We source them from a sustainable supplier and ensure the interior is lined with food-grade material to keep the oil safe. So while traditional glass is great for protection, shipping new bottles repeatedly just isn’t efficient – or eco-friendly.

Too many brands are now using plastic squeezy bottles for convenience, but as a producer, this makes me cringe.

Plastic is porous – it leaches microplastics into the oil and does nothing to protect against light or heat. In fact, there was a study where extra virgin olive oil was stored in clear containers under lights. In just 24 hours, the quality dropped by 87%. That’s not a small compromise; it’s a complete loss.

We’ve seen customers get excited about aesthetics or trends, but if the packaging compromises the oil, what’s the point?

After spending a year nurturing this product – caring for the trees, monitoring the soil, and refining our mill process – why would we throw it all away with the wrong packaging?

Our refill system means you can enjoy premium quality olive oil with less waste and a lighter footprint. It’s better for you, better for the planet, and better for the product itself.

My Role as an Olive Oil Sommelier and Why It Matters

When people ask me what I do, it’s sometimes hard to explain in one sentence.

My official titles are olive oil sommelier and master miller, but in truth, I wear many hats – because producing a truly exceptional oil like SP360 requires full involvement from soil to bottle.

As a sommelier, I’m trained to detect every nuance in aroma, flavour, and texture. But I also know how to detect faults, and that’s just as important.

One of the beautiful things about extra virgin olive oil is that you don’t always have to taste a problem; you can smell it. If there’s even the slightest off-note, we won’t release it. Our quality standard is that high.

Being a master miller means I’m also deeply involved in the technical side of production.

From harvesting at just the right time to managing the exact conditions of the mill, I oversee how we preserve the integrity of what nature gives us. You can take a perfect olive and ruin it in seconds if the process isn’t right. That’s why control matters.

But my role goes even further. I study data, track every element of the season, and analyse our results so we can improve year after year. I taste every batch we produce, but I’m also the customer. I use this oil in my own kitchen, I cook with it, I feed it to my children. It’s personal.

Perfecting the Taste

There’s a common misconception that if an olive oil is high in polyphenols, it must taste medicinal or harsh. But that’s just not true.

At SP360, our mission was to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavour for health. Our oil is creamy, smooth, and layered with green, floral notes – not because we compromised on polyphenols, but because we carefully balanced the different compounds to get it just right.

Ultimately, my role is about ensuring that what ends up in your bottle is not only one of the healthiest olive oils in the world but also one of the most enjoyable.

Wellness shouldn’t be a chore. It should be something you look forward to, every single day.

Why SP360 Is the Best Olive Oil for Your Health

When people ask me why SP360 is worth it – why they should choose this oil over something cheaper or more familiar –  I tell them: SP360 isn’t just high quality, it’s honest.

Everything we do, from the soil to the bottle, is done with intention, care, and scientific precision.

You’re not just getting a product with a pretty label. You’re getting a certified, tested, traceable, and sustainable oil that delivers on what it promises.

It’s grown with regenerative practices, cold-pressed within hours, filtered for stability, and poured into a protective bottle designed to preserve what matters most – the polyphenols.

And yes, it tastes good.

It’s not something you have to endure for the sake of health – it’s something you’ll enjoy using every day. That’s what makes it sustainable; not just for the planet, but for your own habits and wellbeing. SP360 is made for people who are ready to invest in their health in a way that’s both pleasurable and powerful.

Make Olive Oil You Smartest Daily Ritual

If you’re still wondering whether it’s worth adding high-polyphenol olive oil to your routine, I encourage you to shop our collection and try it for yourself. Not just for a week, but long enough to feel the difference. To notice what it adds – and what you miss when it’s gone.

The truth is, the smallest habits often create the biggest impact.

A spoonful of SP360 each day isn’t just another supplement. It’s a return to something deeply nourishing. It’s a step towards longevity, balance, and pleasure all in one.

Because when you choose well, even the simplest rituals – like a drizzle of olive oil – can become the foundation of your wellness.

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