As well as being mouth-watering, the Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits. And a key component of the Mediterranean diet is premium, cold-pressed olive oil, packed full of polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. Right now in the wake of COVID-19, we’re particularly interested in ingredients that are anti-viral.
Can daily consumption of a premium olive oil boost your immune system and help fight off viruses?
Science suggests it can. And here’s why.
What are Polyphenols (and what do they have to do with olive oil)?
Polyphenols are one of the main constituents of olive oil. These powerful molecules are renowned by scientists for their health benefits. Studies have suggested that they have a wide range of pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. [1]
Premium olive oils such as the Governor are produced from best-in-class olives which are harvested early when the body-nourishing nutrients are at their highest.
They are then cold-pressed using techniques that preserve the phenols in their purest form and stored in optimal conditions. So when they reach your kitchen table, they not only taste as close to nature intended as possible, they are also still packed full of health benefits.
Two of the main polyphenols found in The Governor are hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. These small but mighty molecules are the secret behind the olive oil’s robust flavor. They also pack a powerful nutritional punch!
See related: What Are The Health Benefits Of Olive Oil?
Can Polyphenols Fight Viruses?
Scientists have rigorously tested premium olive oils for their role in cancer, Alzheimer’s, and hypertension. In fact, I first discovered The Governor when carrying out research into the use of olive oil to kill cancer cells. [2]
Right now, many people are using olive oils such as The Governor, to boost their immune systems to protect them from COVID-19. Is there scientific proof that this will work?
There is currently no published research that proves polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein can protect against COVID-19 because this is a new virus and the research process takes time.
But, there are a lot of studies that suggest hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein can be used to fight viruses that are similar to COVID-19 such as HIV respiratory syncytial virus, para-influenza type 3 virus, herpes mononucleosis, hepatitis virus, rotavirus, bovine rhinovirus, canine parvovirus, and feline leukemia virus. [1,3,4]
Because of the similarities between COVID-19 and these organisms, it is likely that studies will prove its effectiveness against this virus.
Furthermore, Science has proved that not only does premium olive oil have nutrients that might help you fight viruses, it is also highly bioavailable. [5] This means your body can extract and use the nutritional component easily.
Can Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil Protect You From Viruses?
Science says the answer is yes. Choose an olive oil rich in the polyphenols hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein for maximum anti-viral benefits. The Governor contains 8x more polyphenols than most other olive oils.
And the good news is, it tastes good too.
Top Takeaways:
- Rigorous testing has proved premium olive oils such as The Governor, have a wide range of health benefits including fighting inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and viruses.
- Although research has not yet been published about the effectiveness of polyphenol compounds against COVID-19, results of studies into similar viruses suggest hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein found in premium olive oils will help fight the virus.
- A shot a day of The Governor contains a high dose of the antiviral phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein.
