A recent animal study (2020, referenced below) demonstrated that olive oil with an ultra-high phenol count of 800 mg/kg dose at a corresponding amount of 2 tablespoons per day in human adults showed that the olive oil improved the antioxidant benefit in some tissues but also worsened it in others. nnThe ultra-high phenol content provided antioxidative protective effects in muscle, brain, and small intestine tissues but harmed the spleen, pancreas, liver, and heart tissues. The ultra-high phenol level increased oxidative stress within the mitochondria of the cells, causing them not to function as well.nnIncreased mitochondrial oxidative stress is how chronic inflammation impairs cellular function and is the exact opposite effect we are trying to achieve with The Nemechek Protocol. These oils are often far more expensive and have a strong taste that some people do not enjoy.

Phenol is a term for a special kind of molecule (also called phenolics), and olive oil contains various phenols that are known to have their own powerful health-promoting properties. Phenolic compounds are created when the olive is crushed to obtain the oil. The phenol content is also one of the important factors in determining how fresh olive oil will remain in the bottle as the higher the phenols, the longer the oil it can be stored in the glass bottle and the longer it will retain its beneficial properties as EVOO.nnFrom 17 different phenols found in olive oil, oleocanthal and squalene are two of the most important. Oleocanthal creates a peppery sensation when you swallow pure olive oil. It is also a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory agent. Squalene is a phenol structurally similar to beta-carotene that supports skin health by protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays and greatly lowers the incidence of skin cancer.

Theoretically but there are 2 other considerations.  First, the meats we eat are commonly fed linoleic acid grains (think corn and soybeans) which concentrate in the flesh of the animals and can cause the same inflammatory issues.  Commercial grade chicken, pork, and farm-raised fish can cause inflammatory brain injury in animals.  I’m sure grain-fed beef can do the same just haven’t seen any studies to date. And since 50% of all “wild fish” in the U.S. is actually farm-raised fraudulently labeled, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the need for a little olive oil every day. Secondly, the phenol content of olive oil has an anti-inflammatory effect independent of the anti-linoleic acid effects.  Nemechek Gold phenol count is just under 700. 

I do not recommending EVOO capsules. Aside from the fact that you would need about 15-20 per day to get enough oleic acid for the protocol to work it is also likely the EVOO contained in them is fraudulent.