What are the benefits of phenols in olive oil?

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.

How many phenols do you recommend we look for in an olive oil?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulations state that EVOO will improve the health of an individual when the oil contains about 5 mg of phenols per 20 grams of EVOO (approximately 30 ml or 2 tablespoons). In layman’s terms, this mean you want to include in your diet 2 tablespoons per day of extra virgin olive oil that has an approximate total phenol count of 200 mg/kg (gallic eq mg/kg). The total phenol count is often listed on the oil producer’s web site.nEVOO with phenol contents in the 200-400 mg/kg are much healthier for you and will not deteriorate during storage as quickly as those with lower phenol contents. Most commercial EVOO is less than 50 mgs/kg. Remember, oil stored in plastic deteriorates more quickly. Therefore, my advice is to purchase EVOO that was harvested within the last 12 months, has a phenol count around 400mg/kg and is stored in a glass, tin or foiled lined container to prevent phenol loss through the plastic. A phenol count close to 400 will give a good guarantee that by the time of the next harvest, the olive oil will still have enough potency to protect you medically.

Are more phenols better? Are Ultra-High Phenolic olive oils recommended?

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.

When does EVOO go rancid?

Yes, all oils can go rancid from either oxidation or hydrolysis.

My child is very sensitive to salicylate and olive oil is ranked very high in the salicylate food chart. Can I still do this protocol?

Most of the intolerance parents see in their children is directly from a reaction of the overgrown bacteria with the food or leakage of nutrient macromolecules into the immune tissue surrounding the small intestine. After reversing bacterial overgrowth with either inulin or rifaximin, the gut heals within 2-3 weeks, and the leaky gut phenomenon halts. I’ve had many patients tolerate foods previously intolerant when eaten or listed as such on these types of sensitivity tests.

Are there any side effects to consuming olive oil?

Olive oil is very safe for routine consumption. Consuming too much at one time might cause some digestive issues in adults but I believe this is not the case in children since we are using such small daily doses.

What happens if I stop the olive oil?

Stopping the olive oil will result in a rise of inflammation and will not only stop the recovery process but will lead to the return of underlying brain trauma symptoms such as constipation, hyperactivity, anxiety and poor focus. Nemechek Gold COOC certified oil can be purchased here at a 10% discount.

How should I store olive oil or fish oil?

The primary deteriorating factors for fish oil and olive oil are sunlight and oxygen. Both are commonly stored in dark glass containers to block some light, but a typical bottle does little to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle every time the oil is poured out of the bottle.nnRefrigeration helps to limit oxidation damage to the oils. Unfortunately, refrigerating olive oil often makes it so thick it cannot be poured out of the bottle. Fish oil capsules are not required to be refrigerated because the oil is protected from oxygen by the gelatin capsule.nnNemechek Gold olive oil is stored in a pouch that prevents all light from damaging the oil, and all oxygen is removed from the container during the filling process. Oil is dispensed through a spout, and the self-collapsing nature of the bag prevents oxygen from entering the pouch.nnThe pouch design for Nemechek Gold is the best method to store olive oil.

Is there a limit for taking olive oil and any adverse effects from taking too much olive oil?

Olive oil is very safe. The average intake of EVOO in the Mediterranean is much higher than the amounts I recommend for my patients and have been proven very safe and healthy. Nemechek Gold COOC certified oil can be purchased here at a 10% discount.

I am worried about weight gain and wondering if I can skip the olive oil part of the protocol?

There is no need to skip the EVOO because research shows that EVOO helps people feel full after a meal, which allows people to control their weight. This full feeling is associated with a derivative of oleic acid called OEA (Oleoiletanolamide).nnResearch also suggests that ingesting dietary fat stimulates epithelial cells of the small intestine and releases the OEA. Upon release, it engages sensory fibers of the vagus nerve to diminish food intake. The vagus nerve is the autonomic nervous system’s main nerve.nnThe absorptive epithelium of the small intestine converts the oleic acid contained within the olive oil in to OEA. OEA acts with receptors causing the feeling of satiety which affects meal size and reduces feeding frequency. In other words, daily consumption of EVOO can aid weight loss and improve metabolism.