What’s the best olive oil in the world? Which are high polyphenol olive oils? Is Spanish olive oil best? Or is it organic extra-virgin oil? What’s the best olive oil to drink daily? These are questions that we see asked often.

Not just lamp oil

The fact is that olive oil has been in human use for as long as 4000 years. Its origins stem from Asia minor and the Mediterranean. Once used as lamp oil and for rituals, olive oil eventually became incorporated into cooking. Spain, Italy, and Greece are the major producers of olive oil today. All three countries grow olive oil varietals that contain high levels of secondary metabolites (the chemical processes necessary to maintain life), and health benefits in the form of bioactive polyphenols that are both anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. They also have unique anti-cancer properties.

Without Chemicals

Extra virgin oil (EVOO) is made from pressed olives without any chemicals or refinement. It contains the highest level of bio-actives, as well as the best taste; and it has a shelf-life for about two years. A study conducted by the University of Milan examined 27,000 people in Italy for the consumption of extra-virgin olive oil, butter, margarine, and seed oils. Their consumption was analysed for links to different types of cancer. They found that 3 to 4 tablespoons per day of olive oil was associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer by 70%, laryngeal cancer by 60%, oral cancer by 60%, ovarian cancer by 32%, and breast cancer by 11%. These benefits were not seen with any other fats.

Best Olive oils (highest polyphenols)

Research has concluded that the best olive oils for health are from Koroneki (Greece), Picual (Spain) and Moraiolo (Italy). These oils have the highest amounts of polyphenols of any that we could find. It’s interesting to know that not all supermarkets stock them. But we found them in Asda, and we were pleased about this.

The Secret to Long Life – Blue Zones

There are five communities around the world where the inhabitants live longer than anywhere else on Earth. These are Okinawa (Japan), Nikoya (Costa Rica), Icaria (Greece), Sardinia (Italy) and Loma Linda (California). They have three common denominators. All areas survive on a plant based-based diet. Exercise is a daily joy and not a task, and last, but not least it’s family first. These are the keys to longevity. Of course, these people are fortunate that they have easy access to locally sourced, organic fruits and vegetables. Stuff that has grown in their own gardens being preferable. But like everyone in the Essence of Egypt office, like us, they all have a giant salad every lunchtime; and on top of this is drizzled at least a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil (EEOO).

Skin benefits of Olive Oil

It is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved skin moisturisation and anti-aging appearance effects. Some beauty products like soaps and lotions have added olive oil to their formulations for their skin benefits. But we reckon that skin health comes from within, and that by eating a balanced diet, cutting out sugar and processed food, while adding olive oil to the diet every day, this regime will eventually show its benefits in your skin health.

Downside: Olive oil can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts, and that’s why we have never used it in Essence of Egypt skincare products. In massage, it should be used with caution if you have sensitive skin and it should be avoided entirely for infant skin as it may interfere with the skin barrier.

Adding it all together

Olive oil is rich in healthy mono unsaturated fats.

It contains large amounts of antioxidants.

It has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

It may help prevent strokes, and is protective against heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It is not associated with weight gain and obesity.

The antioxidants in olive oil have anti-cancer properties.

A 2023 study observed that there was a relationship between olive oil and a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.

Another study from the same year writes that “Compared with other dietary fats and low-fat diets, EVOO is superior in the management of clinical biomarkers including lowering blood pressure, increasing protective HDL (high density lipoprotein) – good cholesterol, improving glucose levels, and controlling weight management.”

All of these are good reasons for including olive oil in your daily diet. Even supping a spoonful of olive oil on its own, or dipping sourdough bread into a saucer of oil and balsamic vinegar, is something we find pleasurable.