Polyphenol Tutorial

At TarCasso, we believe longevity starts with small, smart choices — like the oil you drizzle on your salad. But what makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) such a powerful ally for your health?
The answer lies in a group of natural compounds called polyphenols.

🌿 What Are Polyphenols?

Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in many plant-based foods — fruits, vegetables, tea, dark chocolate, and, yes, olive oil. They're part of the plant’s defense system, protecting it from UV rays, insects, and disease.

When we consume them, polyphenols help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals — unstable molecules that contribute to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

❤️ Health Benefits of Polyphenols

Scientific studies suggest that polyphenols can:

• ✅ Reduce oxidative stress

• ✅ Lower inflammation

• ✅ Support cardiovascular health

• ✅ Improve gut health and digestion

• ✅ Contribute to brain function and memory

Polyphenols are considered one of the key reasons why the Mediterranean Diet — rich in olives, vegetables, and herbs — is linked to longer, healthier lives.

🫒 Why EVOO Is Special

Not all olive oils are the same. Extra Virgin Olive Oil — especially high-quality, early-harvest EVOO — contains particularly high levels of polyphenols. These powerful compounds give EVOO its slightly bitter and peppery taste. If your oil tingles the throat a bit, that’s actually a good sign!

Most supermarket olive oils contain between 100–250 mg/kg of polyphenols. But premium EVOOs, like the ones offered at TarCasso, can contain over 800 mg/kg — more than triple the amount found in standard oils【3】.

EVOO contains a variety of polyphenols, which are natural compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The most significant polyphenols in EVOO include:

1. **Hydroxytyrosol**: A powerful antioxidant that protects blood lipids from oxidative stress and contributes to cardiovascular health.
2. **Tyrosol**: Known for its antioxidant properties and ability to support cellular health[1][6].
3. **Oleuropein**: Found in olives and olive leaves, it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects.
4. **Oleocanthal**: A compound with strong anti-inflammatory effects, comparable to ibuprofen, and potential neuroprotective benefits.
5. **Oleacein**: Contributes to the antioxidant capacity of EVOO and helps combat oxidative stress.

These polyphenols not only provide health benefits but also influence EVOO's sensory characteristics, such as its bitter and peppery taste.

👵 Polyphenols & Longevity: The Scientific Link

Numerous studies link higher polyphenol intake to:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

• Lower rates of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s

• Increased lifespan and healthspan

A long-term European study (PREDIMED) found that people consuming high-polyphenol EVOO as part of their daily diet had significantly lower rates of heart disease.

🛒 Why TarCasso EVOO?

At TarCasso, we select local producers who craft small batches of high-polyphenol EVOO — rich in taste and backed by science.
We believe that EVOO isn’t just a food — it’s a daily longevity ritual.

And with the TarCasso Coin (TCO), you get rewarded for making healthy choices. Every bottle supports your body and your health journey.