Guide 7 | What Is a Daily Phenolic Shot of Olive Oil and What Is the EU “Health Claim” Concerning It?
- Apr 19, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil
This article is Part 7 of the PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil — where ancient olive-growing wisdom meets modern science, your guide to choosing, tasting, and enjoying exceptional extra virgin and high-phenolic olive oil. We hope it inspires you in your olive-oil journey.
In this article, we explain how phenolic content varies from oil to oil and from harvest to harvest — and why that matters when choosing a high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil that meets the EU Health Claim.
What is a Daily Phenolic Shot of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)?
A daily phenolic shot is all about the recommended consumption of a small amount of high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil that studies have shown offer multiple health benefits to human beings. In essence, modern scientific reports support what the ancient Mediterranean people have always known; a "shot" of extra virgin oil each day is good for a person on many levels. Its phenolic content, which includes polyphenols and other beneficial compounds present in the oil, are indeed health-enhancing.
Video — Taking a Phenolic Shot in the Morning
Watch this lovely lady have a shot of PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Robust on a spoon before eating a delicious and hardy breakfast.
Phenolic Content
However, it all comes down to phenolic content — the powerhouse polyphenols and other compounds found in abundance in high-phenolic EVOO. These potent antioxidants not only protect the oil itself from oxidation but studies show that it also provides numerous health benefits when consumed by humans. This makes a daily phenolic shot a true ally in the quest for overall well-being.
Therefore a phenolic shot is a quick way to insure that you provide your body with the recommended amount of olive oil goodness taken either by spoon, or with a shot glass, or drizzled over your food.
But, how much high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil do you need to consume each day to reap these benefits modern studies report it imparts? Thankfully, there is an official standard: The EU Health Claim.
A Daily Phenolic Shot of EVOO & the EU "Health Claim" Concerning It
Fulfilling the EU health claim concerning olive oil and its health benefits — i.e. olive oil's contribution "to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress" — involves consuming daily a specific amount of EVOO rich in phenolic compounds including polyphenols.
After much scientific research, the EU Commission Regulation (No. 432/2012) issued this official statement:
"Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. The claim may be used only for olive oil, containing at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil. In order to bear the claim information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 20 g of olive oil (Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012)."
It's All About the EVOO Being Used
All oils from every harvest have different specs. So you must pay attention to what is written by the producer for each yearly harvest especially when considering partaking of a phenolic shot of EVOO and the EU "health claim" concerning olive oil. Make sure the producer is transparent about the specification of the oil you are interested in eating.
Two examples of PJ Kabos high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil (PJ Kabos has more--please see our website) which clearly report the phenolic content in accordance with the EU Health Claim follow.
Example 1: PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Medium (FROM) Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2023/24 harvest)
So, what is the daily amount of this oil you should consume in order to fulfill the "EU Health Claim"?
The above pictured white bottle — PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Medium Extra Virgin Olive — requires only 20 ml, or roughly 1⅓ tablespoons to fulfill the EU health claim of EVOO for daily consumption. This modest serving packs a powerful punch of polyphenols.
Note: This is the minimum amount recommended to benefit from the EU health claim, but you may have more. Also, remember, your phenolic shot may be taken in various ways. (See Guide 3 — How to Have a Phenolic Shot of EVOO)
Specs:
Taste intensity: Medium taste (this is why it is labeled "Medium"), with approximately 450 mg/kg total phenolic content during production. An award-winning product at International extra virgin olive oil tasting competitions, so it is delicious.
Primary use: Finishing oil
Secondary use: Baking, Cooking, Daily Phenolic ‘Shot’.
Hydroxytyrosol content: 5.3 mg/20 gr
Daily amount to consume in order to fulfill the “EU Health Claim”: 20 ml or 1⅓ tablespoons (160 Calories)
Vitamin E content: 1Tbsp covering around 28% DV.
Styling and protection: Comes in a beautiful, 16.9 fl oz painted glass bottle. Perfect to protect the oil and a great gift-idea.
So, what is the daily amount of this oil you should consume in order to fulfill the "EU Health Claim"?
PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Robust (the above pictured black bottle) is called "robust" because having a higher phenolic count, it has a much more potent taste than the white bottle—the Medium. But this also means that with a smaller shot of this oil the same benefits are reaped.
But, oh, take care! Those polyphenols make their presence known with its full-bodied, hardy flavor and peppery bitterness! It is not for every palate as it is a real wake-up shot! One this author — as does the lady in the video — personally savors either as a shot or drizzled over my food. As with the "Medium," the "Robust" too has such a wonderful, clean and fresh flavor, just stronger!
Specs:
Taste intensity: Robust taste (this is why it is labeled "Robust’) with approximately 600+ mg/kg total phenolic content during production. An award-winning product at International extra virgin olive oil tasting competitions, so it is delicious.
Primary use: Vinaigrette/finishing oil and with foods that require a robust tasting extra virgin.
Secondary use: Daily Phenolic ‘Shot’.
Hydroxytyrosol content: 9 mg/20gr
Daily amount to consume in order to fulfill the “EU Health Claim”: Just 12 ml or 0.8 of a tablespoon—less than 1 tablespoon (96 Calories)
Vitamin E content: 1 Tbsp covers around 41%DV
Styling and protection: Comes in a beautiful 16.9 fl oz painted glass bottle. Perfect to protect the oil and a great gift-idea.
The Choice Is Yours!
In the world of wellness, few things rival the allure of high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil. Known for its full flavor and rich aroma, this liquid gold has earned its place as a staple in kitchens around the globe.
So, go ahead, embrace the ritual of a phenolic shot each morning and unlock the full potential of your day. With PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Medium or Robust crossing your lips, every sip could be a step towards a healthier, happier you.
Visit our Guide Library to browse all PJ Kabos Guide articles, with titles and brief descriptions to help you find the topics that interest you.
While you're here on The Fat Olive Blog, if you enjoy cooking, please check out our many
PJ Kabos Recipes (e.g., Greek Fava), or explore our Mediterranean Traditions articles (e.g., Ladera Dishes) or step into special moments of our company with PJ Kabos Journal (e.g., Nobu Matsuhisa & PJ Kabos).
You can also have a look around our websites and shop our high-phenolic extra virgin olive oils directly at PJ Kabos.com or OliveOil.com or through PJ Kabos Amazon Store. Follow along with us on Instagram for photos from our groves in Greece, olive oil production, articles, family history and more.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your health and medical conditions.
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