Analysis and Comparison
Four olive oils from organic plantations (BIO) with the European health claim UE432/2012. Season 2023/2024: Pamako Monovarietal, Mitira Lesvos, Olive Poem drop of health, and Atsas Gold Blend Edition.
Introduction (download research results at the bottom of the article in files)
Olive oil is not only a fundamental ingredient of the Mediterranean diet but also a source of valuable polyphenols with documented health benefits. In this article, we will conduct a detailed analysis and comparison of four types of organic olive oil certified under health claim UE432/2012.
European Health Claim
In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved a specific health claim for olive oil. According to European regulation 432/2012:
"Polyphenols from olive oil contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress."
The condition is that the olive oil contains at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (such as oleuropein and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil. These derivatives also include oleacein and oleocanthal. The lower limit of the standard is 250 mg/kg. High-polyphenol olive oil: Olive oil with polyphenol content above 500 mg/kg, maintaining the health claim limit (250 mg/kg) for at least 12 months after bottling. Ultra-high polyphenol olive oil: Olive oil with polyphenol content above 1,200 mg/kg (approximately 1-5% of available olive oil). We will analyze the results of four products.
- Pamako Monovarietal (Tsounati variety from Crete) with very high polyphenol content.
- Mitira Lesvos (a blend of Kolovi and Adramitiani varieties from Lesbos) meets the minimum standards for the EU432/2012 health claim.
- Olive Poem Drop of Health (Kalamon variety from Laconia) with high polyphenol content.
- Atsas Gold Blend Edition (a blend from Cyprus) with exceptionally high polyphenol content.
All oils come from the 2023/2024 harvest season and have been tested using the same nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) method, ensuring consistency and accuracy of results.
Description of Measured Parameters (Points 1-11)
- Oleocanthal: A natural phenolic compound found in olive oil, known for its strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, acting similarly to ibuprofen.
- Oleacein: A polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Total Oleocanthal and Oleacein (index D1): The total content of the two key polyphenols that contribute to the health benefits of olive oil.
- Ligstroside Aglycon (monoaldehyde form): A form of ligstroside aglycon affecting the taste and health properties of olive oil, possessing antioxidant properties.
- Oleuropein Aglycon (monoaldehyde form): A form of oleuropein aglycon, one of the main polyphenols in olive oil, known for its strong antioxidant properties.
- Ligstroside Aglycon (dialdehyde form): A more active form of ligstroside aglycon, with stronger biological activity.
- Oleuropein Aglycon (dialdehyde form): A more active form of oleuropein aglycon, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Free Tyrosol: A simple phenol with antioxidant properties, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Total Tyrosol Derivatives: Tyrosol derivatives, which enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil.
- Total Hydroxytyrosol Derivatives: Hydroxytyrosol is one of the strongest antioxidants in olive oil, and its derivatives enhance this effect.
- Total Polyphenols Analyzed: The sum of all measured polyphenols present in olive oil.
NMR Analysis Results
The table below provides a direct comparison of key parameters of the four olive oils.
| Parameter | Pamako Monovarietal | Mitira Lesvos | Olive Poem | Atsas Gold Blend Edition | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleocanthal | 511 mg/kg | 119 mg/kg | 692 mg/kg | 1,318 mg/kg | Highest content in Atsas |
| Oleacein | 353 mg/kg | 79 mg/kg | 255 mg/kg | 272 mg/kg | Highest content in Pamako |
| Total Oleocanthal and Oleacein | 863 mg/kg | 198 mg/kg | 947 mg/kg | 1,591 mg/kg | Highest total in Atsas |
| Ligstroside Aglycon (monoaldehyde) | 160 mg/kg | 16 mg/kg | 37 mg/kg | 170 mg/kg | Highest content in Atsas |
| Oleuropein Aglycon (monoaldehyde) | 199 mg/kg | 22 mg/kg | 26 mg/kg | 75 mg/kg | Highest content in Pamako |
| Ligstroside Aglycon (dialdehyde) | 514 mg/kg | 44 mg/kg | 95 mg/kg | 228 mg/kg | Highest content in Pamako |
| Oleuropein Aglycon (dialdehyde) | 282 mg/kg | 26 mg/kg | 48 mg/kg | <5 mg/kg | Highest content in Pamako |
| Free Tyrosol | 20 mg/kg | 15 mg/kg | 22 mg/kg | <5 mg/kg | Highest content in Olive Poem |
| Total Tyrosol Derivatives | 1,205 mg/kg | 194 mg/kg | 846 mg/kg | 1,726 mg/kg | Highest content in Atsas |
| Total Hydroxytyrosol Derivatives | 834 mg/kg | 127 mg/kg | 330 mg/kg | 352 mg/kg | Highest content in Pamako |
| Total Polyphenols Analyzed | 2,039 mg/kg | 321 mg/kg | 1,176 mg/kg | 2,078 mg/kg | Highest content in Atsas |
Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol, and Their Derivatives Content / Daily Intake (per 20 g of olive oil). The minimum standard for the European health claim is at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (such as oleuropein and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil.
- Pamako Monovarietal: 40.78 mg (8 times the minimum standard)
- Mitira Lesvos: 6.42 mg (lower limit of the standard)
- Olive Poem: 23.51 mg (5 times the minimum standard)
- Atsas Gold Blend Edition: 41.56 mg (8 times the minimum standard)
Conclusion: Atsas Gold Blend Edition provides the most beneficial compounds in a daily serving, slightly surpassing Pamako Monovarietal. Olive Poem also has a high content of these compounds, far exceeding Mitira Lesvos. The anti-inflammatory oleocanthal levels are extreme for Atsas Gold Blend Edition and Olive Poem drop of health.
Compliance with EU Regulations
All four oils meet the minimum requirement of 5 mg of polyphenols per 20 g of olive oil, in accordance with the EU432/2012 health claim. Atsas, Pamako, and Olive Poem far exceed this threshold, indicating their exceptional quality.
Methods for Measuring Polyphenol Content in Olive Oil
There are three main methods used to measure polyphenol content in olive oil:
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) | NMR is an advanced analytical technique that allows for the direct detection and quantification of individual chemical compounds in a sample, including specific polyphenols. |
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| High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) | HPLC is the official method used in Europe and recognized by the International Olive Council (IOC). It allows for the separation, identification, and quantification of individual polyphenols in olive oil. |
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| Spectrophotometric Method (used in the USA) | This method measures the absorbance of light by an olive oil sample in the ultraviolet and visible range. The results are expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalent per kilogram (mg GAE/kg). |
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General Conclusions
- Atsas Gold Blend Edition stands out for its highest oleocanthal content and total analyzed polyphenol content. Its regular consumption may provide the most health benefits, especially in terms of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
- Pamako Monovarietal has very high total polyphenol content, especially in terms of oleacein and hydroxytyrosol derivatives. It is an olive oil with exceptional health benefits.
- Olive Poem Drop of Health is characterized by high oleocanthal content and solid total polyphenol content, making it a valuable product with significant health benefits.
- Mitira Lesvos contains moderate amounts of polyphenols and meets EU standards for protecting blood lipids from oxidative stress. It is a good-quality olive oil but with lower beneficial compounds compared to the other three olive oils.
Recommendation
If you are looking for olive oil with the highest polyphenol content and strong health benefits:
- Best choice: Atsas Gold Blend Edition – highest oleocanthal content and total polyphenol content.
- Alternative: Pamako Monovarietal – very high total polyphenol content, especially oleacein and hydroxytyrosol derivatives.
- Worth considering: Olive Poem Drop of Health – high oleocanthal content and solid total polyphenol content.
- Good standard: Mitira Lesvos – meets EU standards and is a valuable product with moderate polyphenol content.
Summary
Comparing the results of the four olive oils from the 2023/2024 season, it is worth noting that all were tested using the same NMR method, ensuring data consistency. Atsas Gold Blend Edition and Pamako Monovarietal stand out for their highest polyphenol content, translating into strong health benefits. The choice of the right olive oil depends on individual preferences and expected health benefits.
Notes:
- Ligstroside Aglycon (dialdehyde form) corresponds to compounds such as Oleomissional and Oleuropeindial.
- Oleuropein Aglycon (dialdehyde form) corresponds to compounds Ligstrodial and Oleokoronal.
Prepared by: Tadeusz Gruszczyński, certified olive oil sommelier. Copying without the author's consent is prohibited.
