Olive oil and health

Olive oil holds a strong place in the Mediterranean diet and in modern nutritional research. However, when a food product is marketed in the EU, health claims must be precise, approved, and understandable.

For Vala Selection, this means we differentiate between general knowledge about dietary patterns and what can actually be said about olive oil polyphenols.

The Approved Health Claim

The EU-approved claim concerns olive oil polyphenols and the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. It is a narrow and specific claim, not a general promise of health.

For the claim to be used, the oil must provide at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives, such as oleuropein complex and tyrosol, per 20 g of olive oil.

Consumer information must also state that the beneficial effect is achieved with a daily intake of 20 g of olive oil. This is an information requirement in the regulations, not an individual dose recommendation from Vala Selection.

Read more about the wording here: polyphenols and oxidative stress.

What Polyphenols Have to Do with Health

Polyphenols are natural compounds in olives and olive oil. They contribute to flavor, bitterness, pungency, and the chemical profile that can be analyzed in a specific batch.

In a health context, it's important not to talk about polyphenols as medicine. The correct approach is to describe the EU-approved link to blood lipids and oxidative stress when the oil meets the conditions.

This is why documented polyphenol content and HPLC analysis are central. Without analysis, the claim becomes difficult to verify.

What Vala Selection CORE Can Say

Vala Selection CORE is specified to 700+ mg/kg polyphenols. This is considerably higher than many common olive oils in stores, but the figure should be communicated as a documented quality value, not as a medical promise.

When a batch is analyzed, values and relevant references are provided in conjunction with the product information. We prioritize clear values, method, batch, and sources over generic health phrases.

For the customer, the point is simple: the oil is chosen for flavor, origin, traceability, and documented polyphenol levels. The health claim is relevant only where the regulatory conditions are met.

What We Don't Say

We do not say that olive oil treats, cures, or prevents disease. We do not say that olive oil lowers blood pressure, cures inflammation, or replaces medical advice.

Nor do we use broad claims about cholesterol, heart health, or anti-inflammatory effects unless they are supported by approved formulations. EFSA has examined several broader claims about olive oil phenols, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure without them providing the same permitted communication space as the approved oxidative stress claim.

This restraint is not weakness. It is part of the brand's credibility.

Olive Oil in a Balanced Diet

Olive oil belongs in a dietary pattern, not as an isolated quick fix. The Mediterranean diet is relevant because it combines several habits: vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, nuts, moderation, and olive oil as the main fat source.

Vala Selection is made for daily use in food, not as a supplement. Use it over vegetables, legumes, bread, fish, yogurt, soups, or prepared dishes where the flavor can be part of the meal.

How to Assess an Oil from a Health Perspective

If the health perspective is important, don't just look at words like "premium," "cold-pressed," or "extra virgin." Instead, ask:

• is there documented polyphenol content?
• is the analysis linked to a batch?
• is the method, such as HPLC, specified?
• is the oil extra virgin and sensorially pure?
• are the claims formulated according to EU regulations?
• does the brand avoid medical overpromises?

A serious oil should be able to answer these questions without becoming heavy or clinical.

More Information

About the approved formulation: polyphenols and oxidative stress.

About measurement: HPLC analysis of olive oil.

About the quality class: extra virgin olive oil.

About the Mediterranean diet: Mediterranean diet and olive oil.

Sources: EU Regulation 432/2012. EFSA Journal 2011;9(4):2033. EFSA Journal 2025;23(7):9470. EFSA Journal 2025;23(5):9372.