The polyphenols in olive oil are more than just a boost for your physical health; they also have the potential to uplift your mental well-being by increasing serotonin levels. By incorporating high-quality extra virgin olive oil into your daily diet, you can enjoy not only its rich flavor but also its mood-enhancing benefits. The next time you reach for that bottle of olive oil, remember that you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re feeding your happiness, too.
Here is why
Boosting Your Mood: How Polyphenols in Olive Oil Can Increase Serotonin Levels
In recent years, olive oil has become the crown jewel of health-conscious diets worldwide. Known for its heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its array of health benefits. But did you know that olive oil could also play a role in boosting your mood? The secret lies in its polyphenols— plant compounds with powerful effects on brain chemistry, including serotonin production.
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is rich in a variety of polyphenols, including hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and tyrosol. These compounds are responsible for many of the oil’s health benefits, from reducing the risk of chronic diseases to supporting mental well-being according to studies.
Understanding Serotonin: The “Happy Hormone”
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often called the “happy hormone” because of its crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and even appetite. Low levels of serotonin are linked to conditions like depression and anxiety. Increasing serotonin availability in the brain is a common target of many antidepressant therapies.
So, how can polyphenols in olive oil influence serotonin levels?
The Connection Between Polyphenols and Serotonin
Emerging research suggests that polyphenols can positively affect serotonin production and function. Here’s how:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to depression and other mood disorders. Polyphenols in olive oil reduce inflammation, creating a healthier environment for optimal brain function and neurotransmitter balance.
Gut-Brain Axis: The gut is often called the “second brain” because of its strong connection to the central nervous system. Around 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Polyphenols promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn supports serotonin synthesis.
Neuroprotection: Oxidative stress can damage brain cells and impair neurotransmitter function. As antioxidants, polyphenols protect neurons and enhance the brain’s ability to produce and regulate serotonin.
Influence on Tryptophan Availability: Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to serotonin. Polyphenols may improve tryptophan metabolism, ensuring that more of it is available for serotonin synthesis.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
Not all olive oils are created equal. To maximize your intake of polyphenols:
Go for Extra Virgin: EVOO is the least processed form of olive oil and retains the highest levels of polyphenols.
Check for Freshness: Polyphenol levels decline over time, so opt for fresh, high-quality olive oil.
Look for High-Polyphenol Labels: Some brands specify the polyphenol content on their labels, making it easier to choose a nutrient-rich option.
So lets make all the above easier for you
GAEA Fresh has everything you need to achieve a better mood, phisical welbeing:
- Early harvest which is the first harvest of the year, where the olives are unripe and highest in polyphenols
- From the Ancient Olympia variety which consists of only 10% roughly of the olive harvest in Greece due to is difficulty in cultivation
- Highly awarded, don't take it from us but 4 international high end olive oil panels consistently rate it GOLD in polyphenol content
- In a painted bottled, excluding any posibility of oxidation from light
- Cold extracted from hand-picked olives within 3 hours of harvest
- In climate-controlled atmosphere