Nutraceutical EVO Oil: Why Frantoi Cutrera Organic Olive Oil is a Mediterranean Diet Superfood

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about nutraceutical EVOO—extra virgin olive oil capable not only of flavoring dishes but also of offering tangible health benefits. In this context, Frantoi Cutrera organic extra virgin olive oil , produced in Sicily with select cultivars and meticulous attention to polyphenol content, represents a key point of reference for those seeking to incorporate a true Mediterranean "superfood" into their diet.

What is a nutraceutical (and why does EVO oil fall into this category)

The term nutraceutical refers to a food or food component that, in addition to its basic nutritional value, offers measurable health benefits, helping to prevent certain diseases or maintain well-being. Extra virgin olive oil fits perfectly into this category thanks to its unique composition:

• Monounsaturated fatty acids , particularly oleic acid, are associated with a better lipid profile.
• Polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, tyrosol, lignans), powerful natural antioxidants. Learn more in our article: "Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil"
• Vitamin E and other bioactive substances with a protective action on cells.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has officially recognized that olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress , provided that these compounds are consumed adequately through the diet. This makes EVOO, when rich in polyphenols, much more than a simple condiment.

Extra virgin olive oil and the heart: its role in cardiovascular prevention

As part of the Mediterranean diet , extra virgin olive oil is considered one of the key elements in reducing cardiovascular risk. Large prospective studies and clinical trials—often cited at conferences such as Evolio Expo and Evootrends—show how regular consumption of quality extra virgin olive oil can contribute to:

• Improve the lipid profile, promoting a more favorable ratio between HDL and LDL cholesterol.
• Reduce markers of systemic inflammation, thanks to the antioxidant action of polyphenols.
• Reduce major cardiovascular events when EVO oil is included in a balanced Mediterranean diet.

Frantoi Cutrera organic extra virgin olive oil , obtained from healthy olives, harvested early and processed quickly, retains a high content of polyphenols that support these protective effects.

Extra virgin olive oil, the brain, and aging: an ally against cognitive decline.

Recent studies have shown that regular consumption of polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil is associated with improved brain health and a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. Some research has highlighted:

• A potential protective effect of EVO oil polyphenols on neuronal structures and mechanisms underlying memory.
• A lower incidence of early signs of dementia in populations who faithfully follow the Mediterranean diet, with extra virgin olive oil as the main source of fat.

The combination of antioxidant action , inflammation modulation , and support for cerebral vascular health makes extra virgin olive oil – especially if high-quality – an interesting ally in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Why Organic and Polyphenolic Profile Really Matter

Not all extra virgin olive oils have the same nutritional value. Two factors are crucial:

• Cultivation method : organic farming reduces the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, protects soil biodiversity and allows for the production of healthy olives, often with a more interesting phenolic profile.
• Harvest and pressing management : early harvesting, short times between harvesting and milling, cold extraction and temperature control are essential to preserve polyphenols .

Frantoi Cutrera organic extra virgin olive oil comes from olive groves managed according to organic standards, with great attention to the health of the plants and the soil, and is extracted in the family mill using technologies that maximally safeguard the most delicate components.

"Mille" and the wild olive tree: the ultimate expression of nutraceutical value

Within the range, a special role is played by “Mille – Olio Extravergine di Oliva da Olivastro Selvatico” , obtained from spontaneous and ancient plants, selected precisely for their uncommon aromatic and phenolic profile.

• Wild olives often have a very high polyphenol content , responsible for an intense, bitter and spicy flavour.
• This exceptional concentration makes “Mille” a particularly interesting oil as an EVO oil with a nutraceutical vocation , to be used especially raw in small quantities.

It's the perfect example of how tradition, biodiversity, and research can converge in a product that embodies the idea of ​​"superfood extra virgin olive oil." Discover Mille oil by clicking here.

The Mediterranean diet and nutraceutical extra virgin olive oil: how to integrate them into your typical day

To fully exploit the nutritional potential of EVO oil, simply having it in your pantry isn't enough: it's important to use it consistently, in the right quantities, and as part of a balanced Mediterranean diet.

How much extra virgin olive oil to use

• The main guidelines suggest using EVO oil as the main source of fat , replacing butter and refined oils.
• In a reference diet, 2–4 tablespoons per day of good extra virgin olive oil is an amount compatible with a balanced diet, to be adapted to individual needs.

When and how to insert it

• Breakfast: Whole wheat bread, tomato, and a drizzle of Frantoi Cutrera organic olive oil, or plain yogurt with dried fruit and a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.
• Lunch: durum wheat pasta with vegetables and raw oil, mixed salad with organic EVO, legumes with a drizzle of Intenso oil or “Mille” for those who love strong flavors.
• Dinner: Baked or grilled fish with delicate EVO, seasonal minestrone seasoned with raw ingredients, steamed vegetables enriched with medium-fruity oil.

The important thing is to use oil preferably raw or added at the end of cooking, so as to preserve as much of the aromas and heat-sensitive substances as possible.

How to recognize a truly "nutraceutical" EVO oil

To understand whether an extra virgin olive oil can be considered nutraceutical, it is useful to check some aspects:

• Clear and traceable origin (e.g. Sicily, Iblei Mountains, certified organic olive groves).
• Information on polyphenol content is provided in the technical data sheets or in the manufacturer's communication.
• Sensory profile : oils rich in polyphenols tend to be more bitter and spicy, while remaining balanced if well processed.
• Recent vintage : young oils retain their antioxidant content better than older products.

Frantoi Cutrera works precisely in this direction, offering organic oils and special selections with strong phenolic characteristics, designed for those seeking something more than a simple condiment.

Why choose Frantoi Cutrera organic olive oil as your daily nutraceutical?

Frantoi Cutrera organic extra virgin olive oil represents a coherent choice for those who want to integrate an ingredient with concrete nutraceutical potential into their diet:

• It is produced in Sicily , in areas with a high olive-growing vocation, with selected cultivars.
• It is certified, with attention to the environment, soil and plant health.
• It is cold-pressed in modern mills rooted in family tradition, with processing times reduced to a minimum to preserve the polyphenols.
• It fits perfectly into the logic of the Mediterranean diet as the main source of fat.

For those who want to go further, products like “Mille – da olivastro selvaggio” embody the idea of ​​nutraceutical EVO oil even more markedly, with an intense aromatic profile and a very high level of phenolic concentration.

Discover the organic line and Frantoi Cutrera's special selections and start using EVO oil as a true nutraceutical ally every day.