At Spanish Pig, we take our olive oil very seriously. And by seriously, we mean we practically drink the stuff. Why? Because Spanish extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) isn’t just liquid gold—it’s also packed with polyphenols, which might just be the closest thing to edible magic. What Are Polyphenols, and Why Should You Care? Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, and they’re responsible for some of the best things in life: the peppery bite in your olive oil, the complexity of your red wine, and the excuse to tell people that eating chocolate is actually healthy. These antioxidants fight off oxidative stress, inflammation, and even the effects of aging—so in a way, they’re like a built-in elixir of youth. Move over, expensive face creams, we’ll take another drizzle of Picual, please. Spain: The Land of Liquid Gold While other countries like to think they make great olive oil, Spain laughs in 1.2 million hectares of olive groves. That’s right—Spain is the undisputed heavyweight champion of olive oil production, supplying around 45% of the world’s olive oil. And when it comes to polyphenol levels, Spanish varieties such as Picual and Hojiblanca lead the pack. Picual olives, for example, are absolute powerhouses of polyphenols, delivering that signature peppery punch that makes you cough (which, fun fact, is actually a good thing—it means it’s bursting with healthy compounds). So, next time your olive oil makes you go “whoa,” just think of it as your arteries getting a little happy dance. Olive Oil and Health: The Spanish Way of Life The Mediterranean diet isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life that has been linked to longevity, heart health, and, quite possibly, the ability to enjoy an absurd amount of tapas without guilt. Studies show that polyphenol-rich olive oil can lower bad cholesterol, improve brain function, and even help prevent chronic diseases. Spanish grandmothers have been onto this for centuries, dousing everything in olive oil as if it were holy water. Who needs a doctor when you have abuelita making sure your vegetables are swimming in the good stuff? Polyphenols Beyond Olive Oil While EVOO is the reigning king of polyphenols, it’s not the only Spanish delight that packs a punch. Jamon Ibérico – Those acorn-fed beauties? They don’t just taste like heaven; they’re also rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making them practically a health food (don’t question it, just enjoy it). Red Wine – Spain’s Tempranillos and Garnachas come loaded with resveratrol, a polyphenol famous for its heart-protecting benefits. So yes, that glass of Rioja is medicinal. Dark Chocolate – Spain has a long history of incredible chocolate, and the darker it is, the more polyphenols you’ll find. That’s science. How to Get the Most Polyphenols in Your Life The trick is to go for high-quality, cold-pressed, early-harvest extra virgin olive oil, like the ones we proudly stock at Spanish Pig. These are packed with polyphenols, meaning more antioxidants and more of that delicious, peppery bite. Drizzle it on salads, dunk your bread in it, or do what we secretly do—sip it straight from the spoon (we won’t judge). So, if you’re looking for an easy way to eat like a Spaniard, live forever (possibly), and keep your meals tasting incredible, just remember: polyphenols are your best friend, and Spanish Pig has your hookup. Shop our selection of Spanish EVOOs and taste the health-boosting magic for yourself! P.S. If anyone asks why your dinner is drowning in olive oil, just tell them it’s for your health. Salud!