Olive oil loses some health benefits when stored for six months

Mar 20 2009

That olive oil sitting on your shelf may lose up to 40 percent of its health benefits if it's been there for six months, according to a study presented in the March Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists.

The study analyzed several varieties of extra-virgin olive oil produced from groves in the Italian countryside at production and during storage. After three months of storage, the antioxidant activity in the oils remained unchanged. However, antioxidants decreased by about 40 percent for almost all of the oils after six months.

"The protective role of virgin olive oil is the result of its specific composition including phenolic compounds known to act as antioxidants," says lead researcher Antonella Baiano of the University of Foggia in Italy. The health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil may include preventing conditions related to coronary disease, stroke and certain types of cancers.

Researchers recommend consumers store extra virgin olive oil in small glass bottles (one liter maximum because the oxygen contained in the headspace determines its oxidation), in a dark location, at a temperature lower than 68-77°F (20-25°C).

Read more about the study: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/122197581/PDFSTART

About IFT
Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit scientific society with more than 20,000 individual members working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia, and government. IFT serves as a conduit for multidisciplinary science thought leadership, championing the use of sound science through knowledge sharing, education, and advocacy. For more on IFT, visit www.ift.org.