Dr. Gundry's Philosophy on Olive Oil
Dr. Steven Gundry, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and author of The Plant Paradox, places a premium on healthy fats, with extra virgin olive oil at the top of his list. His recommendation is not simply for any olive oil, but specifically for those with an exceptionally high concentration of polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that give olive oil its characteristic robust, bitter, and peppery flavor, and their presence is a key indicator of quality and potency. Gundry often emphasizes that the bitterness and slight 'burn' in the back of the throat upon tasting is a sign of high oleocanthal content, a specific type of polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties.
His core belief is that the quality of olive oil available in most supermarkets is subpar, due to poor sourcing, over-processing, and a lack of proper storage, which diminishes the polyphenol count. For this reason, he created his own line of olive oils under the Gundry MD brand to ensure the highest possible concentration of these beneficial compounds.
The Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil
For those wondering which olive oil is best according to Dr. Gundry, his signature Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is the definitive answer. This oil is explicitly designed to deliver maximum health benefits and is formulated based on his extensive research into the benefits of high-polyphenol foods.
Key characteristics of the Gundry MD olive oil include:
- High Polyphenol Content: It is advertised to contain up to 30 times more hydroxytyrosol polyphenols than many standard extra virgin olive oils.
- Moroccan Sourcing: The olives are sourced from a unique Moroccan region, where the harsh desert climate stresses the olive trees, causing them to produce more nutrients and polyphenols.
- Cold-Pressed and Organic: The oil is cold-pressed to preserve its delicate compounds and is certified USDA Organic.
- Lectin-Free: In line with his dietary recommendations, the oil is produced to be lectin-free.
- Bold Flavor: Its high polyphenol count gives it a distinct, robust, and peppery taste, which Gundry promotes as a sign of its potency.
Sourcing and Quality Beyond Gundry MD
While Gundry MD olive oil is his direct recommendation, Dr. Gundry's principles apply to selecting any olive oil. He advises being skeptical of generic supermarket brands and suggests looking for high-quality, single-origin extra virgin olive oil. He has previously endorsed specific brands, such as California Olive Ranch, but only their 100% California-sourced product, not their "Global Blend" which contains olives from multiple countries.
To ensure you are getting a quality product, look for oils that are third-party certified, packaged in dark glass bottles to prevent light degradation, and marked with a harvest date. The freshness and sourcing are critical factors in retaining polyphenol content.
How to Use High-Polyphenol Olive Oil
Dr. Gundry has several recommendations for incorporating high-polyphenol olive oil into a daily routine. He advocates for taking a tablespoon of the oil as a daily 'shot' to maximize its health benefits. He also suggests using it as a finishing oil, drizzled over finished dishes like vegetables, salads, or proteins, rather than for high-heat cooking. High heat can damage the delicate polyphenol compounds, negating their health-boosting effects.
He has even shared unconventional methods for consuming olive oil, such as drizzling it on ice cream, adding it to coffee, or incorporating it into baked goods. These methods help increase the daily intake of polyphenols while still enjoying a varied diet.
Comparison of Olive Oil Types
| Feature | Dr. Gundry's Ideal Olive Oil | Conventional Supermarket Olive Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Polyphenol Content | Exceptionally high, often advertised as 30x more than average. | Typically very low due to processing and sourcing. |
| Sourcing | Single-origin from areas known for high-potency olives, like Moroccan desert groves. | Often a blend of oils from multiple countries, undermining traceability and quality. |
| Flavor Profile | Robust, bitter, and peppery, with a strong throat 'burn'. | Mild, less flavorful, and lacking the signature bitterness of fresh, potent oil. |
| Processing | Cold-pressed to preserve beneficial compounds. | Can be heat-processed and refined, which degrades nutritional value. |
| Bottle Type | Dark glass to protect against light damage. | Clear plastic or glass, which can lead to light exposure and degradation. |
| Recommended Use | Daily shot, finishing oil, or low-heat applications. | General cooking, though high heat can destroy benefits even if originally present. |
The Takeaway on Dr. Gundry's Olive Oil Preference
Ultimately, Dr. Gundry's recommendation boils down to a single principle: seek the highest-quality, most polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil possible. For him, his own Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is the pinnacle of this ideal, but the broader lesson is to be a discerning consumer. By understanding the importance of sourcing, processing, and polyphenols, you can select an olive oil that aligns with his dietary and wellness principles, whether it's his brand or another high-quality alternative. As he often says, the purpose of food is to get olive oil into your mouth, so make sure it's the best you can find.
For more information on the principles behind his diet, his book The Plant Paradox is an authoritative resource.
Conclusion
In summary, the best olive oil according to Dr. Gundry is one that is exceptionally high in polyphenols, preferably sourced from a single, high-quality origin and cold-pressed to preserve its antioxidant properties. While he created his own Gundry MD brand to meet this standard, he encourages consumers to prioritize quality sourcing and high polyphenol content above all else. The characteristic bitterness and peppery kick are not flaws but indicators of the very compounds he champions for their extensive health benefits. By focusing on these criteria and using the oil appropriately, individuals can align their choices with Dr. Gundry's health philosophy.
