Oleacein
Overview
Oleacein is a secoiridoid polyphenol found in extra-virgin olive oil, particularly in early harvest oils. It acts as a potent antioxidant and activates the NRF2 pathway, which regulates cellular antioxidant defenses. Oleacein is one of the key bioactive compounds that contribute to the brain health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil through antioxidant mechanisms.
Recipes
11 recipes containing this substance
Black Bean & Sweet Potato Vegetable Chilli
A fibre-rich bean and vegetable chilli with warming spices and slow carbohydrates for steady energy and satiety.
Creamed Corn on Roasted Sweet Potato
Roasted sweet potato with creamed corn and a mixed lipid phase to enhance carotenoid absorption; served with broccoli for fibre and glucosinolates.
Linguine alle vongole mantecate (Linguine with cockles in a silky emulsified sauce)
Whole-wheat linguine with cockles in a silky emulsified sauce; Italian emulsification technique without cream, supporting taurine, B12, and choline intake.
Mitochondrial Power Bowl
A nitrate-rich, polyphenol-dense bowl combining leafy greens, beets, berries, nuts, and early harvest olive oil
Roast Duck Breast with Berry Sauce
A rich main dish built around crisp-skinned duck breast with a bright blueberry and raspberry sauce, designed to balance richness with acidity and aromatic depth.
Roasted Aubergine with Herb Olive Oil
Soft roasted aubergine finished with a late-added herb oil of rosemary, thyme, chilli flakes and olive oil, served with a light balsamic drizzle.
Rocket Lentil Avocado Midday Salad (Gut-Supporting)
Polyphenol-rich midday salad with quinoa or lentils, vegetables, avocado, and early harvest olive oil
Salmon & Grated Beetroot Toast (with Lemon)
A fast, brain-forward open sandwich combining omega-3 rich salmon, nitrate/polyphenol beetroot, and lemon acidity for a sharp, savoury bite.
Salmon Bowl-pistachio-cacao-nibs
A Mediterranean-style bowl combining salmon, avocado, pistachios, cacao nibs, and early harvest olive oil — rich in omega-3 fats, polyphenols, and fibre.
Savoury Greens & Egg Breakfast Skillet
A warm savoury breakfast skillet with eggs, greens, and slow carbohydrates for steady morning energy.
Turkey Wing Stew
A collagen-rich, glycine-heavy slow-cooked stew made from affordable turkey wings — rich in protein, tryptophan, and B vitamins.
Foods
2 foods containing this substance
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Polyphenol-rich oil with hydroxytyrosol and anti-inflammatory properties
Olive Oil (Early Harvest)
Premium extra virgin olive oil with enhanced CoQ10, oleuropein, and polyphenol content from early harvest timing
Biological Mechanisms and Implications
References
- Oleacein is a secoiridoid polyphenol in extra-virgin olive oil with antioxidant properties and NRF2 activation
- Found in higher concentrations in early harvest extra-virgin olive oil
- Contributes to the brain health benefits of olive oil through antioxidant and neuroprotective mechanisms