The 9th Olympia Health & Nutrition Awards, held last week in Athens, celebrated olive oils rich in health-protecting phenolic compounds. Organised by the World Olive Center for Health (WOCH), the event recognised over 250 producers from 10 countries for their exceptional extra virgin olive oils.
This year, more than 600 olive oil samples were tested at the University of Athens. WOCH, founded in 2018, aims to certify olive oils that meet the EU’s health claim criteria, educate producers on creating healthier oils, and support research on olive products’ health benefits.
The ceremony, held at Eleon Loft, a site of Athens’ ancient olive grove, marked WOCH’s six-year anniversary. It featured presentations on scientific studies backed by WOCH, insights into the US olive oil market from UC Davis Olive Center’s Dan Flynn, and an overview of WOCH’s activities and developments in olive oil health research.
- Professor Georgios Spanoudis from the University of Cyprus highlighted a clinical study showing that high phenolic extra virgin olive oil (HPEVOO) can improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Dr. Evangelos Dadiotis from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens shared animal studies revealing that cannabinoids and olive oil phenols can combat epilepsy, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Professor Georgios Samoutis from the University of Nicosia discussed a clinical trial on olive oil phenols in capsule form, which showed promise in managing metabolic syndrome.
- Dr. Pavlina Sverak presented a University of Minnesota study on HPEVOO and curcumin for neurofibromatosis, noting significant reductions in severe itching, headaches, and pain for some patients.
- WOCH President Dr. Eleni Melliou announced initiatives including doctoral scholarships, the non-profit Olive Lab & Shop, and the formation of a Hellenic Olive Network to foster collaboration between Greek scientists, businesses, and the agricultural sector.
- University of Athens Professor Prokopios Magiatis summarized recent studies indicating that HPEVOO can fight cancer, high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, prediabetes, and aid COVID-19 recovery.
Olympia Awards were given to Ellis Farm, Greek EVOO Olea True, and Olive Fabrica for supporting HPEVOO research.
Special Top Gold Awards went to The Greek Olive Estate, Atsas Organic Products, Falcon SA’s Oleve brand, and Sparta Original Greek D. Sakkas Co. for their phenol-rich EVOOs.
