cypriot olive — cypriot olive — Soccer players are lining up for a fiery kick – not on the pitch, but in the form of a searing shot of olive oil from Cyprus. This unique liquid, known for its peppery and throat-burning qualities, is gaining popularity among athletes seeking a performance boost.
The olive oil in question is produced from early-harvest olives, which are packed with inflammation-busting polyphenols. These compounds are believed to aid recovery, allowing players to train harder and perform better. Nick Schizas, an olive oil producer and former FIFA-licensed agent, shared insights into the impact of this oil on players’ performance. “They were coming back with much more energy. They were recovering quicker between their games, and without me pushing them, they were coming back asking for more,” he remarked.
In collaboration with soil engineer Nicolas Netien, Schizas has launched a small business called Oleaphen, which markets these potent oil pods. Their clientele includes athletes from England’s prestigious Premier League and even a cycling team gearing up for the Tour de France.
The health benefits of this early-harvest olive oil stem from the unique timing of the harvest. Olives are picked before they reach full ripeness, preserving high levels of beneficial polyphenols. This method not only enhances the oil’s health properties but also aligns with a long-standing Mediterranean tradition. Netien explains, “There’s a tradition in the Mediterranean, especially in Greece and Cyprus, of doing some olive oil really early in the season … and this oil was kept at home to be used as a medicine.”
As this trend gains traction, researchers from two Cypriot universities are set to launch clinical studies this year to examine the effects of high-phenolic olive oil on soccer players. Their aim is to expand the existing body of evidence surrounding the oil’s health benefits, including its effects on gut microbiome.
At their olive mill in the Larnaca district, Netien meticulously oversees the extraction process, ensuring that the oil retains its high polyphenol content. The production method involves churning olives to create Oleocanthal, which Netien describes as “the most natural, powerful anti-inflammatory in the world.” This early harvest oil boasts 30 times more polyphenols than standard extra virgin olive oil and 100 times more Oleocanthal.
To maintain the integrity of these compounds, Oleaphen employs single-dose, seaweed-based pods instead of traditional bottles. This innovative approach not only prevents oxidation but also reduces waste, reflecting a modern revival of an ancient practice.
