Bryan Johnson's Olive Oil Criteria: How to Choose the Right Olive oil
Discover Bryan Johnson's olive oil criteria and learn how to choose high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil for optimal health and longevity
22 April 2025
·6 min read
Bryan Johnson, tech mogul and longevity pioneer, considers extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) a cornerstone of his health regimenâmaking up around 15% of his daily calorie intake. Known for his âBlueprintâ protocol, Johnson emphasizes olive oilâs powerful effects on heart health, inflammation, and even aging. But to truly experience the benefits of olive oil, not just any bottle will do. It must meet strict criteria.
This article outlines the specific standards Bryan Johnson applies to his olive oilâand why they matter.
Who Is Bryan Johnson?
Bryan Johnson made his fortune by founding Braintree, which he sold to PayPal for $800 million in 2013. Since then, heâs shifted focus to a much bigger mission: slowing down aging and optimizing health through data, science, and technology.
His daily routine is based on Project Blueprint, a meticulously designed health protocol that includes:
- A nutrient-rich, plant-based diet
- Targeted strength, endurance, and mobility training
- Consistent, high-quality sleep
- Regular medical testing and biomarker tracking
As part of his nutritional strategy, Bryan Johnson swears by extra virgin olive oil. In fact, he calls it his #1 food for anti-aging.
Why does Bryan Johnson Consume Olive Oil?
Johnson favors olive oil not just for its flavor but for its scientifically supported health benefits. It has been assocciated with various health benefits, including:
- Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness (study)
- Antioxidant capacity (study)
- Cardiovascular risk (study)
- BloodâBrain Barrier Function (study)
However, not all olive oils are created equal. For Johnson, only those that meet specific quality standards make the cut.
What Makes Olive Oil Healthy?
Extra virgin olive oil is known for its high content of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. But its most potent health benefits come from a lesser-known group of compounds: polyphenols.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in plants. While over 8,000 types exist, olive oil typically contains around 25 unique polyphenols.
The concentration of polyphenols directly affects the health benefits associated with olive oil consumption. This is illustrated in a comprehensive review published in Nutrients that compared the effects of extra virgin olive oils rich in polyphenols to low-phenol olive oils and other dietary fats. It found that:
- Blood pressure: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in participants consuming high-polyphenol EVOO compared to those consuming low-phenol oils and other fats.
- LDL oxidation and cholesterol: High-polyphenol EVOO reduced LDL oxidation â a major cardiovascular risk factor â and, in some cases, lowered LDL cholesterol more effectively than refined or low-phenol oils.
- HDL cholesterol quality: High-polyphenol EVOO improved the protective function of HDL cholesterol, even when total HDL cholesterol levels did not increase significantly.
- Blood sugar control: Participants consuming high-polyphenol EVOO experienced better blood sugar regulation and improved insulin sensitivity.
Thereâs so much evidence backing polyphenols that the EU allows certified health claims on olive oil labelsâif the polyphenol content is high enough. Unfortunately, studies suggest that 90% of supermarket olive oils donât meet this standard.
âBased on current testing in most countries, an oil could meet a standard for âextra virgin,â but it might not have phenols, and it is the phenols that provide the health benefits.
Bryan Johnsonâs Olive Oil Criteria
Here are the strict quality markers Johnson uses to select his olive oil. If your EVOO doesnât meet these standards, it probably wonât make the cut in his Blueprint protocol.
- Polyphenol Content > 400 mg/kg âThere are different ways to test the amount of polyphenols. It should include at least 400 mg/kg using the HPLC method, and 1000 mg/kg using the NMR methods. Polyphenols are the key antioxidants in olive oil responsible for most of its health benefits, so it is therefore the most important things to look at.
- > 72% Oleic Acid â A monounsaturated fat that supports heart health and improves oil stability.
- Peroxide Value < 9 meq/kg â A low value means the oil is fresh and has not oxidized.
- Free Fatty Acids (FFA) < 0.3% â Indicates minimal degradation and high-quality fruit at harvest.
- > 90% Diacylglycerols (DAGs) â Higher DAG levels mean better freshness and resistance to oxidation.
- Harvested Within the Last 12 Months â Fresher oil contains more nutrients, flavor, and active compounds.
- UV-Protective Glass Bottle â Protects the oil from light, preserving both taste and nutrition.
- Independently Lab Tested â Verifies the oil meets all the above metrics with trusted third-party data.
How Does Bryan Johnsonâs Olive Oil Compare?
While Johnsonâs olive oil meets high standards, there are even more potent alternatives on the marketâespecially for those in Europe. For example, our âGreen Machineâ meets contains nearly twice the polyphenol content at a more affordable price point.
But it's not just about polyphenols â Green Machine also matches or exceeds all of Bryan Johnsonâs quality standards across the board.
| Â | OlvLimitsâs Green Machine | Bryan Johnson's Olive Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols | 799 mg/kg | > 400 mg/kg |
| Peroxides | 4 meq/kg | < 9 meq/kg |
| Oleic Acid | 76.67% | > 72% |
| Acidity | 0.17% | < 0.3% |
| Fresh | Harvested at least every 12 months | Harvested at least every 12 months |
| Lab-tested on heavy metals and contaminants | ||
| UV protective packaging |
Conclusion
Bryan Johnsonâs commitment to health optimization is backed by science and strict standardsâespecially when it comes to what he eats. For him, extra virgin olive oil isnât just a tasty ingredient; itâs a daily essential that can support your health.
To truly experience the health benefits, your olive oil must meet specific criteriaâhigh in polyphenols, low in oxidation markers, and verified by independent labs. While Johnsonâs own olive oil meets these standards, options like our Green Machine offer even higher polyphenol content at a better valueâespecially for health-conscious consumers in Europe.
