LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- September 30, National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day, is putting one of the world's oldest wellness staples back in the spotlight, but for Dr. Steven Gundry, extra virgin olive oil has long been more than something to drizzle over salads. The cardiothoracic surgeon helped pioneer the modern-day olive oil shot trend by recommending this to his patients years before it became a social media wellness ritual. In 2019, Gundry encouraged listeners of The Dr. Gundry Podcast to take olive oil by the shot while emphasizing the importance of choosing an extra virgin olive oil rich in naturally occurring polyphenols.
His belief in the benefits of polyphenols eventually inspired a national holiday. In 2021, Gundry MD established National Polyphenol Day, celebrated annually on July 11, to raise awareness of polyphenols and foods rich in them, including extra virgin olive oil. Taking a shot of Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil has since become one of the signature ways Dr. Gundry and Gundry MD celebrate the holiday each year.
Today, as olive oil shots continue to gain attention across social media, Steven Gundry remains a longtime advocate of the ritual and continues to encourage people to look beyond olive oil as simply a kitchen staple and pay closer attention to its polyphenol content.
Dr. Steven Gundry's Legendary Olive Oil Quotes
"More bitter, more better."
— Dr. Steven Gundry, The Plant Paradox (2017)
"Olive oil's main fat is monounsaturated fat, oleic acid, but it's not this fat that makes olive oil healthy. It's actually all the polyphenols that are contained in olive oil that make the difference."
— Dr. Steven Gundry, The Longevity Paradox (2019)
"The only purpose of food is to get more olive oil into your mouth."
— Dr. Steven Gundry, The Energy Paradox (2021)
What Is Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil?
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is a first-press, cold-pressed, USDA organic extra-virgin olive oil formulated for polyphenol content rather than for neutral flavor. Its defining compound is hydroxytyrosol, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in olives.
The oil is sourced exclusively from olive trees grown in the harsh desert groves of Morocco. According to the brand, that stressful growing environment triggers a "nutrient surge" in the fruit, concentrating hydroxytyrosol at levels far above many conventional olive oils.*
The result is an oil built for potency and flavor intensity: robust, peppery, and noticeably more bitter than the mild supermarket varieties most people are used to.
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Real Customer Reviews
Why Dr. Gundry Pioneered the Daily Olive Oil "Shot"
Long before olive oil shots became a trend, Dr. Gundry was recommending them to his own patients and taking one himself every day.
His reasoning is straightforward: drizzling a small amount over food is pleasant, but it delivers a modest dose. Taking the oil straight, by the tablespoon, is one of the most efficient ways to get a meaningful serving of polyphenols in a single sitting, no heat, no dilution, nothing competing with it on the plate.
Why Does Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Taste Different Than Conventional Olive Oils?
This is the single most common question from first-time buyers, and the answer is the point of the product.
Bitterness and that peppery catch at the back of the throat are the sensory signatures of polyphenols. Compounds like hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and oleocanthal are what create the sharp, grassy, slightly astringent finish. The more of them an oil contains, the more assertive it tastes.
Most mass-market olive oils taste smooth and buttery precisely because they may contain far fewer of these compounds through refining, blending, longer time on the shelf, or milder growing conditions. In other words, a bland olive oil is often a low-polyphenol olive oil.
So the bitterness in Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil isn't a flaw or a sign of spoilage. It's the flavor of the compounds people are buying it for. Most users report the taste becomes familiar, and even enjoyable, within the first week or two, and there are easy ways to soften it (see the usage section below).*
What Makes It Different From Regular Olive Oil?
Three things separate this oil from a standard bottle of extra virgin:
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is cold-pressed with no additives, no preservatives, and no contact with harsh chemicals. Extraction and refinement standards are built to preserve polyphenol content, not strip it out for a milder flavor.
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Benefits
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil can help support:
What Is Hydroxytyrosol in Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil?
Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol found naturally in olives and olive oil, and it's one of the most studied compounds in the Mediterranean diet. It functions as an antioxidant, and it's a major contributor to the bitter, pungent character of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Polyphenol levels vary enormously between olive oils depending on olive variety, growing conditions, harvest timing, pressing method, and storage. Two bottles labeled "extra virgin" can differ dramatically in polyphenol content, which is why Gundry MD sources from a single, specific origin rather than blending.
Where Do the Olives in Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Come From?
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil comes from olive trees cultivated in the desert groves of Morocco, just below Spain. The environment is intentionally unforgiving: heat, dryness, and stress that stimulate a more concentrated rush of nutrients in the fruit and drive up hydroxytyrosol content.
These rare Moroccan olives are highly prized, and Gundry MD uses them exclusively for this product. The olives are cold-pressed, free of additives and preservatives, and never come into contact with harsh chemicals.
How Do You Use Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil?
Suggested use: Take it straight, or mix with lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Enjoy 1 or more tablespoons daily.
Dr. Gundry drinks a "shot" of it each day and suggests the same. But there are plenty of other ways to work it in:
As a finishing oil. Ever notice how even simple food tastes more special at a restaurant? It's often a drizzle of good oil. Sautéed greens, scrambled eggs, grilled salmon — all of it improves with a finishing pour.
In a salad dressing. Balsamic vinegar is the easiest way to balance the oil's peppery edge. Whisk one part olive oil, one part high-quality balsamic, a pinch of sea salt, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Blended into a beverage. It works in smoothies — especially chocolate ones, since chocolate and olive oil are a classic pairing. Try it with a lectin-free chocolate smoothie or Gundry MD ProPlant. It's also good stirred into coffee or tea.
In pesto. Blend ½ cup basil or parsley, ¼ cup toasted pine nuts, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 1 garlic clove, and about ¼ cup Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil. Toss with lectin-free pasta, spoon over grilled meats and vegetables, or use as a salad topper. Store in the fridge or freezer.
Is Gundy MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Quality-Tested?
Yes. Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is sourced, cultivated, and extracted according to industry safety and purity standards. It contains no artificial ingredients and is tested for quality at an independent, third-party facility.
Where to Buy Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil
Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is available on the official Gundry MD website and through the Gundry MD Amazon Storefront.
To guarantee authenticity, purchase only from:
Avoid unauthorized sellers. Listings on unverified marketplaces such as Walmart, Etsy, or other third-party vendors may offer counterfeit products, cannot be guaranteed as authentic, and do not include the 90-day money-back guarantee.
Shoppers with questions about a product or seller can contact Gundry MD customer service for support.
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil Frequently Asked Questions
Has anyone actually tried Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil? Yes, it's one of Gundry MD's longer-standing products and has been reviewed by customers on both the official site and Amazon. The most consistent feedback centers on the flavor being noticeably stronger and more bitter than typical supermarket olive oil, and on the daily "shot" being an easy habit to keep.
Why does it taste so bitter? Bitterness and throat-pepper come directly from polyphenol content. Higher polyphenol oils taste sharper. A mild, buttery olive oil generally means fewer of these compounds. The taste is the product working as intended.
How do I make the taste easier? Add lemon juice, pair it with balsamic vinegar in a dressing, blend it into a chocolate smoothie, or stir it into coffee or tea. Most people also find the flavor grows on them after the first week or two.
How much should I take per day? The suggested use is 1 or more tablespoons daily, taken straight or with lemon juice.
When is the best time to take it? There's no required time of day. Many people take their shot in the morning as part of a routine, which makes it easier to stay consistent.
Can I cook with it? It's best used as a finishing oil or taken straight, so its flavor and polyphenol content stay intact. High heat is generally not the best use of a premium high-polyphenol oil.
What is hydroxytyrosol? A naturally occurring polyphenol found in olives and olive oil, and one of the most studied compounds associated with the Mediterranean diet.
Where do the olives come from? Desert olive groves in Morocco, just below Spain. The harsh growing climate is what drives the concentrated polyphenol content.
Is it organic? Yes. It is USDA organic, first press, cold-pressed, extra virgin.
Is it lectin-free? Yes. It's also free of sugar, soy, dairy, and artificial sweeteners.
Is it third-party tested? Yes, at an independent third-party facility.
Is there a refund policy? Yes, there is a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Where can I buy it? The official Gundry MD website or the Gundry MD Amazon Storefront. Third-party marketplace listings are not guaranteed authentic and don't carry the guarantee.
Does it expire or go bad? Like all extra virgin olive oil, it's best stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and light, and used within a reasonable window after opening to preserve flavor and quality.
About Gundry MD
Founded in 2015, Gundry MD is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions to its users through science-backed ingredients that support metabolism, sustain energy, promote smooth, easy digestion, and support a youthful-feeling mind and body. These amazing results all begin with feeding your body powerful health-boosting nutrients like polyphenols.†* Based on his many years of nutrition research, Dr. Gundry helps create every Gundry MD product. Best-selling Gundry MD products include Bio Complete 3, Ultimate H2, MCT Wellness, Total Restore, and Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil. All Gundry MD products come with a 90-day purchase price guarantee (minus shipping) if you are not satisfied. For more information, visit www.gundrymd.com or @gundrymd on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
About Dr. Gundry
Founder of Gundry MD, Dr. Steven Gundry was one of the world's top cardiothoracic surgeons before leaving his practice to pursue restorative medicine. Today, he is the founder and medical director of The International Heart and Lung Institute and The Centers for Restorative Medicine in Palm Springs and Montecito, California, where he has spent the past 25 years helping people restore their health by optimizing nutrition and lifestyle. A longtime champion of the health-promoting power of polyphenols, Dr. Gundry is also credited with helping pioneer the "olive oil shot" trend, advocating for a daily shot of high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil years before the practice gained mainstream popularity. Steven Gundry, MD, is also the host of the top-ranked health podcast, The Dr. Gundry Podcast, and the author of four New York Times best-selling books, including "The Plant Paradox™", which details his famous lectin-free diet. His newest book, "Feed Your Brain," releases on February 23, 2027. For more information, visit drgundry.com, the Dr. Gundry YouTube channel, Dr. Gundry en Español, and follow @drstevengundry on Instagram and TikTok.
All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
* Based on EuroFin lab test completed in September 2026.
**Based on 2004 study of extra virgin olive oil samples from the Mediterranean
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