If you’ve been scrolling past £50 olive oil bottles in search of something that actually delivers on its health promises, you’re not alone. Ancient Roots, now rebranded as Aeons, sells a Tuscan extra virgin olive oil backed by Dr. Sarah Brewer that claims ultra-high polyphenol content—but independent testing raises questions about whether the marketing matches the chemistry.

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Origin: Volcanic Tuscan soil · Production Method: Cold-pressed within 24 hours · Type: 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil · Key Nutrient: Naturally rich in polyphenols · Endorsement: Dr. Sarah Brewer’s blend

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Key claims
  • Volcanic Tuscan soil delivers higher mineral content and polyphenol production (Aeons product page)
  • Polyphenols activate sirtuins (SIRT1) for fat burning, cellular repair, and inflammation reduction (Dr Sarah Brewer article)
  • Peppery flavour indicates high polyphenol content (Aeons product page)
4Comparisons
  • ONSURI Arbequina discloses 1000+ mg/kg polyphenols with lab certificate; Ancient Roots does not (High Polyphenol Olive Oil blog)
  • Opus Oléa discloses no chemical pesticides; Ancient Roots is silent on pesticides and organic status (High Polyphenol Olive Oil blog)
  • November olive oil tested at 1073 mg/kg provides a benchmark that rivals claim to exceed (High Polyphenol Olive Oil blog)

The table below summarises the product specifications and verified attributes of the Ancient Roots/Aeons olive oil.

Attribute Value Source
Brand Ancient Roots (now Aeons) UK Blogspot
Origin Tuscany, Italy (Monte Amiata volcanic soil) Aeons
Type 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aeons
Production Cold-pressed within 24 hours Aeons
Price (250ml) Nearly £50 UK Blogspot
Endorsement Dr. Sarah Brewer’s Origins Diet blend UK Blogspot
EFSA Claim Authorised 2011: polyphenols protect blood lipids from oxidative stress Dr Sarah Brewer
EFSA Dose 20ml daily with at least 5mg hydroxytyrosol and derivatives UK Blogspot
Organic Status Not specified High Polyphenol Olive Oil
Lab Certificate Not publicly available High Polyphenol Olive Oil

No independent lab certificate for polyphenol levels has been published for Ancient Roots or Aeons olive oil. The brand claims high polyphenol content but does not disclose specific mg/kg figures. For comparison, ONSURI’s Arbequina oil for the 2025–26 harvest reached 1000+ mg/kg with verifiable lab data, and a November olive oil tested at 1073 mg/kg establishes a benchmark that competitors claim to exceed.

Is Ancient Roots Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good for You?

The scientific case for high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil rests on well-documented mechanisms. Key polyphenols in EVOO include hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant, and oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory compound structurally similar to ibuprofen. Around 30 polyphenols have been identified in olives, including oleuropein, which contributes to both the flavour and health profile.

Polyphenol Content and Health Claims

Olive oil polyphenols activate sirtuins (SIRTs) such as SIRT1, enhancing fat burning, cellular repair, inflammation reduction, and brain function. According to Dr. Sarah Brewer, polyphenols boost cellular energy, support weight loss, reduce inflammation, suppress joint pain, and lower blood pressure.

In a 9-week trial, 25ml daily EVOO led to 2.4kg fat loss compared to 1.3kg with soybean oil in women on a low-calorie diet—a difference Dr. Brewer describes as 80% higher fat loss in the EVOO group. Polyphenol-rich EVOO also lowered blood pressure by 7.91/6.65 mmHg compared to refined olive oil, and in a separate observation, 80% of high blood pressure patients discontinued medication after 6 months of 30–40g daily EVOO.

“In the group taking extra virgin olive oil, fat loss was 80% higher than in those taking soybean oil—2.4 kg versus 1.3 kg.”

— Dr. Sarah Brewer, doctor and health author, drsarahbrewer.com

The EFSA-authorised health claim, dating from 2011, states that “olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.” The EFSA requirement specifies 20ml daily olive oil with at least 5mg hydroxytyrosol and derivatives. Research across 29 trials and 15,784 people links highest olive oil intakes to a 16% lower type 2 diabetes risk. Dr. Brewer also notes that polyphenols protect against fatty liver, heart disease, dementia, MS, and Parkinson’s.

Heart and Skin Support

Olive oil plant sterols reduce gut cholesterol absorption. Dr. Sarah Brewer reports that daily EVOO in a Mediterranean diet could prevent 8 in 10 heart attacks and 7 in 10 strokes when combined with exercise and non-smoking.

The peppery flavour of Ancient Roots indicates high polyphenol content according to the Aeons product page, but without lab verification, the exact potency remains unconfirmed. Consumers seeking measurable polyphenol levels may prefer brands that publish certificates.

Critics note that Ancient Roots lacks organic certification and does not disclose pesticide or production method details. Dr. Brewer herself stated that “pesticides and pollutants all ruin olive growth” but Ancient Roots does not appear to be marketed as an organic product.

Consumers should weigh the premium price against unverified polyphenol claims. The health mechanisms are real, but without a lab certificate, buyers cannot confirm whether Ancient Roots delivers the ultra-high polyphenol content its marketing implies.

Where is Ancient Roots Olive Oil Made?

Ancient Roots olives are sourced from Tuscany’s Monte Amiata region, a volcanic area inactive for thousands of years. Critics have noted that Aeons marketing may imply the volcano is active when it is not—this distinction matters for accuracy but does not affect soil mineral content.

Tuscan Volcanic Soil Origins

The brand claims volcanic Tuscan soil provides minerals like magnesium and potassium, enabling higher polyphenol production. Aeons states that the volcanic soil delivers these minerals to the olive trees. However, evidence for whether volcanic soil definitively increases polyphenols compared to other high-quality growing conditions is not conclusive in the sources reviewed.

Dr. Sarah Brewer has claimed that drought increases polyphenols, but evidence suggests the opposite—that water stress can reduce polyphenol levels in olives. This is one area where promotional claims diverge from scientific understanding.

Production Process

Ancient Roots is cold-pressed within 24 hours of harvest, a method designed to preserve freshness and polyphenol content. The oil is positioned as 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Rebranding to Aeons occurred in 2025.

“Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.”

— European Food Safety Authority, authorised 2011, cited by UK Blogspot

The Monte Amiata sourcing places the product within a specific regional tradition, but without harvest date disclosure or detailed production records, independent verification of quality claims remains difficult.

What Does a Spoonful of Olive Oil Do for You Before Bed?

Taking a spoonful of olive oil before bed is a popular wellness practice, though the timing of consumption is less critical than consistent daily intake. The EFSA-approved claim specifies 20ml daily, roughly one and a half tablespoons.

Digestion and Fat Burning Claims

The sirtuin-activating properties of polyphenols may support overnight cellular repair and metabolism. Dr. Sarah Brewer notes that polyphenols reduce inflammation and support fat burning, which some advocates claim works synergistically during sleep. However, direct evidence for bedtime-specific benefits is limited in the sources reviewed.

For those tracking calorie intake, 20ml of olive oil contains approximately 180 calories. The metabolic benefits documented in the 9-week trial occurred at 25ml daily alongside a low-calorie diet, not from olive oil alone.

Nighttime Benefits

Polyphenols may support digestive health and provide antioxidant coverage during rest. The anti-inflammatory properties of oleocanthal could theoretically support joint comfort, though the sources reviewed focus primarily on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes rather than sleep-specific effects.

Whether taken in the morning or before bed, the key factor is consistent daily intake meeting the EFSA threshold of 20ml with adequate hydroxytyrosol content. Combining olive oil with regular exercise amplifies the cardiovascular benefits documented in Mediterranean diet studies.

Taking olive oil before bed can contribute to daily polyphenol intake, but the timing advantage is minimal. Consumers should prioritise consistent daily consumption at the EFSA-recommended dose over bedtime rituals.

Which Olive Oil Has the Highest Polyphenols in the UK?

Comparing polyphenol levels requires verifiable lab data, which is where Ancient Roots falls short of competitors who publish certificates.

Ancient Roots vs Top Brands

The following comparison is based on publicly available information from brand sources and independent reviewers:

The comparison matrix below illustrates how Ancient Roots/Aeons measures against competitors on key quality indicators.

Brand Polyphenol Level Lab Certificate Organic Status Price (250ml)
Ancient Roots / Aeons Claimed high (no figure) Not published Not specified Nearly £50
ONSURI Arbequina 1000+ mg/kg (2025–26) Available Not specified Varies
Opus Oléa Not disclosed Not specified Certified no chemical pesticides Varies
November Olive Oil 1073 mg/kg (benchmark) Tested Not specified Varies

ONSURI discloses 1000+ mg/kg polyphenols for their 2025–26 Arbequina harvest with a lab certificate. Ancient Roots does not provide equivalent verification. Opus Oléa explicitly discloses no chemical pesticides or fertilisers, a transparency Ancient Roots does not match.

UK High-Polyphenol Rankings

Without independent testing of Ancient Roots, precise ranking within the UK market is speculative. The 1073 mg/kg benchmark from November olive oil and the 1000+ mg/kg from ONSURI set a standard that Ancient Roots claims to meet but cannot prove without published lab results.

“Pesticides and pollutants all ruin olive growth” but Ancient Roots does not appear to be an organic product.

— Observation noted from Dr. Sarah Brewer, cited by High Polyphenol Olive Oil blog

Volcanic soil alone does not guarantee higher polyphenols. The production method, harvest timing, olive variety, and storage conditions all influence final polyphenol content. Consumers should request lab certificates rather than relying on origin claims alone.

Ancient Roots cannot claim UK leadership in polyphenol content without publishing lab results. Competitors like ONSURI and Opus Oléa offer greater transparency, making informed comparison difficult for Ancient Roots buyers.

Where to Buy Ancient Roots Olive Oil?

Ancient Roots olive oil is available through the official Aeons website and select UK retailers.

Retailers and Pricing

The 250ml bottle retails at nearly £50, positioning the product at the premium end of the UK olive oil market. Pricing comparisons with competitors reveal that Ancient Roots/Aeons costs significantly more than brands offering equivalent or higher polyphenol levels with published lab certificates.

Dr. Sarah Brewer promoted Ancient Roots under the Origins Diet brand, lending medical credibility to the product. However, her current relationship with the Aeons rebrand is unclear based on available sources. Consumers should verify whether promotional materials reference Dr. Brewer directly or cite her previous endorsements.

Reviews and Availability

Consumer reviews beyond promotional content are limited in the sources reviewed. The Aeons website and UK Blogspot provide product descriptions, but independent user testimonials are scarce. As with other health products, prospective buyers should seek verified reviews from sources without financial ties to the brand.

Upsides

  • Tuscan volcanic soil origin with mineral-rich growing conditions
  • Cold-pressed within 24 hours for freshness
  • Backed by EFSA-authorised health claim on polyphenols
  • Dr. Sarah Brewer’s historical endorsement adds credibility
  • Peppery flavour indicates at least some polyphenol presence

Downsides

  • No published lab certificate for exact polyphenol levels
  • Price nearly £50 per 250ml without verified superiority
  • Organic certification not confirmed
  • Pesticide use not disclosed
  • Dr. Brewer’s current relationship with Aeons unclear
  • Monte Amiata volcano incorrectly described as active
  • Competitors offer higher transparency at lower prices

Buyers pay a premium for Ancient Roots/Aeons without receiving lab-verified polyphenol data. The brand’s scientific backing is legitimate, but without comparable transparency to competitors like ONSURI, value for money remains questionable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take a spoonful of olive oil in morning or at night?

Both timing options deliver polyphenol benefits, but consistency matters more than timing. The EFSA health claim specifies 20ml daily with adequate hydroxytyrosol content. Whether consumed morning or night, regular intake at this dose provides the documented cardiovascular and metabolic benefits documented in Mediterranean diet studies.

Can olive oil help with scars?

The sources reviewed focus on cardiovascular, metabolic, and anti-inflammatory benefits rather than scar treatment. While olive oil’s antioxidants and vitamin E content are sometimes promoted for skin health, no verified claims about scar reduction appear in the research notes.

Is it good to drink olive oil at night?

Drinking olive oil at night can contribute to daily polyphenol intake and may support overnight antioxidant coverage. However, the key factor is meeting the EFSA threshold of 20ml daily with adequate hydroxytyrosol content rather than timing-specific benefits.

What is the price of Ancient Roots olive oil?

Ancient Roots, now rebranded as Aeons, sells for nearly £50 per 250ml bottle in the UK market. This premium pricing positions the product among the most expensive extra virgin olive oils available.

Is Ancient Roots olive oil organic?

The organic certification status of Ancient Roots/Aeons olive oil is not specified in available sources. Critics note the lack of organic certification and absence of pesticide disclosure as concerns compared to competitors like Opus Oléa that explicitly state no chemical pesticides or fertilisers are used.

What are the benefits of Ancient Roots olive oil?

Benefits claimed include high polyphenol content for heart health, anti-inflammatory properties from oleocanthal, sirtuin activation for fat burning and cellular repair, and support for blood pressure regulation. The EFSA-authorised claim confirms protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress at 20ml daily with at least 5mg hydroxytyrosol derivatives.

Aeons olive oil vs Ancient Roots—what changed?

Ancient Roots was rebranded to Aeons in 2025. The product specifications—Tuscan volcanic soil origin, cold-pressed production within 24 hours, and extra virgin status—remain consistent. The key change is branding; whether formulation or supply chain details changed is not disclosed in available sources.