Olive oil is renowned for its health benefits, attributed to its rich content of healthy fats and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the production of olive oil generates a substantial amount of waste, including olive mill wastewater (OMW), a byproduct previously regarded as harmful. OMW contains high levels of organic and phenolic compounds that, while toxic to the environment, may offer health benefits due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Recent research has highlighted the potential of OMW as a nutraceutical, thanks to its concentration of bioactive compounds such as tannins and flavanols. Although OMW is yet to undergo human clinical trials, some companies are already exploring its use in supplements and food products. If proven beneficial, OMW could transform from a harmful waste product into a valuable health resource, adding economic and environmental benefits to olive oil production.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0957582020318255
