Experiments with VCO could decrease total cholesterol,
triglycerides, and phospholipids in serum and tissues as well
as increase HDL cholesterol with a corresponding decrease in
LDL cholesterol. This may be due to the quality difference of
the two oils, particularly the higher polyphenol content of
VCO (80 mg/100 gm oil) compared to CO (64.4 mg/100 gm
oil) (Fig. 2), as well as minor constituents including vitamin
E. The wet extraction done in the dark and at a controlled
temperature may be responsible for retaining the biological
activities of the minor components in the oil.