The Art & Science of Olive Oil: From the Kitchen to Your Skincare Routine | 294 | Kelly LeVeque

Smoke Points

The common belief that olive oil is unsuitable for high-heat cooking due to its low smoke point is challenged by Katina Mountanos. She explains that high-quality extra virgin olive oil, rich in polyphenols, actually has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at temperatures up to 450 degrees 1. The misconception stems from the prevalence of low-quality olive oils, which do have lower smoke points.

The reason that the olive oil in this country has been deemed to have a low smoke point is because it's been low quality.

--- Katina Mountanos

Katina also highlights that smoke point is not the best measure for cooking suitability; rather, it's about the level of free radicals emitted, with extra virgin olive oil emitting the fewest 2.

   

Health Benefits

Olive oil is not only a culinary staple but also a powerful skincare ingredient. Katina Mountanos shares insights into its health benefits, noting that olive oil has been used traditionally for its moisturizing and healing properties 3. In Greek culture, it's common to use olive oil for skin issues, and even in baby care, due to its antioxidant properties.

As a Greek kid, when something is wrong with your skin, your mom tells you to go put olive oil on it.

--- Katina Mountanos

Katina emphasizes the importance of clean skincare, highlighting her brand's use of extra virgin olive oil for hydration and antioxidant benefits 4.