what about the smoke point of olive oil when used in cooking?

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, has a relatively high smoke point of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), making it suitable for various cooking methods, including frying and sautéing 1. Despite common myths that it isn't appropriate for cooking due to a supposed low smoke point, high-quality extra virgin olive oil can actually withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) without degrading, thanks to its rich antioxidant content 2.

While it's true that heating oils past their smoke points can degrade their nutritional quality and flavor, extra virgin olive oil's high polyphenol content helps protect it against oxidation during cooking. Hence, it remains a healthy option for most cooking needs, provided it isn't overheated 3 4.