It was the story of this researcher who discovered oleocanthal, one of the polyphenol compounds found in extra virgin olive oil, that made me want to launch Kosterina. My goal is to educate the US consumer on the incredible benefits of true extra virgin olive oil and tune them into the difference between the good stuff and what they’re typically finding on the supermarket shelf.
But what are polyphenols anyway?
Polyphenols are one type of health-protective antioxidants that are found in extra virgin olive oil. Like other antioxidants, polyphenols fight oxidative stress and are proven to fight against aging-related diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and certain types of cancer.
In addition to the anti-aging properties of polyphenols, they also contain strong anti-inflammatory properties. A 2011 study showed that extra virgin olive oil contains a certain phenol compound called oleocanthal, which acts similar to ibuprofen in the body. It’s thought that two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day is enough to provide these anti-inflammatory benefits.
This week, there was even news of a Louisiana startup company called Oleolive that is studying and developing oleocanthal found in extra virgin olive oil, to treat and possibly cure Alzheimer’s. I can’t vouch for their claims but if they're real, WOW.
It turns out superfoods have real superpowers.
Katerina Mountanos
Olive Oil Sommelier Katerina Mountanos, is the Founder & CEO of Kosterina Olive Oil, which produces 100% organic, extra virgin olive oil from Greece sold directly to consumers online. Katerina is an ecommerce expert and has built beauty, home and wellness businesses for Amazon, Jet, and Walmart. She founded beauty services company, Manicube, which was sold to The Red Door by Elizabeth Arden in 2015. Katerina is very passionate about olive oil, the Mediterranean diet and eating for health and longevity.
We have a problem of systemic racism in America. For me, it has been watching this crisis through the lens of parenthood that has struck me the most. I don’t think I fully realized the burden that my fellow parents need to bear when they are parenting Black children.
The question I’m pondering this week is around willpower. Although there is a lot of confusing nutrition information out there, generally we know that we need to avoid refined sugars, toxic oils and processed foods. But despite being armed with all the latest research and knowledge, why is it still so hard to make the right food choices sometimes?
How are you doing? I’m feeling a little burst of positivity this week as things are slowly starting to feel a bit more normal. We have seen a few more friends and family members (from afar) and the local Starbucks in my town re-opened this week (major development). And generally, I’m a little less nervous about going to the pharmacy and the supermarket. But as I've been moving about in public a bit more I've had a lot more interactions with strangers while wearing a mask. And, it's made me think about how we treat each other in this new world.
