Weekly Wellness

The Power of Belonging

Today we will focus on a particularly important Lifestyle Habit at Kosterina, #4: Belonging.  As human beings, it is our most natural need to belong. We are wired to crave connection, and as social creatures belonging to any sort of community, or "tribe" is how we thrive. 

Weekly Wellness

Are Emulsifiers Safe To Eat? Everything You Need To Know About These Tricky Additives

One of the easiest ways you can take charge of your health is by reading labels and prioritizing nourishing, healthful ingredients. I was shocked to learn how many emulsifiers are in the food products many of us love and consider safe or organic. From dairy and vegan products to healthy snacks and gluten-free bread, emulsifiers are everywhere.

Ancient Ingredients

The Power of Garlic

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine, used to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions. Modern times are no different, with much research confirming the health benefits of garlic.

Ancient Ingredients

The Power of Figs

Figs have been an integral part of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. They are not only rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium and calcium, but they are packed with fiber and antioxidants. They help lower blood pressure and strengthen your bones. ⁠

Weekly Wellness

We're Celebrating Greek Independence Day

Greece, as we know it today, has only been in existence for 200 years. Even though Greek culture is filled with deep history (and the language has been spoken for over 3,000 years!), it wasn't until 1830 that Greece was officially recognized as an independent state.

Weekly Wellness

The TED Talk about stress that you need to watch

What’s your relationship with stress? It turns out, the way you think about stress can really determine the effect it has on you.  

Longevity

Shed Stress & Live Longer

People in the Blue Zones have unique, down-to-earth methods of reducing stress that we can all learn from. For example, Okinawans turn to their 'village' to socialize during good times and stressful ones. They also find calm in daily habits like gardening or praying to their ancestors.

Ancient Ingredients

Ancient Ingredients, Modern Superpowers: Dark Chocolate Edition

Dark chocolate has been a staple in human diets since 2000 BC. The ancient Mayans actually incorporated it into drinks like teas and wine for its health benefits. It was also used in ceremonial rituals in what is now South America given its healing powers. It wasn't until the 1500s that dark chocolate was turned into the solid form we know it as today.

Weekly Wellness

Our Favorite Ways to Use...Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

Our favorite ways to use our Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar.

Weekly Wellness

Our Favorite Ways to Use...Greek Herb & Lemon EVOO

Our favorite ways to use our Greek Herb & Lemon EVOO

Longevity

Learn from the world's longest-lived people

What does it mean to "move naturally"? Interestingly, it's the opposite way most of us think about physical health. According to Dan Buettner, "the world's longest-lived people don't pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead. they live in environments that nudge them into moving without thinking about it." 

EVOO EDU

It’s Official: Consuming More EVOO Will Help You Live Longer

A new report from Harvard’s Department of Nutrition presents new evidence that replacing other fats and oils with olive oil can lead to increased longevity by lowering the risk of diseases.

Reading and Listening

Book Report: State Change by Robin Berzin

You may know we are big proponents of adopting functional medicine and food sensitivity testing into your personal health care management. I and many on the Kosterina team have been long time disciples of Parsley Health -- so when Parsley Founder, Robin Berzin, wrote a book, I jumped at the chance to get an advance copy.

Weekly Wellness

Podcasts for Improving Health & Longevity

Now that we’re in a new year and we’re past the holiday craziness of trying to get our healthful and delicious gifts to you and all your family and friends, we are back to our regularly scheduled programming. As you know, at Kosterina we are always focused on health and longevity, and in light of that wanted to share with you some of our favorite podcast content on the subject. 

Weekly Wellness

Our Intentions and Goals for 2022

As we round up our first week in 2022, we want to share our intentions and goals for this year. Who we are: We are a...

EVOO EDU

How to Host an Olive Oil Tasting Party

If you're looking for something simple, fun, and engaging to do over the holidays, an olive oil tasting party should be high on your list, especially if your friends and family enjoy good food + EVOO. 

Ancient Ingredients

Ancient Ingredients, Modern Superpowers: The Grape Edition

Our love for grapes led us to the development of KOSTERINA BALSAMIC VINEGARS. Enhanced with ingredients that are true to the Mediterranean, our balsamic vinegars are the perfect complement to our Extra Virgin Olive Oil. As we continue our ongoing series called: Ancient Ingredients, Modern Superpowers, today we dive into one of our favorite Greek superfoods out there: Grapes

Weekly Wellness

The Importance of Hydration

Have you ever given the safety and quality of your drinking water a second thought? After listening to this podcast with environmental activist, Erin Brockovich, our team at Kosterina thought deeply about the importance of hydration, and moreover - what we put into our bodies.

Weekly Wellness

Olive Oil for Skin: A Long, Rich History

When I was a child, my aunt always told me that I should always put a few drops of olive oil in my face and body creams. It was her secret to beautiful, healthy, youthful, poreless skin. But where did this practice come from and why?

Weekly Wellness

Calling all moms: EVOO does the trick

A couple of weeks ago, a good friend of mine told me an amazing story: her newborn baby was suffering from cradle cap, a form of eczema on the scalp, and she was at a loss for what to do. Her pediatrician recommended rubbing some olive oil on his scalp - and so, she grabbed her Kosterina bottle. Just like that, it was healed. 

EVOO EDU

The Toxic Truth about Cooking Oils

Contrary to popular belief, not all cooking oils are “healthy” as many claim to be.

EVOO EDU

The Difference Between our Original & Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Aside from looking visually pleasing as a pair, there are key differences between our white "Original" and blue "Everyday" extra virgin olive oil. This post will breakdown the differences between the two so you can understand how to use them and why each of them play an equally important part of elevating your dishes, both their flavor profile and level of healthiness.

Stuff We're Into

DIY Olive Oil Face Mask

At Kosterina, the olive is at the center of everything we do (#extravirgineverything)  including enjoying it with our meals and using daily as the best remedy for dry skin and maintaining skin balance. Today we wanted to share a very easy DIY Olive Oil Face Mask that you can use with ingredients commonly found in your kitchen pantry.

Weekly Wellness

Olive Oil at the Olympics

Olive oil was once the focal point of the Olympic games.