Kosterina

We are honored to be presented with the Silver Standard of Excellence Award for High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from The Olympia Awards in Athens, Greece.? The Olympia Awards for Health & Nutrition is an annual awards ceremony organized by the World Olive Oil Center. The awards were created to reward olive growers who produce high-phenolic, authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oils that meet EU regulations and can therefore represent a health claim.?This year, there were hundreds of olive oils participating from around the world. We are incredibly grateful to the World Olive Oil Center and their Health & Nutrition Committee for presenting us with this honor.?

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3-6-9s -- What Are Omega Fats and How Do We Get Them? When it comes to fats, it can feel like a battlefield of good vs. bad. We hear terms like MUFA, PUFA, Omega-3, and Omega-6 tossed around, but what do they actually mean? Some fats are absolute health heroes, while others can stir up trouble. Let’s break it all down and find out how to keep your omega balance in check for optimal health. Meet the Omega Family Omega-3s These are the rock stars of the fat world, helping you to not only survive but thrive. They’re essential, meaning your body can’t produce them on its own. Foods rich in Omega-3s include wild salmon, sardines, walnuts, and chia seeds. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory powers, brain health benefits, and metabolism-boosting properties. Omega-6s These are essential fats, but consuming too much can fuel inflammation—especially from ultra-processed foods and?The Hateful 8?seed oils. Omega-9s These fats can be produced by your body and are found in foods like extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Omega-9s help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). The Good, The Bad, and The Balance The standard American diet is overloaded with Omega-6s, leading to chronic inflammation. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, “Inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases, and one of the biggest culprits is the imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.” The Best Way to Get Healthy Omega-3s - Eat more fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. - Include plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. - Use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) daily. Actionable Tips for a Balanced Omega Intake - Cut back on ultra-processed foods high in seed oils. - Eat fatty fish 2-3 times per week or take a high-quality Omega-3 supplement. - Use EVOO as your primary cooking oil. - Snack on walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. - Read food labels to avoid hidden seed oils. A Delicious Omega-3 Recipe Mediterranean Salmon Bowl 1 filet of wild-caught salmon 1 cup cooked quinoa Handful of arugula or spinach 1/4 avocado, sliced Drizzle of Kosterina EVOO Squeeze of fresh lemon juice Sprinkle of chia seeds Cook the salmon, layer it over quinoa and greens, and top with avocado, chia seeds, EVOO, and lemon juice. Enjoy! The Bottom Line Your body needs fats to thrive, but not all fats are created equal. By reducing Omega-6s, prioritizing Omega-3s, and embracing healthy fats like EVOO, you’ll be on your way to better health. https://lnkd.in/epN5Yjr9

When you're eating out, lurking in the kitchen, is an ingredient that wellness enthusiasts have been sounding the alarm on—seed oils. They’re everywhere, and they’re not doing your body any favors. Why Do Restaurants Love Seed Oils? Restaurants often use seed oils like soybean, canola, sunflower, and corn oil for one simple reason: they’re cheap and versatile. These oils have a high smoke point (almost as high as Kosterina EVOO), making them an option for frying, sautéing, and even baking. They’re also neutral in flavor, which is convenient for chefs creating a variety of dishes. But what’s good for a restaurant’s bottom line isn’t necessarily good for your health. Seed oils are highly processed and often extracted using heat and chemical solvents, which can strip them of nutrients and leave behind harmful byproducts. Why Are Seed Oils Bad for Your Health? Seed oils are packed with omega-6 fatty acids, which aren’t inherently bad—your body needs them. The problem? Most of us consume way too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s, leading to an imbalance that promotes chronic inflammation. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, "Excessive omega-6 fats from industrial seed oils are a major driver of inflammation, which is linked to nearly every chronic disease, from heart disease to diabetes to Alzheimer’s." The high heat and processing involved in making seed oils can also create harmful compounds like trans fats and lipid oxidation products (LOPs). These have been linked to oxidative stress and increased risk of chronic illnesses. How Can You Avoid Seed Oils at Restaurants? Ask Questions: Ask your server or the chef what kind of oil they use. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate requests for alternatives. Opt for Simple Dishes: Choose grilled, roasted, or steamed options over fried or heavily sauced dishes. These are less likely to involve seed oils. Request Real Butter or Olive Oil: If possible, ask if your dish can be cooked in butter, olive oil, or another healthier fat. EVOO is a great anti-inflammatory choice. BYO-EVOO: Check out our new single-serve packets?and bring your own EVOO for drizzling on salad or vegetables. Support Conscious Restaurants: Seek out restaurants that prioritize clean cooking oils. Farm-to-table establishments or those that focus on organic and sustainable practices are often more likely to avoid seed oils and are usually a safe bet. True Food Kitchen is seed-oil free. Everything on the menu is so delicious and nutritious. Bonus: our kids love it too! And sweetgreen, our other favorite go-to for a quick and healthy meal, recently?raised the bar?and they cook all their proteins, veggies, and grains in EVOO or avocado oil. Apps like?Seed Oil Scout can help you locate restaurants that avoid seed oils. Another way to avoid seed oils? Cooking at home. We have an arsenal of our favorite recipes on kosterina.com. More here: https://lnkd.in/e-Mmm6ZX

What is inflammation anyway? And why does it matter so much for your health? The short answer: inflammation is at the root of most chronic illnesses. The good news? It’s manageable with the right lifestyle changes. Let’s dive into what inflammation is, how it can impact your body, and what you can do to keep it in check. What is Inflammation? Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism—a built-in alarm system that activates when something’s wrong, like illness or injury. Imagine you cut your finger. Your immune system rushes in, sending white blood cells to the area to fight off bacteria and help the tissue heal. That redness, swelling, and warmth? That’s acute inflammation doing its job. But here’s the catch: not all inflammation is helpful. Chronic inflammation is a different story. It’s like having a fire alarm that won’t shut off, even when there’s no fire. Over time, this constant state of alert wears down your body and can contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and even mental health conditions like depression. As Dr. Mark Hyman puts it, "Chronic inflammation is the root cause of most modern diseases." How Chronic Inflammation Contributes to Chronic Illness When inflammation becomes chronic, it’s no longer a friend to your body. Instead, it “silently” damages tissues and organs. Think of it as a slow drip that eventually floods the system. Chronic inflammation has been linked to: Cardiovascular diseases: It damages blood vessels and leads to plaque buildup. Type 2 diabetes: It disrupts insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation. Autoimmune conditions: It tricks the immune system into attacking healthy tissues. Brain health issues: Studies suggest inflammation plays a role in Alzheimer’s and depression. Why Does This Happen? Chronic inflammation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s often the result of years of lifestyle factors, including: Diet: Too much sugar, ultra-processed foods, and unhealthy fats (read: seed oils) fuel inflammation. Many functional health practitioners also often point to gluten, dairy and/or corn as inflammatory foods that many of us may need to avoid. Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle leaves your immune system sluggish. Stress: Chronic stress keeps your body in a constant "fight or flight" state. Environmental toxins: Pollutants, chemicals, and even some personal care products contribute to inflammation. Dr. Peter Attia has?said?“Inflammation really becomes chronic once it's persisted for several months, but it can persist for much longer than that.” What Can You Do About It? Here’s the empowering part: you have more control over inflammation than you think. Read our post here to learn what you can do. And if you like this content, please sign up for Weekly Wellness newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/gNx2PntU. https://lnkd.in/gqg5DGYQ

Kosterina gifts are healthy, delicious, beautiful and universally loved! We've got you covered on holiday gifts for clients, teammates, teachers and more. Please email us at [email protected] and we'll take care of the rest!

It's not too early to start thinking about corporate & holiday gifts and everyone loves good EVOO! Kosterina has beautiful options at all price ranges. Just send us your list and we'll get everything out to your recipients in a beautiful gift box. Please email us at [email protected]. https://lnkd.in/er-5y8N3

Announcing our most craveable collaboration yet! NEW! Limited Edition - GREEN GODDESS OLIVE OIL ???? Savoring the bright flavors of Melissa Ben-Ishay’s addictive Green Goddess Salad has never been easier. In collaboration with Baked by Melissa, Kosterina infused its signature 100% pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil — cold-pressed from early harvest olives in Southern Greece — with the Goddess’ iconic basil, garlic, onion, and lemon ingredients. The result is an olive oil bursting with flavor, perfect for drizzling, dipping, and, of course, dressing. Shop today - https://lnkd.in/eQT6k-Bg Go team! Katerina (Katina) Mountanos Lauren O'Dea Katie Nadler Jeremy VandenHout Samuel Davel Jenna Stangl Zoi Tikou - Gounaris Peter Mountanos

The Kosterina team is thrilled to share the news of our launch at Target! You can find our new Organic Premium Reserve EVOO and our Spicy Red Pepper Olive Oil on shelves across the country now!

We are looking for a unicorn of a person who has both operations and accounting experience at a growing CPG company to join our team at Kosterina. Please send along any relevant candidates! https://lnkd.in/eHcccK5b