Dear Kosterina Family,
Are you ready to stack a new habit into your morning lineup? Incorporating a wellness shot of extra virgin olive oil into your morning routine can be a simple yet powerful way to enhance your overall health. Influencers and celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Beyonce and Ryan Seacrest have all publicly trumpeted their love of olive oil shots. Celebs, they’re just like us?
One shot a day of EVOO will ensure you are getting a hefty dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and disease-fighting polyphenols. If a shot feels like too much, start with a tablespoon (or two) every day. Our Kosterina producers in Greece recommend taking it first thing in the morning with a small squeeze of lemon and waiting about 20 minutes before consuming anything else.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits of this ancient elixir, revered in Mediterranean cultures for centuries, and the science behind why you should consider making EVOO a part of your morning ritual.
So what are the benefits of taking a shot of EVOO every morning?
- Aids Digestion: EVOO on an empty stomach helps line the stomach creating a protective layer, aiding in smoother digestion. It can also support a healthy balance of gut bacteria and promote better intestinal transit, helping prevent constipation.
- Provides Antioxidants and Polyphenols: It delivers a concentrated dose of antioxidants and polyphenols, which protect against inflammation and oxidative stress. Oleocanthal is a unique polyphenol found in EVOO that shares a similar anti-inflammatory action with Ibuprofen – super cool!
- Longevity: A recent report from Harvard’s Department of Nutrition presents new evidence that replacing vegetable oils and other fats with olive oil can lead to increased longevity by lowering the risk of diseas. One statistic from the study really stood out: Consuming half a tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with 16% lower risk of cancer mortality, compared to consuming no olive oil at all. An even more recent study from Harvard University links consuming half a tablespoon of olive oil per day with a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared with those who never or rarely consumed olive oil.
- Better Lipid Profile: Extra virgin olive oil can boost HDL "good" cholesterol and help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
All sounds pretty good, right?
How to Incorporate Olive Oil into Your Morning Routine
Adding EVOO to your morning routine is simple and versatile. Here are a few easy ways to do it:
- Straight Up: Take a shot or one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil on an empty stomach. If the taste is too strong, you can chase it with a glass of water or a slice of lemon. This is our preferred method. Get it done!
- Smoothies: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your morning smoothie. It blends well with fruits and vegetables, adding a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats.
- Coffee: Elevate your morning latte and whip in EVOO for a deliciously lush and unique experience
- Breakfast Recipes: Drizzle EVOO over your toast, eggs, or avocado. You can also use it as a base for salad dressings or mix it into oatmeal for a savory twist.
- Mixed with Lemon Water: Combine a tablespoon of olive oil with warm water and a squeeze of lemon juice. This concoction can help kickstart your digestion and metabolism.
Getting this liquid gold in your routine at any time of day is going to be super beneficial but it might be worth adopting this new morning habit for some pure unadulterated hyper polyphenol absorption. Who’s ready to join us for a daily dose of EVOO? From improving heart health and digestion to enhancing skin and brain function, the benefits of olive oil are extensive and supported by scientific evidence. The EVOOs we offer at Kosterina are harvested and cold-pressed to extract high levels of beneficial polyphenols (and they taste great). Get yours here. Cheers!
Peace, Love, and EVOO,
Katina & The Kosterina Team
