09/10/2025
Olive Oil 101: When It Heals, When It Hurts
Not all oils are created equal. Even the healthiest ones can lose their healing power if used the wrong way.
Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is rich in polyphenols and oleic acid, compounds that calm inflammation, support heart health, and protect your cells from oxidative stress. But when it’s overheated past its smoke point (around 375 °F), those same protective compounds start to break down. The result? Smoke compounds -oxidized fats and free radicals that do the opposite of what you want.
✨ Use it right:
Drizzle it over salads, soups, and roasted veggies after cooking.
Keep bottles sealed, stored cool, and away from light - heat and air destroy antioxidants.
Choose cold-pressed, extra-virgin with a fresh, peppery taste. That “bite” means it’s packed with polyphenols.
🔥 Use another oil for high-heat cooking:
For searing, stir-frying, or oven temps above 400 °F, reach for avocado or grapeseed oil — a clean, neutral oil with a higher smoke point that won’t oxidize as easily.
🩺 Bottom line:
It’s not just what oil you use — it’s how you use it that turns food into medicine. Small daily choices like this protect your heart, your brain, and your longevity.
