Olive oil has long been recognized for its numerous health benefits. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which have been associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Olive oil has also been linked to improved blood sugar control and weight management.
It seems there are a lot of reasons to consider adding a healthy dose of olive oil to your diet!
Now there is another health benefit, backed by science for consuming this golden liquid…
In a recent study conducted by researchers in Boston, the potential benefits of olive oil on brain health were investigated. The study found that incorporating just half a tablespoon of olive oil into your daily diet could reduce the risk of dying from dementia by as much as 28 percent.
The researchers analyzed dietary questionnaires and death records of over 90,000 Americans over a period of three decades. They found that individuals who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day had a significantly lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who rarely or never consumed it.
The study also found that substituting just one teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise with an equivalent amount of olive oil daily was associated with an eight to 14-percent lower risk of dying from dementia. This suggests that even small changes in diet, such as replacing unhealthy fats with olive oil, could have a positive impact on brain health.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal quantity of olive oil consumption for the greatest health benefits, this study highlights the potential role of olive oil in preventing or slowing down the progression of dementia. The researchers suggest that incorporating olive oil into a healthy lifestyle, along with other dietary factors, may help protect against the increasing global rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
It is important to note that the findings of this study are observational and do not prove a direct cause-effect relationship between olive oil consumption and reduced risk of fatal dementia. However, given the existing research on the health benefits of olive oil, including its positive effects on heart health, it is a safe and healthy choice to incorporate into daily diet.
Read the press release >> Opting for olive oil could boost brain health
