A study carried out by Harvard University has indicated that consuming just over half a teaspoon of olive oil per day can reduce the risk of dying from dementia by 28%.
The exact reason behind this effect remains uncertain, but experts believe that The antioxidants present in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially having a direct impact on cognition. Olive oil is also known for its ability to improve heart health, which may indirectly contribute to maintaining brain health.
The study has collected data from 90,000 Americans over a 30-year period , in which approximately 5.2% of participants died. The results revealed that People who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day had a significantly lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who rarely or never consumed olive oil. Another fact that shows the potential of olive oil is that replacing margarine or mayonnaise with The same amount of olive oil per day was associated with a decreased risk of dementia-related mortality by up to 14%.
Dr. Anne-Julie Tessier, of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, notes that the study supports existing dietary guidelines that recommend the use of vegetable oils, such as olive oil, and suggests that these recommendations not only promote heart health, but they could also benefit brain health . He emphasizes that choosing olive oil instead of fats such as margarine, refined oils or commercial mayonnaise is a safe option that can reduce the risk of fatal dementia. "Our study reinforces dietary guidelines that recommend vegetable oils such as olive oil and suggests that these recommendations not only promote heart health, but potentially also brain health," he said.
Currently, there are no licensed medications available to slow or repair brain damage caused by these conditions, making the study's findings particularly promising. Previous research has already linked higher olive oil consumption to a lower risk of heart disease. The association between olive oil consumption and decreased risk of mortality from dementia remained strong, suggesting that the oil may have unique properties beneficial for brain health . Incorporating olive oil as part of a Mediterranean dietary pattern has also been found to protect against cognitive decline.
Tessier warns that the research is observational and does not prove that olive oil is the cause of the lower risk of fatal dementia and that more studies, such as randomized controlled trials, would be necessary to confirm the effects and determine the optimal amount of olive oil that should be consumed to obtain these benefits