A teaspoon-and-a-half of olive oil a day makes the dementia go away!
Good news for those who love the rich taste of olive oil in their food. A new study shows olive oil may play a protective role for the brain. The study did track diet and lifestyle factors, too, to isolate the possible effects that olive oil consumption may have on dementia mortality.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health just released the results of a new “olive oil” study on May 6, 2024, conducted by Anne-Julie Tessier, a research associate in the Department of Nutrition. The study determined that regardless of a person’s ethnicity and overall diet quality, the study participants who consumed at least 7 grams of olive oil per day had a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared to participants who never or rarely consumed olive oil.
How many grams are in a teaspoon you may wonder? 5.69 grams = 1 teaspoon.
This means just consuming a teaspoon-and-a-half of olive oil daily, by adding it to your salad dressing, soup, shake or entree, will help lessen the risk of dementia-related deaths by 28%.
The study analyzed the diets and health outcomes of 92,383 American adults enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. This study was conducted over 28 years, with the participants reporting on their food habits, including olive oil intake, every four years.
Benefits of Olive Oil include:
- Rich in Monounsaturated Fats, these healthy fats improve heart health, which supports brain function by ensuring a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients
- Contains Vitamin E, an Antioxidant Protecting Brain Cells from Oxidative Stress, which can damage neurons and contribute to cognitive decline
- Includes Polyphenols which are the Plant-based Compounds with Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties that protect the brain from inflammation and oxidative damage. Chronic inflammation is linked to many neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia. The anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols in olive oil help reduce this inflammation, protecting brain cells from damage.
The diagnosis for dementia happens when someone experiences memory loss when there is a cognitive function that interferes with daily life because the brain no longer processes information properly, or no longer “remembers” everything that must be said or done. As the disease progresses, it causes significant cognitive decline, making everyday tasks difficult and leading to other serious health issues.
Dementia-related deaths often occur due to complications arising from the condition, which is why discovering olive oil consumption can lessen the risk of death will be a big benefit.
Dementia-related deaths include:
- People with dementia are more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia
- Cognitive decline can lead to a higher risk of falls and injuries because the person no longer has full awareness of their movements
- Difficulty with eating and drinking may impact other health issues
- Dementia can exacerbate conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Now that we know consuming olive oil will bring a positive result in lessening our risk of death from dementia, and as there is no cure for dementia, exploring ways to incorporate more olive oil into our diet now has a positive health benefit.
