Posted on 01/17/2024 5:44:13 AM PST by Red Badger
Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet renowned for promoting heart health, is now being highlighted for its potential to reduce the risk of life-threatening dementia, according to recent scientific studies.
Additionally, its rich antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects contribute to a holistic approach to well-being. As we delve into the research findings, let’s discover what scientists have uncovered about this versatile and health-promoting oil.
Doctor’s orders: Half a tablespoon of olive oil a day
The common saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” takes a new twist in light of the study referenced above, suggesting that incorporating half a tablespoon of olive oil into one’s daily diet is crucial for brain health.
Examining the dietary habits of over 90,000 individuals in the United States, the study authors delved into participants’ death records, revealing that 4,749 among them succumbed to dementia. The results indicate a noteworthy 28% reduction in the risk of dementia-related deaths among those who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily. However, the researchers did not establish a direct causation between olive oil consumption and reduced dementia odds.
Remarkably, the study demonstrated that swapping a teaspoon of butter or mayonnaise for an equivalent amount of olive oil on a daily basis was associated with an 8% to 14% decrease in dementia-related deaths. This correlation persisted irrespective of the overall quality of one’s diet, underscoring olive oil’s significant benefits for brain health. While the research relies on observations, it compellingly advocates for the preference of olive oil over butter.
Olive oil is emerging as an important means of boosting brain health
The olive oil research detailed above is especially important as the United States has a growing population susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Countries outside of the United States are also experiencing a higher prevalence of dementia cases.
The hope is that altering dietary intake will delay or possibly even prevent Alzheimer’s disease while simultaneously supporting heart health. However, most people aren’t exactly sure how to incorporate olive oil into meals without compromising the taste. Here’s a quick look at a few ways to add olive oil to your meals.
Easy ways to reap olive oil benefits and important cautions
Do your research before choosing an olive oil brand, as the majority of varieties available outside of the Mediterranean are watered down. Experts advise leaning toward extra virgin olive oil, commonly referred to by the acronym EVOO. Olive oil aficionados also favor the cold-pressed variety as it holds its nutritional value, flavor, and aroma longer than others. Cold-pressed olive oil also has primary oleic acid, an important monounsaturated fat, along with vitamin K, vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
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Once you’ve selected your preferred brand, store it in a cool place away from sunlight and sources of heat to maintain its integrity and longevity. Be creative when implementing olive oil into your dishes. Olive oil is commonly used as a base for salad dressing.
Olive oil also satisfies when added to homemade bread or vegetables. You can even replace butter with olive oil in certain recipes, switching out one cup of butter for 3/4 cup of olive oil.
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Sources for this article include:
Neurosciencenews.com Lifeextension.com
Is it the oleuropein or something about the whole oil? I take the former separately.
Baby white popcorn popped in coconut oil...m-m-m-m good!
Impossible. Otherwise why aren’t Italians the smartest? Seems to work on their hearts but not their boners.
take pure olive oil (which is not cheap) first thing in the AM. It gets your gallbladder doing it’s thing, releasing bile into your system, which makes ALL other things start to work. Hormone, nutrients, etc. Choline is critical for brain health and it originates in the liver (or released therefrom)
Vinegar and oil salad dressing: simple and healthy.
You never heard of Enrico Fermi, Gallileo, DaVinci, Marconi, Dante, Petrarch, The Decameron, The Prince?
Since you can’t tell which oil is unadulterated, will it work to just eat olives, instead?
The only time I have eaten margarine in the last 45 years, is when I’m at a restaurant that doesn’t serve real butter. I stock up when I find butter at a lower price, and freeze it.
It couldn’t hurt!..................
“Remarkably, the study demonstrated that swapping a teaspoon of butter or mayonnaise for an equivalent amount of olive oil on a daily basis was associated with an 8% to 14% decrease in dementia-related deaths”
Do I have to swap? Can I have both?
I can’t recall the last time I had margarine. I must have been a child or not known I used it.
I use Kerrygold butter.
I can’t afford Kerry gold, but I never buy margarine.
Tessier cautioned that the research is observational and does not prove that olive oil is the cause of the reduced risk of fatal dementia.
Also of concern, the research is from Harvard.
Research does not seem to be published in a paper this was from a conference presentation.
EXCELLENT Choices! You should "LIVE LONG & PROSPER.
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