Did you know that extra virgin olive oil can be an ally in preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other similar dementias? A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Jama) Network Open shows that the liquid gold Can the Mediterranean Diet Be a Friend of Brain Health?
The research, which analyzed data from 92,000 adults observed over 28 years, states that consuming more than 7 g/day of olive oil was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared to those who never or rarely consumed olive oil, regardless of the quality of their diet.
“These results suggest that olive oil intake represents a potential strategy to reduce the risk of mortality from dementia,” say the study authors in abstract.
This is not the first study from 2024 that reinforces this hypothesis. In a study reviewing cellular and clinical data published by the US National Center for Biotechnology, the same issue was confirmed.
According to the authors, olive oil works to suppress neuroinflammation through several pathways, which may help prevent Alzheimer’s.
Research results suggest that olive oil, and particularly the phenolic compound oleocanthal (OC), may have a significant impact on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Benefits of olive oil
In addition to the benefits for preventing Alzheimer’s, olive oil has other health benefits. The only downside, recently, is the very high price.
Read: Why is olive oil so expensive?
For centuries, olive oil has been revered as an elixir for health and flavor in Mediterranean cuisine. With its rich history and impressive nutritional profile, this golden liquid is much more than a simple culinary ingredient; It is a treasure for health.
One of the most notable features of olive oil is its unique composition of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid. This fundamental component has been linked to a number of cardiovascular health benefits.
Studies suggest that regular consumption of olive oil may reduce the risk of heart diseasesreducing LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and increasing HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), in addition to helping to normalize blood pressure.
Additionally, olive oil is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, which fight damage caused by free radicals in our cells. These antioxidants not only help protect the body against chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting the body’s overall health.
In addition to its health benefits, olive oil also offers a multitude of possibilities in the kitchen. Whether used for salads, grilling vegetables, sautéing or roasting, its rich, versatile flavor can elevate any dish.
However, it is important to note that not all olive oil is extracted equally. Opting for high-quality, extra-virgin varieties guarantees not only superior flavor, but also all the nutritional benefits mentioned above. Additionally, properly storing olive oil in a cool, dark place helps preserve its antioxidant compounds and ensure its quality.
