Eating food cooked in THIS oil can improve memory and reduce dementia risk by 28%

In this modern day, most of us try to avoid consuming oily food, due to health concerns. But what if an oil could actually protect your brain and also lower your risk of dementia? Yes, that’s right.

Researchers have found that adding a certain oil to the diet could boost brain health and also reduce the risk of dementia. A study presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, NUTRITION 2023, suggests that regular olive oil consumption can lower fatal dementia by 28%.What is dementia

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases every year. How does olive oil improve brain function

The study led by researcher Anne-Julie Tessier, suggests that incorporating olive oil into your diet could help reduce the risk of dying from dementia. Amidst the rising rates of Alzheimer’s disease, the study has found that healthy lifestyle factors such as diet can help to prevent or slow the progression of such conditions.

This study is the first of its kind to investigate the relationship between diet and dementia-related death. To understand the benefits of olive oil on brain function, the scientists analyzed dietary questionnaires and death records collected from more than 90,000 Americans over three decades, during which 4,749 study participants died from dementia.The researchers found that people who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared with those who never or rarely consumed olive oil. They also found that replacing just one teaspoon of margarine and mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil per day was associated with an 8-14% lower risk of dying from dementia.

The study suggests that people who consume olive oil regularly instead of processed or animal fats tend to have healthier diets overall. However, Tessier stressed that the relationship between olive oil and dementia mortality risk in this study was independent of overall diet quality.

This suggests that olive oil has properties that are uniquely beneficial for brain health. “Some antioxidant compounds in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially having a direct effect on the brain. It is also possible that olive oil has an indirect effect on brain health by benefiting cardiovascular health,” Tessier said. Previous studies have suggested that higher olive oil intake is linked with a lower risk of heart disease.

Interestingly, the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the best diets for overall wellness, also has olive oil as part of it, and it has shown protection against cognitive decline.

Tessier, however, cautioned that the research is observational and does not prove that olive oil is the reason behind the reduced risk of fatal dementia. Further studies are required to confirm its effects. Also, keep in mind that olives are calorie-dense, so use them in moderation.