A new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that regular olive oil consumption could reduce the risk of death from dementia.
The findings highlight the potential brain health benefits of dietary choices, particularly replacing processed or animal fats with olive oil.
The study examined dietary patterns and death records of over 90,000 Americans over 30 years. During this time, 4,749 participants died from dementia.
Individuals who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia than those who rarely or never consumed it.
Substituting a teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise with the equivalent quantity of olive oil daily correlated with an 8-14% reduced risk of dementia-related death.
Regular olive oil consumers often have healthier overall diets, but this study found the link between olive oil and a reduced risk of fatal dementia was independent of general diet quality.
Mechanisms at Play
The team suggests that olive oil contains antioxidant compounds capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, potentially providing direct benefits to the brain.
The oil may indirectly support brain health by promoting cardiovascular well-being, considering its previous associations with decreased heart disease risk.
Olive oil, as a component of the Mediterranean diet, has been connected with protection against cognitive decline.
The research is observational, and while it shows a correlation, it doesn’t prove causation. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and establish the optimal olive oil consumption quantity for maximum benefits.
Despite the need for further research, the findings resonate with existing dietary guidelines advocating for the replacement of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil as part of a wholesome diet.
“Our study reinforces dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils such as olive oil and suggests that these recommendations not only support heart health but potentially brain health, as well,” – Anne-Julie Tessier, RD, Ph.D., Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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