Extra virgin olive oil has long been known as a key part of the Mediterranean diet, which is often praised for helping people live longer and healthier lives.
Many studies have shown that this type of oil can protect the heart and reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
However, scientists have only recently begun to explore how olive oil might affect the brain, especially as people grow older.
A new study now suggests that extra virgin olive oil may help protect memory and thinking ability by changing the bacteria in the gut.
The research was led by scientists from several institutions in Spain, including the Human Nutrition Unit at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute. The team studied 656 adults between the ages of 55 and 75 who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Over two years, the researchers collected detailed information about the participants’ diets, especially the type of olive oil they consumed, as well as samples of their gut bacteria and tests of their cognitive function.
The results showed clear differences between people who mainly used extra virgin olive oil and those who consumed refined olive oil. Participants who regularly ate extra virgin olive oil showed better memory and thinking performance over time.
They also had a more diverse community of gut bacteria, which is considered a sign of good digestive and overall health. In contrast, people who consumed refined olive oil tended to have less diverse gut bacteria and fewer cognitive benefits.
Scientists believe that the gut and the brain are closely connected through what is often called the gut-brain axis. The trillions of bacteria living in the digestive system help regulate inflammation, produce important chemicals, and influence the immune system.
Changes in this bacterial community can affect mood, memory, and mental clarity. The study identified one group of bacteria, called Adlercreutzia, as a possible link between extra virgin olive oil consumption and better brain function.
The key difference between extra virgin olive oil and refined olive oil lies in how they are produced. Extra virgin olive oil is made using simple mechanical processes that preserve natural compounds such as antioxidants and plant chemicals known as polyphenols. These substances help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Refined olive oil, on the other hand, undergoes industrial processing that removes impurities but also strips away many of these beneficial components. As a result, not all olive oils offer the same health benefits.
The study highlights that the quality of dietary fats matters as much as the amount consumed. Choosing healthier fats like extra virgin olive oil may support both heart and brain health, especially during aging.
As the global population grows older and cases of memory decline and dementia increase, simple dietary changes could play an important role in prevention.
When analyzing the findings, it is important to remember that the participants were already at risk of cardiovascular disease, so the results may not apply to everyone. The study also shows an association rather than direct cause and effect.
Other healthy lifestyle habits common in Mediterranean diets, such as eating fruits, vegetables, and fish, may also contribute to better brain health. More research is needed to confirm how much extra virgin olive oil alone can protect cognitive function.
Nevertheless, the research offers encouraging evidence that everyday food choices can influence brain health. It suggests that replacing refined oils with extra virgin olive oil could be a simple and accessible way to support memory and thinking ability as people age.
While no single food can prevent cognitive decline, this study adds to growing evidence that a healthy diet plays a powerful role in maintaining mental sharpness and quality of life.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
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