Spoonful of olive oil could lower risk of dementia-related death
Calling all avocado toast enthusiasts and salad dressing aficionados: rejoice! A new study suggests a daily drizzle of olive oil might not just enhance your meal but potentially lower your risk of dying from dementia.
Researchers at Harvard University analysed data from over 92,000 adults for a whopping 28 years. The twist? They were investigating the link between olive oil consumption and dementia-related deaths.
The results? Promising. Individuals who consumed at least 7 grammes of olive oil daily, roughly half a tablespoon, exhibited a 28% lower risk of succumbing to dementia compared to those who rarely or never indulged.
But wait, there’s more! The study also delved into olive oil substitutes. Replacing unhealthy fats like margarine and mayonnaise with olive oil yielded an additional benefit: an 8–14% decrease in dementia-related death risk. Butter and other vegetable oils, however, didn’t show the same positive association.
So, what’s the secret ingredient behind olive oil’s potential brainpower boost? Experts point to its high concentration of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. These components are believed to contribute to overall neurological health.
While the study is observational and doesn’t confirm causation, it adds to the growing body of evidence advocating for the Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on healthy fats like those found in olive oil.
This isn’t a free pass to drown your food in olive oil, but incorporating a moderate amount into your daily routine—think salad dressings, dips, or a drizzle over vegetables could be a delicious way to potentially safeguard your cognitive health for years to come.
