Good news for your brain, ladies! A new Harvard study suggests that a daily dose of olive oil might help ward off dementia.
Researchers followed over 92,000 adults (60,600 women and 32,000 men) for 28 years. Those who consumed at least a half tablespoon (around 7 grams) of olive oil daily had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia compared to people who rarely or never used it. This study, published in JAMA Network Open, is the first to explore the link between olive oil and dementia risk.
The study notes, "In US adults, higher olive oil intake was associated with a lower risk of dementia-related mortality, irrespective of diet quality. Beyond heart health, the findings extend the current dietary recommendations of choosing olive oil and other vegetable oils for cognitive-related health," also noting that replacing five grams of other fats like margarine or mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil was associated with an 8% to 14% lower risk of dementia mortality."
The most interesting part of the study that isn't called out in the key points or abstract may be that "Olive oil intake may be protective of dementia and related mortality, particularly in women." The researchers note that "The association was significant in both sexes but did not remain in men after full adjustment of the model" and that "Sex and gender differences should be carefully considered in future studies examining the association or effect of olive oil on cognitive-related outcomes to improve our understanding."
Here's the breakdown of additional key points:
- The study involved nearly 60,600 women and 32,000 men, followed for an average of 28 years.
- Participants' diets were assessed every four years.
- Consumption of more than seven grams of olive oil daily was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared with never or rarely consuming olive oil.
- Olive oil's potential brain benefits might come from antioxidant compounds or indirectly through improved heart health.
Important points to consider:
This study shows an association, not necessarily a cause-and-effect link. More research is needed.
Overall diet quality didn't seem to impact the findings, but olive oil users might have healthier lifestyles overall.
A wider dietary assessment might be needed for a more complete picture.
Maintaining social connections during meals can also benefit brain health.
How to get more olive oil in your diet
- Drizzle it on salads and vegetables.
- Use it for cooking or making salad dressings, dips, and sauces.
- Look for extra virgin olive oil for the most health benefits.
- Use this guide to know if your olive oil is real.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and social interaction is key for overall brain health.