May 10, 2024

Olive Oil Boosts Brain Health – Linked to 28% Lower Risk of Fatal Dementia

Olive oil usage might minimize the risk of dementia-related death, according to a new research study. Despite requiring more research, the findings support dietary suggestions promoting olive oil for its potential brain and heart health advantages.
Regular olive oil usage is related to a 28% lower threat of deadly dementia.
A current study suggests that integrating olive oil into ones diet plan might assist lower the risk of death from dementia. With lots of countries witnessing increasing rates of Alzheimers illness and other forms of dementia, the research study supplies hope that diet, to name a few healthy lifestyle aspects, can assist in preventing or slowing down the progression of these devastating conditions.
” Our study strengthens dietary guidelines recommending veggie oils such as olive oil and recommends that these suggestions not just support heart health but possibly brain health, as well,” said Anne-Julie Tessier, RD, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Opting for olive oil, a natural product, instead of fats such as margarine and industrial mayonnaise is a safe option and may minimize the danger of deadly dementia.”

Research study recommends that individuals who regularly utilize olive oil rather of processed or animal fats tend to have much healthier diet plans in general. Tessier kept in mind that the relationship between olive oil and dementia mortality risk in this study was independent of total diet quality. Tessier cautioned that the research study is observational and does not prove that olive oil is the cause of the minimized threat of deadly dementia. Additional studies such as randomized controlled trials would be needed to verify the results and identify the optimal amount of olive oil to consume in order to enjoy these benefits. In general, nevertheless, the research study aligns with dietary suggestions and reinforces the proof that utilizing olive oil in place of margarine or mayo can help to support a healthy diet.

Tessier provided the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held July 22– 25 in Boston.
Anne-Julie Tessier, RD, PhD, postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Credit: Anne-Julie Tessier
Dementia and Its Impact
Dementia includes a variety of conditions that result in disabilities in thinking or memory, impacting a persons daily activities. Alzheimers illness, which is fatal and progressive, is the most common type of dementia and impacts an estimated 5.7 million Americans.
Research Study Parameters and Results
The research study is distinct as it is the very first to take a look at the relationship between diet plan and death related to dementia. Researchers analyzed dietary questionnaires and death records from over 90,000 Americans spanning 3 years, during which 4,749 research study participants passed away from dementia.
The outcomes indicated that people who consumed majority a tablespoon of olive oil daily had a 28% lower threat of passing away from dementia compared with those who never or hardly ever consumed olive oil. In addition, changing just one teaspoon of margarine and mayo with the equivalent quantity of olive oil daily was connected with an 8-14% lower danger of dying from dementia.
Olive Oil and Health
Research study recommends that people who regularly utilize olive oil rather of processed or animal fats tend to have much healthier diet plans overall. Nevertheless, Tessier noted that the relationship between olive oil and dementia death risk in this research study was independent of total diet quality. This may recommend that olive oil has properties that are distinctively useful for brain health.
” Some antioxidant substances in olive oil can cross the blood-brain barrier, possibly having a direct impact on the brain,” said Tessier. “It is likewise possible that olive oil has an indirect effect on brain health by benefiting cardiovascular health.”
Previous Studies and Future Implications
Previous research study has actually associated higher olive oil consumption with a lower threat of heart illness. Using olive oil as part of a Mediterranean dietary pattern has actually likewise been demonstrated to protect against cognitive decrease.
Tessier cautioned that the research study is observational and does not show that olive oil is the cause of the reduced risk of fatal dementia. Extra studies such as randomized regulated trials would be required to confirm the results and determine the ideal amount of olive oil to consume in order to gain these benefits. Overall, however, the research study aligns with dietary recommendations and strengthens the evidence that using olive oil in location of margarine or mayo can assist to support a healthy diet.
Tessier presented this research study on Monday, July 24, throughout the Nutrition-related Factors in Aging and Chronic Disease Poster Theater Flash Session in the Sheraton Boston, Fairfax.
Please note that abstracts provided at NUTRITION 2023 were examined and selected by a committee of specialists however have not typically undergone the same peer review process needed for publication in a scientific journal. As such, the findings presented ought to be considered preliminary up until a peer-reviewed publication is readily available.