A Simple Pantry Staple Could Lower Your Risk of Fatal Dementia by 28%—A Neurologist Explains Why
There's nothing worse than witnessing a loved one battle dementia. You feel as though they are slipping away from you and while there any many different forms—Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia—dealing with memory loss is crippling for both the person experiencing it, as well as their friends and family.
So, when a new study came out that revealed regular olive oil consumption is associated with a 28 percent lower risk of fatal dementia, a new hope was sparked for many.
We asked neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, to weigh in on the correlation between olive oil and brain health—plus, the best kind you can buy.
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Inside the Results of the Study
The participants of the large study were followed over a period of 28 years. Every four years the participants were given a questionnaire every four years that evaluated their dietary habits.
The results found that regardless of what the quality of their diet looked like, if they consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day, they had a 28 percent lower risk of dying of dementia compared with people who rarely (or never) consumed olive oil. And, replacing a teaspoon of mayonnaise or margarine with olive oil was associated with an 8-14 percent lower dementia risk.
“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, study co-author and postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a news release. “Opting for olive oil, a natural product, instead of fats such as margarine and commercial mayonnaise is a safe choice and may reduce the risk of fatal dementia.”
Related: What Is the Worst Food for Brain Health?
How Can Olive Oil Boost Brain Health?
"A good brain goes bad when it’s exposed to higher levels of inflammation as well as damaging chemicals called free radicals," explains Perlmutter. "Olive oil works its magic in terms of brain health by targeting both of these threats." In addition to helping lower the risk of dementia, olive oil can also be credited with helping to balance blood sugar.
How Much Olive Oil Should You Consume and How?
While it may seem like a lot, Perlmutter recommends consuming a liter of olive oil each week. "This is easily accomplished by liberally using olive oil on a wide variety of foods and not focusing as much on using olive oil in cooking," he says.
Opting for olive oil instead of margarine or mayonnaise is one easy way to get more of it into your system, although you could also go the tablespoon-a-day route to really speed up the process (just over 67 tablespoons of olive oil would get you to a liter).
Related: Olive Oil 101
What Are the Healthiest Types of Olive Oil?
While you might think any ol' olive oil may work, there's actually one in particular that offers the most health benefits. "The key thing to look for is the term 'extra-virgin,'" advises Perlmutter. "Beyond that, choosing a product that is USDA-certified organic would be a plus."
Pompeian USDA Organic Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Smooth, Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sautéing & Stir-Frying, 16 FL. OZ.
According to Perlmutter, olive oil can also be helpful for patients who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s—so there are very few people who olive oil won't benefit.
Related: Can Drinking Olive Oil Heal Your Gut?
Source
Olive Oil Boosts Brain Health—Linked to a 28% Lower Risk of Fatal Dementia. Sci Tech Daily.
David Perlmutter, MD, FACN is a board-certified neurologist, Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and five-time New York Times bestselling author.
