Believe it or not, one of your go-to dinner ingredients could also improve your brain health. According to a new study conducted by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dietary intake of olive oil—approximately seven grams (about half a tablespoon) per day, to be exact—was associated with a 28% lower risk of cognitive decline, specifically cognitive-related deaths. The study observed 92,383 participants over 28 years, and found that those who consumed olive oil the most had a decreased likelihood of developing any neurodegenerative conditions.
“Beyond heart health, the findings extend the current dietary recommendations of choosing olive oil and other vegetable oils for cognitive-related health,” the study reads. “Participants were asked how frequently they consumed specific foods, including types of fats and oils used for cooking or added to meals in the past 12 months. Total olive oil intake was determined by summing up answers to three questions related to olive oil consumption (i.e., olive oil used for salad dressings, olive oil added to food or bread, and olive oil used for baking and frying at home).”
The Link Between Olive Oil and Brain Health
This isn’t the first time olive oil has been linked to improved brain health. A study from October 2023 found that consumption of olive oil could enhance cognitive function due to its neuroprotective impact. EVOO, for example, contains oleuropein-aglycone, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. “The phenolic compounds in EVOO protect cells from oxidative damage caused by the free radicals formed during oxygen metabolism,” the study explains. Although some findings have been inconsistent, the most recent study on olive oil and cognitive health suggests a positive impact—which means it might be time to whip out your bottle of olive oil for more than just sauteing.
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