The Mediterranean SECRET to Protecting Your Brain from Dementia

What if we told you that just half a tablespoon of a common cooking oil could help shield your brain from the devastating effects of dementia?

You might think it sounds too good to be true…

But a groundbreaking new study has revealed that this simple, delicious addition to your diet could lower your risk of dementia-related death by a whopping 28%!

And the best part? You likely already have it in your kitchen.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that consuming more than 7 grams (about half a tablespoon) of olive oil daily was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia-related mortality compared to those who consumed less than 7 grams.

Researchers analyzed data from two large prospective cohorts in the United States, the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which included a combined 92,383 participants followed for 28 years.

During the study period, there were 4,751 dementia-related deaths. But those who consumed at least 7 grams of olive oil every day had a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia-related causes.

And here’s the kicker…

The researchers found that diet quality did not influence the effectiveness of olive oil consumption. This means that even if your overall diet isn’t perfect, adding olive oil to your meals could still provide brain-protecting benefits.

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and polyphenols, antioxidants that protect cells and blood vessels, including those in the brain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is crucial since inflammation is thought to be an underlying cause of dementia and cognitive decline.

But the benefits of olive oil don’t stop there…

Other studies have shown that higher olive oil intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and respiratory disease mortality.

To reap the brain-boosting benefits of olive oil, try using it as your go-to cooking oil, drizzling it over salads, or even marinating your proteins with it. And don’t worry about having to give up butter entirely—while olive oil should be your primary choice, enjoying butter in moderation is still okay.

So, go ahead and embrace the Mediterranean way of life by making olive oil a staple in your daily diet.

To a sharper mind and healthier life,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. The early warning signs that may signal dementia.

Sources:

Yue, W., Beiser, A. S., & Wu, A. (2024). Association of olive oil consumption with dementia-related mortality in the US. JAMA Network Open, 7(5), e2311543. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.11543