A 28 year scientific study with over 92,000 participants found that those who consumed at least 7 grams of olive oil daily had a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death.
Interestingly enough, this statistic held true after adjusting for diet quality, genetics (including the APOE ε4 gene, which increases dementia risk), and lifestyle factors.
Why is olive oil so protective?
It’s packed with monounsaturated fats, polyphenols, and vitamin E, which have been shown to:
- Protect brain cells from oxidative damage
- Reduce neuroinflammation, (inflammation in the central nervous system), a key driver of cognitive decline
- Support vascular health and maintain blood flow to the brain The study also found that replacing just 5 grams of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil was associated with an 8–14% lower risk of dementia mortality. This highlights how eliminating harmful trans fats and switching to brain-supportive fats can make a measurable difference.
Dementia rates are on the rise so these findings reinforce that what’s on our plates directly impact our brain health. Prioritizing extra virgin olive oil may be a simple yet powerful strategy for brain health!
Hayseeds Creative 