Extra virgin olive oil and Alzheimer’s disease
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Olive oil protects against Alzheimer’s
Not only is the Mediterranean diet tasty, but now researchers have also identified a specific ingredient that protects against cognitive decline: EVOO. In fact, in a new study, the researchers show that consuming extra-virgin olive oil protects memory and learning ability. It also reduces the formation of proteins building up in the brain, which is a classic marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
How does olive oil help the brain?
Previous studies have shown that diets rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats results in a lower incidence of dementia. But now scientists in the US have pinpointed Extra Virgin olive oil as the key ingredient, identifying its protective effects.
Olive oil reduces brain inflammation
Most importantly, it activates a process called autophagy, where cells break down and clear out intracellular debris and toxins. If this doesn’t happen it can mark the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, scientist believe EVOO is better than fruits and vegetables alone. Also, as a monounsaturated vegetable fat it is healthier than saturated animal fats.
Actually, in experiments mice given an extra virgin olive oil-enriched diet performed significantly better on tests. Benefits include boosting working memory, improving spatial memory and enhancing learning abilities.
Scientists know that olive oil helps delay the onset of dementia
Is extra virgin olive oil good for memory?
Polyphenols are potent antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). These antioxidants have been shown to reverse age- and disease-related learning and memory deficits.
Thus, higher intake of monounsaturated fats improves memory and other cognitive functions in seniors. And eating a Mediterranean diet high in olive oil can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 40% and boost mental wellness.
Other researchers isolated the natural phenolic compound Oleocanthal from extra virgin olive oil to understand its ability to enhance and repair the blood brain barrier. This is in fact a protective layer ensuring waste from beta amyloid plaques not deteriorate the brain.
Unlocking EVOO’s Neurological Benefits
Previous epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats correlate with a lower incidence of dementia. However, scientists in the United States have now honed in on Extra Virgin Olive Oil as the pivotal ingredient, specifically identifying and elaborating on its distinct protective effects on the brain. This research moves beyond general dietary associations to pinpoint the precise mechanism by which EVOO exerts its beneficial influence.
One of the most significant discoveries is EVOO’s capacity to reduce brain inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the brain is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s. By actively dampening inflammatory processes, EVOO helps create a healthier environment for neuronal function.
Even more importantly, EVOO activates a crucial cellular process known as autophagy. Autophagy is the body’s natural cellular recycling system, where cells break down and clear out intracellular debris, damaged organelles, and toxic protein aggregates. A failure of this essential housekeeping mechanism can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances, such as amyloid-beta plaques, which are directly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The ability of EVOO to promote efficient autophagy is thus a fundamental protective mechanism against the onset and progression of the disease.
Scientists believe that EVOO offers superior benefits compared to consuming fruits and vegetables alone, likely due to its unique composition and synergistic effects of its compounds. Furthermore, as a monounsaturated vegetable fat, EVOO stands in stark contrast to saturated animal fats, which can contribute to adverse health outcomes. Experimental evidence further supports these claims: in studies where mice were given an EVOO-enriched diet, they performed significantly better on a battery of cognitive tests. These improvements included a notable boost in working memory, enhanced spatial memory, and improved learning abilities, providing robust preclinical evidence for EVOO’s cognitive-enhancing properties.
Important Note: oliveoilextra.com promotes the consumption of extra virgin olive oil for its culinary qualities and health benefits. However, it should not replace any current medication or treatment without the guidance of a healthcare professional.