Think Smarter: the benefits of EVVO for brain health
When you think of brain food, tuna and walnuts might come to mind, but did you know that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is also great for brain health? This is thanks to its rich mix of fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and other brain-boosting compounds. Choosing a high-quality olive oil, like Goldi, can help you enjoy these benefits.
Olive Oil and Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia
Studies have shown that following a Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of olive oil, can significantly lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. For example, a 2006 study followed over 2,200 people in New York for four years and found that those who ate a Mediterranean diet had almost a 40% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who ate a typical Western diet.
More recent studies from 2018 have found that people who follow a Mediterranean diet show fewer signs of a protein called amyloid-β, which is commonly found in people with Alzheimer’s.
Olive Oil Improves Cognitive Function
Olive oil doesn’t just protect your brain; it can also help improve how well it works. A study in Spain followed 500 people aged 55-80 for 6.5 years and found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet scored higher on cognitive tests than those on a low-fat diet.
Even in animal studies, mice that were fed olive oil had better memory and cognitive skills than those fed other fats like butter or coconut oil.
Fantastic Fatty Acids
EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are also found in foods like avocados, peanuts, almonds, and cashews. A study on mice showed that those fed a diet high in MUFAs from olive oil had better motor function and cognitive performance after experiencing strokes, compared to those on diets high in saturated fats.
In humans, a study of 482 women over three years found that those who ate diets rich in MUFAs experienced less cognitive decline, especially in memory.
Brain-Boosting Vitamins
Olive oil is packed with vitamin E, which is known for its role in boosting cognitive performance. Although research on vitamin E’s effect on Alzheimer’s disease is still inconclusive, some studies suggest that tocotrienols—a form of vitamin E found in olive oil—may have stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive oil is also rich in vitamin K, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. People with Alzheimer’s often have low levels of vitamin K, and this vitamin is also linked to better memory and faster brain processing.
Brain-Enhancing Chemicals
EVOO contains two powerful brain-boosting chemicals: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). BDNF helps with brain cell growth and repair, which can offset the negative effects of stress and aging. NGF supports the growth and maintenance of nerve cells responsible for senses like sight and sound.
A 2013 study found that the polyphenols in olive oil increased the levels of BDNF and NGF in mice’s brains. While more research is needed to see if these results apply to humans, these findings are promising.