Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group

A groundbreaking study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has discovered that daily consumption of olive oil may significantly reduce the risk of dying from dementia-related causes.1 Published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network Open, the findings shed light on the potential of this Mediterranean diet staple in promoting brain health and combating cognitive decline.1

The research team, led by Anne-Julie Tessier, Ph.D., analyzed data from two large prospective cohort studies: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS).1 These studies included a total of 92,383 participants who were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline.1 Over a follow-up period of 28 years, the researchers documented 4,751 dementia-related deaths.1

The study revealed that individuals who consumed at least 7 grams (approximately half a tablespoon) of olive oil per day had a remarkable 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared to those who never or rarely consumed olive oil.1 This association remained significant even after adjusting for various confounding factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and overall diet quality.1

Interestingly, the researchers found that substituting just 5 grams of margarine or mayonnaise with an equivalent amount of olive oil was associated with an 8% to 14% lower risk of dementia mortality.1 However, substituting other vegetable oils or butter with olive oil did not yield statistically significant results.1

The study's strengths lie in its large sample size, long follow-up duration, and comprehensive adjustment for potential confounders. Additionally, the researchers utilized repeated dietary assessments and accounted for changes in olive oil intake over time, enhancing the reliability of their findings.1

While the exact mechanisms behind olive oil's protective effects on brain health remain to be fully elucidated, the researchers propose several potential explanations. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.1 These components may help reduce oxidative stress, improve blood-brain barrier function, and attenuate the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with dementia.1

The findings of this study add to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes the consumption of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Adopting a diet rich in olive oil may not only promote heart health but also offer protection against cognitive decline and dementia.1

However, it is important to note that this study is observational in nature and cannot establish a causal relationship between olive oil consumption and dementia risk. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights the potential of daily olive oil consumption in reducing the risk of dementia-related death. By incorporating olive oil into their diets as a replacement for less healthy fats, individuals may be able to take a proactive step towards promoting brain health and reducing their risk of cognitive decline in later life.

Olive Oil's Wide-Ranging Health Benefits

A database of 183 unique research articles on GreenMedInfo.com reveals that olive oil has been researched for 117 different health conditions and possesses 69 distinct beneficial pharmacological actions.2 The research, sourced from the National Library of Medicine, shows that olive oil exerts potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects, among many others.2

Studies found that olive oil helps protect against major chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer. For example, higher olive oil intake is associated with lower risk of total and cause-specific mortality.2 Olive oil improves blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.2 Its neuroprotective properties help shield against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.2 Olive oil even exhibits selective anti-cancer activity against various malignancies.2

The therapeutic potential of olive oil can be attributed to its high content of health-promoting compounds like monounsaturated fats, polyphenols, and vitamin E. Through multiple mechanisms, these bioactive components work synergistically to combat oxidative stress, quell inflammation, modulate gene expression, optimize brain function, and promote cardiometabolic health.2

Harnessing the Therapeutic Power of Olive Oil

The extensive body of research on olive oil's medicinal properties suggests that this functional food should be a core component of a health-optimizing diet. A typical Mediterranean diet abundant in olive oil is consistently linked to lower chronic disease risk and promotion of longevity.

Studies show extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) provides the greatest therapeutic benefits due to its high polyphenol levels. Oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and other phenolic compounds in EVOO have been shown to underlie many of its pharmacological actions against chronic disease.2

To glean maximum benefit, opt for high-quality, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oils. Use generously as a cooking and dressing oil in place of refined vegetable oils. Notably, research shows that substituting olive oil for margarine, mayonnaise and other oils high in pro-inflammatory fats may help lower chronic disease risk, including dementia.2

The powerful medicinal properties of olive oil are supported by a robust evidence base. As part of a whole-foods, plant-based diet, olive oil can be considered a key functional food for supporting overall health and mitigating chronic disease.

© May 13th 2024 GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.