To Your Health
May, 2024 (Vol. 18, Issue 05) |
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Olive Oil for Dementia
By Editorial Staff
According to Alzheimer's Disease International, every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, and more than 55 million people live with dementia as of 2020. Even more dire, dementia sufferers are expected to nearly double every 20 years.
Olive oil to the rescue! A new study has found that among more than 90,000 adults (average age at the start of the study: 54 years) tracked over a 28-year period, consuming more than 7 grams per day of olive oil (1 teaspoon, the standard serving size, is 4.6 grams) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of dementia-related death compared to never or rarely consuming olive oil. Even more significant, participants' overall diet quality did not affect these findings, highlighting the independent value of olive oil consumption.
Olive oil, like all oils, contains fat, but it's rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. That means if you're trying to lose weight, it might not be ideal to consume too much of it, but for improving your health and reducing disease risks, it's great in moderation. Olive oil is also a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which is increasingly heralded for its value in heart health. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
