New research suggests that incorporating just over half a tablespoon of olive oil into your daily diet could potentially help protect against dementia. According to CNN, a study published in JAMA Network Open followed more than 92,000 adults for nearly three decades, revealing that those who regularly consumed olive oil had a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death compared to those who didn’t include it in their diets.
The study, led by Anne-Julie Tessier from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that even small changes in diet could make a significant difference. Replacing a mere 1.2 teaspoons of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil daily was associated with an 8-14% decrease in the risk of dementia-related death.
Tessier emphasized that these findings support existing dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils like olive oil for heart health and now, potentially, for brain health as well. She highlighted olive oil as a natural alternative to processed fats like margarine and commercial mayonnaise, which could potentially reduce the risk of fatal dementia.
However, not all experts share the same level of enthusiasm about these findings. Some caution that while the study shows a correlation between olive oil consumption and lower dementia-related mortality, it doesn’t establish causation. In other words, while promising, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between olive oil and dementia prevention.
