Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Really Good for the Brain? Its Relationship with Memory
That Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world is no coincidence… the Mediterranean diet has a lot to do with it! A diet in which, as you know, liquid gold is the absolute star.
We’ve told you countless times about the health benefits of olive oil, and with good reason. But this time, we’re going to focus exclusively on the benefits of olive oil for the brain, which are also many.
It’s often said that there is a close relationship between olive oil and the prevention of Alzheimer’s – but is that really true? Keep reading to find out!
Why is olive oil good for the brain?
As the saying goes: we are what we eat. That’s why our diet can directly influence our health, but also the way we think, feel and even remember – as surprising as it may seem!
And that’s exactly what happens with our beloved EVOO, which is not only a gift for the palate, but also for our mind.
There are several key reasons that explain the many benefits of olive oil for the brain:
Main nutrients in olive oil that support brain health
These keys can be summed up in the nutrients in olive oil. The most important one is called oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps keep neurons in good shape.
But that’s not all: it also contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that protects our brain cells from everyday wear and tear.
Relationship between healthy fats and cognitive functions
Not all fats are equally good, although you probably know that already. The monounsaturated fats found mainly in olive oil are precisely the ones we need for memory, concentration, and even mood to function properly.
Olive oil antioxidants and protection against oxidative stress
On the other hand, stress doesn’t only affect us when we have too much work. It also acts at a cellular level, and that can damage neurons. Luckily, EVOO, in addition to vitamins, contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that combat this oxidative stress.
Benefits of olive oil for memory and cognitive function
Okay, we now know that EVOO is a friend of the brain, but what does that mean in day-to-day life? Can it really help us remember better or protect our mind as time goes by?
The answer is yes. Among the benefits of olive oil for brain health, the following stand out:
Improved short- and long-term memory
First of all, olive oil can help improve memory. Various studies have shown that regular consumption of EVOO helps improve both immediate memory and long-term memory.
So following a diet rich in olive oil, like the Mediterranean diet, can be just the boost your brain needs to feel more awake and sharp. Why not give it a try?
Prevention of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s
Another effect of olive oil on the brain is the prevention of cognitive decline, at least when it is consumed regularly. It has even been suggested that using olive oil to help prevent Alzheimer’s is much more effective!
How is this possible? Thanks to its nutrients, which can protect connections between neurons and reduce brain inflammation. This slows age-related mental decline and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. In other words, olive oil is neuroprotective.
Impact of olive oil on neuroplasticity and the nervous system
And what benefits does olive oil have for the nervous system? Plenty more! If your brain is able to adapt, learn new things and even recover from certain injuries, it’s thanks to neuroplasticity – and EVOO has a role to play here too.
As we said, it’s neuroprotective, and the healthy fats and antioxidants it contains help neurons communicate better with each other. It also protects the nervous system against ageing and chronic stress.
All so that you can keep learning, working… and enjoying its flavour!
Scientific studies supporting the benefits of olive oil for the brain
Of course, we’re not making any of this up. There are several scientific studies that support the benefits of olive oil for the brain. Let’s take a look.
Most relevant recent research
There’s a huge amount of research on this topic, but three studies in particular are worth highlighting:
- Harvard study (2024). Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day is associated with a 28% lower risk of dying from dementia. Amazing!
- PREDIMED trial (Spain). This clinical study with more than 7,000 participants showed that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with EVOO improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of mental decline in older adults.
- Research by Temple University. In animal models, extra virgin olive oil was found to reduce the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and improve memory, suggesting a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
What do experts say about extra virgin olive oil?
Overall, specialists agree that extra virgin olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit brain health.
This explains why its regular consumption is associated with better cognitive function and a lower incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Differences in results depending on the type of oil consumed
Needless to say, not all oils are the same. All the studies agree that it is extra virgin olive oil, obtained by cold pressing and without chemical processes, that retains the highest amount of polyphenols and antioxidants beneficial for the brain.
Refined oils, on the other hand, lose much of these compounds during processing, so their positive effects on brain health are nowhere near the same.
How to consume olive oil to improve brain health
Now that you know everything it can do for your mind… how can you easily incorporate EVOO into your daily life? Follow these tips:
Recommended daily amount for cognitive benefits
If you want to notice the benefits of olive oil on your cognitive functions, you should aim for the daily amount of olive oil recommended by experts: about 40 ml or, in other words, between 4 and 5 tablespoons a day. Ideally, you should have it raw and as part of a balanced diet.
Which type of olive oil should you choose?
Always, always extra virgin. This is the one that preserves all the compounds that protect your brain: antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins… And if you go for a high-quality premium olive oil like BelOleum, even better.
Practical ideas for adding olive oil to your daily diet
Make yourself some toast with olive oil, dress your salads with EVOO (try our smoked fish and avocado salad recipe), drizzle a little over steamed vegetables, or use it to add flavour to sauces, such as this red pesto.
The options are endless, and all of them are easy and delicious.
Frequently asked questions about olive oil and brain health
By now, you might still have some questions about the relationship between olive oil and memory. Let’s try to answer them all:
What is the best olive oil for memory?
Without a doubt: extra virgin olive oil. Why? Because, as we’ve already mentioned, it is the least processed, retains all its natural antioxidants and has a high concentration of polyphenols, which are key to protecting the brain.
So, when choosing one, always look for “extra virgin” on the label. That means quality, and your memory will thank you for it. Oh, and make sure you’re not being sold an adulterated oil!
How long does it take to notice the effect of olive oil on the brain?
Of course, EVOO is not magic, and you’re not going to feel its benefits overnight. It takes several weeks or even months of regular consumption to see a clear improvement. The ideal is to include it in your daily diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Can olive oil help prevent Alzheimer’s?
We’ve already hinted at this above: EVOO is not a cure, but if you consume it regularly, it can act as a shield.
Ultimately, it helps reduce inflammation, protects neurons and improves communication between them, contributing to a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Do you want to start taking care of your brain right now? In that case, don’t just pick any extra virgin olive oil: choose BelOleum, our premium EVOO from Aragón.
It will nourish your body and your mind and, once you taste it, you won’t want to stop!
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