Study suggests daily consumption of olive oil reduces chances of developing dementia

A study led by Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that regular olive oil consumption might lower dementia risk. Analyzing data from over 92,000 individuals across two health databases, researchers found a reduced likelihood of dying from dementia-related causes among those consuming at least 7 grams of olive oil daily.

The research adds to existing evidence on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes foods like legumes, vegetables, nuts, fish, dairy, and olive oil. Heavy olive oil use in such diets appears to play a significant role in promoting cognitive health, as suggested by the study's findings from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Replacing other fats such as butter and vegetable oils with olive oil in cooking and dressings might also contribute to the observed benefits, according to further analysis. The study underscores the potential of the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, not only for overall health but also for reducing dementia risk, potentially through its anti-inflammatory properties.