The "Science Alert" website reported that recent scientific research has concluded that adding just one tablespoon of olive oil to your daily diet can have multiple health benefits, including protection against dementia, according to a new American study.
According to the site, researchers found that adults who regularly consume more than 7 grams of olive oil daily (about half a tablespoon) were 28% less likely to die from dementia-related diseases compared to those who either never or rarely consumed olive oil.
Nutrition experts at Harvard University have determined that "olive oil may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and other compounds with antioxidant properties such as vitamin E and polyphenols."
Studies conducted on animals suggest that certain types of fats, such as the monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil, can have protective health benefits, and polyphenols may help prevent the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to the site.
The site also clarified that previous research indicated that people who regularly consume olive oil have a 30% lower risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases.
With the continuous rise in dementia rates worldwide and the lack of a cure, the site noted that preventative measures through diet and physical and mental exercises are the best chance to mitigate these diseases, which currently affect more than 55 million people globally.
Furthermore, "Health Line" mentioned in April that reducing the amount of saturated fats consumed to no more than 7% of daily calorie intake could lower the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to replace unhealthy fats with healthy ones, such as avocado, olive oil, and eggs.
