A Food-Based Solution to Dementia
Long a staple in Mediterranean countries, olive oil boasts an impressive range of benefits. From cardiovascular health to protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, it is one of the best forms of dietary fat you can consume. It has also been shown to be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass, strength, a healthy gut microbiota, and “successful aging”. And now, this “liquid gold” is associated with promoting cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s — a claim that is solidly backed by the latest science.
Just how healthy is olive oil for your brain?
If you are on the fence about the claims of olive oil for cognitive health, consider this:
“…results from a 2010 study published in BMC Genomics demonstrated that olive oil can repress the expression of genes that cause inflammation. So in other words, if you’re genetically predisposed to having higher levels of inflammation in your body—which could in turn affect the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s—a daily dose of olive oil could help turn those genes down and reduce your risk (40 ml – which is around 2.7 Tbsp),” says Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.N., C.N.S., C.B.T. in “Boost Your Brain Health with Olive Oil”.1,2
But that’s not all. Olive oil also stimulates autophagy — the natural detoxification process of the brain. It helps to clear out various toxic proteins and cellular waste that cause problems for neural pathways in the brain. Not surprisingly it has been established that those with Alzheimer’s disease have low levels of autophagy, which in turn creates the perfect storm for amyloid plaque and protein tangles to grow.
A study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology found mice whose chow was supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) had more neural synapses intact — a known factor for promoting cognitive health with an increased ability to learn and remember. The animals also had less plaque and fewer protein tangles in their brain than the control group, indicating increased autophagy action.3
In another study, EVOO also restored blood-brain barrier function, reduced neuroinflammation, and clearly showed increased autophagy in animal models, leading researchers to conclude that the oil may “provide beneficial effect to slow or halt the progression of AD”.4 I don’t know about you, but I was floored when I read these findings.
Everyone, this is huge.
What’s more, EVOO contains a polyphenol by the name of oleocanthal (OC). Not only is this compound a powerful anti-inflammatory, but it has also been shown to break down amyloid plaque. The researchers noted, “[c]ollectively, diet supplementation with EVOO or OC could prevent, halt progression, and treat AD.”5 Additionally, the oil lowers the risk of dementia-related deaths by an astounding 28% in a recent study published by The Journal of the American Medical Association that tracked over ninety-two thousand people.6
This is exciting news for those of us who would like a simple dietary approach to brain health and increasing longevity.
Tips for Using Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
If you would like to integrate more EVOO into your daily meals, here are a few suggestions to optimize the brain-boosting benefits:
- Aim for brands that have tight quality control, such as those produced in California, to ensure you are only purchasing pure EVOO, not a blend of other oils.
- To preserve the antioxidant profile, do not heat EVOO. Instead drizzle it over food or add it directly to a smoothie.
- Enjoy EVOO with brightly colored fruit and vegetables to absorb more healthy fat-soluble vitamins.
- Consume 2-4 tablespoons per day for maximum benefit.
Interested in the additional health perks of olive oil? Have a look at this post.
Plant-Based Solutions for Ultimate Brain Health
A fantastic compliment to consuming more olive oil, our Brain Bundle in the apothecary is an outstanding choice to supercharge your cognitive health. It includes dual-extracted, fruiting body tinctures of Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi medicinal mushrooms, along with our Lemon Balm tincture.
These three powerhouse mushrooms offer unique, research-backed benefits: they reduce neuroinflammation, stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), enhance cognitive function, prevent neuronal cell death, boost memory, ease stress, fight fatigue, and increase energy levels.
Our concentrated Lemon Balm extract is also a multitasking marvel. It’s linked to better memory, mood, and cognitive performance as we age; reduces stress and anxiety; and improves clarity and focus. As an antioxidant, it protects nerve cells and it inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (Ach) — a vital neurotransmitter for cognition and memory. Lower levels of acetylcholine are associated with dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, making Lemon Balm a crucial ally for brain health.
ADHD, STRESS, and MEMORY HELP; Plus No More Brain Fog!!!
“Wow! The Lemon Balm really helps my ADHD so I can focus. It has also made a big difference in my memory and stress levels. I use the entire Brain Bundle and the Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps have also been huge game-changers for me. My energy is better and I have less brain fog from the mushrooms. Thank you!” -Martha R.
Ready to enhance and safeguard your cognitive health? Visit my apothecary today and discover the power of our natural herbal extracts!
Nicole Apelian
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Brain Bundle
References
- “Boost Your Brain Health with Olive Oil” by Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.N., C.N.S., C.B.T. HeartMD Institute. https://heartmdinstitute.com/diet-nutrition/boost-brain-health-olive-oil/
- Camargo, A., Ruano, J., Fernandez, J. M., Parnell, L. D., Jimenez, A., Santos-Gonzalez, M., Marin, C., Perez-Martinez, P., Uceda, M., Lopez-Miranda, J., & Perez-Jimenez, F. (2010). Gene expression changes in mononuclear cells in patients with metabolic syndrome after acute intake of phenol-rich virgin olive oil. BMC genomics, 11, 253. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2164-11-253
- Lauretti, E., Iuliano, L., & Praticò, D. (2017). Extra-virgin olive oil ameliorates cognition and neuropathology of the 3xTg mice: role of autophagy. Annals of clinical and translational neurology, 4(8), 564–574. https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.431
- Al Rihani, S. B., Darakjian, L. I., & Kaddoumi, A. (2019). Oleocanthal-Rich Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Restores the Blood-Brain Barrier Function through NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibition Simultaneously with Autophagy Induction in TgSwDI Mice. ACS chemical neuroscience, 10(8), 3543–3554. https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00175
- Abdallah, I. M., Al-Shami, K. M., Alkhalifa, A. E., Al-Ghraiybah, N. F., Guillaume, C., & Kaddoumi, A. (2023). Comparison of Oleocanthal-Low EVOO and Oleocanthal against Amyloid-β and Related Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(3), 1249. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031249
- Tessier A, Cortese M, Yuan C, et al. Consumption of Olive Oil and Diet Quality and Risk of Dementia-Related Death. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2410021. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10021
