Source: Fox News
Summary
A new Spanish study published in the journal Microbiome found that consuming extra virgin olive oil may protect brain health and improve cognitive function. The study, which tracked over 600 people between the ages of 55 and 75, found that those who consumed virgin olive oil had improved cognitive function and greater diversity in the gut biome. The researchers suggest that the uptick in diverse gut bacteria is the reason for the improved brain health. The study also found that refined olive oil did not show the same cognitive benefits.
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The advice sounds familiar. The benefits of olive oil have been touted for years, and now it seems that extra virgin olive oil may have additional benefits for brain health. The study’s findings suggest that the quality of fat consumed is as important as the quantity. However, the study’s limitations, such as its focus on older Mediterranean adults with specific health risks and reliance on self-reported diets, mean that the results may not be applicable to the general public.
The study’s lead author, Jiaqi Ni, noted that “not all olive oils have benefits for cognitive function.” This echoes previous research that has highlighted the differences between refined and virgin olive oils. The study’s principal investigator, Jordi Salas-Salvadó, reinforced the idea that the quality of fat consumed is crucial, saying that “extra virgin olive oil not only protects the heart but can also help preserve the brain during aging.”
The study’s findings are a reminder that the science on nutrition and health is constantly evolving, and what was once considered healthy may not be as beneficial as previously thought.
It’s also worth noting that the study’s results may be influenced by factors such as smoking and lower education levels, which were more common among those using refined oil.
As with any observational study, the findings do not prove that olive oil alone caused the cognitive changes, and more research is needed to confirm the results.
Author: Evan Null
