When most of us think about Alzheimer's we often think of it being an issue that only affects the elderly. But the truth is, Alzheimer's can strike at any age—which makes it all the more important to prevent it.
Alzheimer's is a horrible neurological disorder. It destroys one's ability to remember, communicate, and even their very identity. But it isn't just a loss of memory and identity. It's a devastating disease that destroys the lives of everyone affected, from those with the disease to their families.
That's why scientists have been researching possible treatments and cures for the disease for many years. But what if there was a way to prevent the disease altogether?
Well, now there may be! Thanks to a new study, it seems that one of the most promising preventatives for Alzheimer's is…Extra Virgin Olive Oil!
In this article, we'll take a look at why extra-virgin olive oil might be the key to preventing Alzheimer's. We'll explain why it is so effective and how you can start incorporating it into your daily life. We'll also look at some of the other strategies you can employ to reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer's and how to support loved ones affected by the disease.
If you're looking for new and exciting ways to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's, then you won't want to miss out on what this article has to offer! Keep reading to find out the secret to Alzheimer's prevention. It could be the key to protecting you and your loved ones from this debilitating disease!
What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known as the "liquid gold" of the Mediterranean diet. It is the highest quality of olive oil, obtained solely from the fruit of the olive tree through mechanical or physical means. The olive oil is then extracted through a process known as cold pressing. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a brilliant, fruity taste, and an intense aroma which sets it apart from other oils. Let's explore the differences from other oils and the nutritional benefits of using Extra Virgin Olive Oil in your diet.
Differences from other oils:
- Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most stable oils when heated - this means that it does not break down easily and does not produce harmful compounds.
- Compared to other oils, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a high smoking point of 410 °F (210 °C) - which is much higher than other vegetable oils.
- Extra Virgin Olive oil contains 30 beneficial plant compounds, including phenolic acids and antioxidant.
Nutritional benefits:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats - it contains higher levels of oleic acid and low levels of other fatty acids.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in antioxidants - which protects our cells against damage, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil has anti-inflammatory effects - that reduce the risk of heart diseases such as strokes and heart attacks.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in Vitamin E and K - Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes, while Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting.
The Study
A new study published in Nature Medicine has revealed a groundbreaking discovery: extra virgin olive oil can help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.
The study was conducted over two years at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. Lead researcher Domenico Praticò and his team fed mice two different diets: one with extra virgin olive oil, and one without.
At the end of the study, the mice that were fed extra virgin olive oil had significantly higher levels of both memory and learning compared to the control group.
The team also found changes in the brain chemistry of the mice that were fed the olive oil. They saw a reduction of inflammation in their brains, as well as an increase in a protein called “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF). This protein is important for the growth and survival of neurons.
When asked about the results of the study, Dr. Praticò said: “This is an exciting discovery. We now know that olive oil can play a role in protecting the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.”
Dr. Praticò went on to say, “It’s important to note that these results are from a mouse study, so we don’t know yet if the same results will be seen in humans. But it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.”
Tips and Tricks to Start Incorporating Olive Oil Into Your Diet
- Add extra virgin olive oil to your salads.
- Use it to cook your favorite dishes.
- Drizzle it over cooked fish or chicken.
- Make a homemade pesto with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil.
- Mix it with your favorite herbs for a delicious marinade.
How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Prevent Alzheimer's
The Mediterranean diet has been long known to improve brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Newly published research shows that the connection between olive oil and Alzheimer's prevention is far more potent than we previously thought. In this section, we'll explore the mechanisms behind prevention, the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, and how much extra virgin olive oil is needed.
Mechanisms behind Prevention:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains oleocanthal - which fights the toxic proteins that are believed to contribute to Alzheimer's disease.
- Oleocanthal reduces the risk of neuroinflammation - which is believed to be a factor in Alzheimer's.
- Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil were proven to improve memory and cognition.
Benefits of a Mediterranean diet:
- A Mediterranean diet is known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's - and improve brain function.
- This diet emphasizes - a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats.
- Studies demonstrate that the Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation - and improves blood sugar control, factors that are considered to be strong indicators of Alzheimer's disease.
How much Extra Virgin Olive Oil is needed?
- A study has found - that consuming extra virgin olive oil as part of the Mediterranean diet helps to deter the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
- It is recommended - to consume 3-4 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil per day for optimal brain health.
- Other recipes that include olive oil - could reduce the amount of Extra Virgin Olive Oil needed.
The Big Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been around for centuries and is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. But did you know that this classic condiment could also help lower your chances of getting Alzheimer's? According to a recent study, EVOO can act as a preventative against Alzheimer's disease.
So what makes EVOO so special? Many of the compounds found in EVOO have been found to have major health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, and lowering blood pressure. Here are some of the big benefits of EVOO:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: EVOO has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, which is known to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer's.
- Lowers heart disease risk: EVOO has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can increase your chances of Alzheimer’s.
- Reduces risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes: Studies have found that EVOO can reduce the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes, which can be another risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s.
- Lowers blood pressure: EVOO’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lower blood pressure, which is important in preventing Alzheimer’s.
The great thing about EVOO is that it’s easy to incorporate into your diet. Try using it as a dressing for your salads, as a marinade for your meats, or even just drizzled over some toast. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it can be a major benefit in preventing Alzheimer’s. Just remember to include a variety of healthy fats, such as avocados, walnuts, and fatty fish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research on the powerful link between Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Alzheimer's prevention highlights its potential to promote long-term brain health. As you've seen in the article, the benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil go far beyond its culinary uses:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds - that go beyond just making your food taste great.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats - which helps to protect against neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a versatile ingredient - that can be incorporated into everyday cooking in a variety of ways.
In addition to its scientifically proven benefits, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been a staple in the Mediterranean diet for centuries. Many Mediterranean communities have some of the lowest rates of chronic disease in the world, and olive oil is a key part of their success.
Therefore, it's worth noting that taking the time to explore new ways of cooking with EVOO could be a great step towards a better, healthier lifestyle. Incorporating it into your diet can lead to many health benefits, including Alzheimer's prevention.
In conclusion, we encourage you to try out the Mediterranean diet and to incorporate Extra Virgin Olive Oil into your cooking. Take charge of your brain health with these easy steps, and enjoy the added unexpected delicious flavor of your meals.