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Recent studies highlight the numerous benefits of olive oil, though, in India, it is not very common to use it in the kitchen. Olive oil is a regular part of the Mediterranean diet and is mentioned in the religious texts of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and ancient Greek religions. These texts considered olive oil sacred, representing divine blessing, healing, and spiritual wisdom. Olive oil can also be revered for its medicinal value, as per Ayurveda.
Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The heart-protective effects of olive oil are due to the high content of monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. They also protect blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Hence, the regular consumption of olive oil lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition to this, olive oil supports weight management Longtime continuous use, protects from cancer due to its antioxidant nature, supports skin and hair growth, balances blood sugar, strengthens bones, etc.
Recent Study
A recent 2024 Harvard study has studied the detailed role of olive oil in maintaining brain health. For years it has been known that olive oil protects the brain from cognitive decline and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is known to improve memory and learning.
This study was performed on 92,383 people regardless of their genetic makeup and overall diet, participants who consumed 7 grams of olive oil daily had a reduced risk of dementia-related death.
The question coming out from this study is Why does olive oil boost brain functioning? Olive oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats which are very essential for brain health. Monounsaturated fats increase the blood supply to the brain and reduce inflammation. Various polyphenols of the brain including oleocanthal are powerful antioxidants and reduce inflammation. Both activities of oleocanthal can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
Besides, olive oil can regulate the appetite of a person and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in our gut. Olive oil also helps in maintaining the hormonal balance in our body. And in our study also we have shown that if we disturb hormone balance we are more prone to get cancer.
Do not Heat the Oil
The main question arising here is how to take olive oil, so it provides maximum benefit to our body and helps boost the function of our brain. The most important criterion here is not to heat the olive oil. Heating can compromise the activity of many of the components of olive oil. Heating destroys delicate polyphenols of olive oil. It is always recommended that olive oil is used raw whenever possible. Therefore, olive oil can be taken as a shot, one or two tablespoons, in the morning or mid-afternoon. Olive oil can also be used as a dressing on salads. Olive oil can also be splashed on cooked vegetables or other cooked food. Olive oil can also be taken with lemon juice, cracked black paper, a pinch of salt, or with a touch of honey.
Ultimately, incorporating raw extra virgin olive oil into our diet is an easy and delicious way to support brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. Using olive oil in routine can have a significant impact on our cognitive health and overall well-being. Therefore, it is recommended to give raw virgin olive oil to kids to boost their brain activity and elderly people to protect them from neurodegenerative disorders. (The author has his own study and views)
