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A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open suggests a correlation between increased olive oil intake and a reduced risk of dementia-related mortality. Researchers analyzed data from two large prospective cohorts in the United States, namely the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.
The study, which included a combined total of 92,383 participants over a 28-year follow-up period, revealed that individuals consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil daily experienced significantly lower rates of dementia-related mortality compared to those consuming less than 7 grams.
The participants, predominantly women with an average age of 56 years, exhibited various lifestyle factors associated with higher olive oil consumption, including better diet quality, increased physical activity, and lower likelihood of smoking.
Observing substitutions for olive oil, researchers found that replacing 5 grams per day of margarine and mayonnaise with an equivalent amount of olive oil was linked to a reduced risk of dementia-related deaths. Conversely, substitutions with other vegetable oils or butter did not yield significant risk reductions.
Importantly, the study concluded that higher olive oil intake was associated with reduced dementia-related mortality independent of diet quality, suggesting a potential protective effect of olive oil against cognitive decline.
Registered dietitians Caroline Thomason and Anne Danahy, not involved in the study, highlighted the health benefits of olive oil, attributing its positive impact to its rich content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They recommend incorporating olive oil into daily cooking routines and using it as a healthier alternative to other cooking oils.
Danahy emphasized the broader health benefits of olive oil, citing its association with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
Both experts advocate for regular consumption of olive oil while acknowledging the occasional use of butter in certain recipes. They underscore the versatility of olive oil in various culinary applications and encourage individuals to prioritize its inclusion in their diets for overall health and well-being.
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