Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Help Lower Alzheimer’s Risk

High quality olive oil, namely extra virgin olive oil, is known for its amazing health benefits. It is considered one of the best natural sources of fatty acids essential for our good health. It is believed that a regular consumption of small amounts of extra virgin olive oil is linked to reduced risks of serious cardiovascular conditions like heart disease or a stroke, since this natural product can assist in reducing bad cholesterol levels, improving our vascular health and preventing clot formation. Finally, it was recently reported that by consuming high quality olive oil on a regular basis we can speed up weight loss and reduce obesity related risks. According to the findings of an expert group from Germany and Austria, by consuming some small amounts of extra virgin olive oil we can effectively reduce food cravings and consume less calories, thus lower the risks of weight gain. See more information about this interesting research in this article.

A week ago, the findings of one more related study were published. An international group of scientists based at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the US, conducted a research studying the effects of extra virgin olive oil on our brain function and mental health. It is a known fact that according to the statistics, those people who reside in the Mediterranean region have reduced risks for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia like brain disorders. The Mediterranean diet is rich in seafood and especially olive oil, that is why the scientists decided to focus on studying the effects of extra virgin olive oil on mental function of modern people. The findings of the research group led by Amal Kaddoumi, a specialist from the Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, revealed new health benefits of olive oil, and were published in the March 2013 issue of the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience.

The scientific group looked closer at high quality olive oil in order to find an answer to the question why using olive oil can be helpful for improving our brain function. The first thing the researchers paid attention to was very high content of monosaturated fats or fatty acids which bring plenty of benefits to this natural product. However, in addition, it was discovered that high quality extra virgin olive oi is also rich in one more type of substance, namely phenolic compound oleocanthal, which occurs in this oil naturally. As the scientists managed to confirm, “oleocanthal showed a consistent pattern in which it boosted production of two proteins and key enzymes believed to be critical in removing Aβ from the brain,” as it is stated in the report about the research. Thus, this natural substance helps fighting against dangerous protein accumulations in human brain that is the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease and similar brain disorders in modern people.

According to the study leader and her colleagues, the findings about the role of olive oil in reducing Alzheimer’s risk should be considered very important and possibly give a clue to creating a new treatment to dementia like brain disorders which are very common mental conditions, especially in aging people. It is estimated that in our times, Alzheimer’s disease affects as many as 30 million people around the world, and, unfortunately, there is no cure for this serious health condition. Alzheimer’s disease patients gradually lose their basic skills including the ability to take care about themselves, they have problems with remembering things and recognizing people, gradually lose their ability to speak and react properly on people around them. Eventually, this condition leads to death due to inability of the patient to consume meal or get up from the bed. The study was sponsored by such famous organization as the National Institute of General Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Those who are interested in learning more about this interesting study and the findings of the researchers from Michigan University can check out detailed information in this report.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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