Olive oil memory improvement: Just 1/2 teaspoon of this common oil can significantly improve your memory | – The Times of India

Are you becoming forgetful lately? Trying to find keys or your glasses often? Well, your memory may be playing slight tricks on you. If your brain functioning is not as sharp as it used to be, you need to include an amazing memory booster called extra virgin olive oil. Commonly found in the kitchen, consuming just ½ teaspoon of this oil can significantly improve your memory and brain performance. Try drizzling some on your favorite salads, roti, khichdi, or dal whenever you eat, and let it nourish your body and mind.
A new study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that consuming just half a tablespoon of olive oil daily could reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 28%. The research, conducted over 28 years with 92,383 participants, found that individuals with higher olive oil consumption showed a decreased likelihood of developing neurodegenerative conditions.

The study focused on analyzing participants’ dietary habits, specifically examining their consumption of fats and oils in cooking and meals over 12-month periods. “Beyond heart health, the findings extend the current dietary recommendations of choosing olive oil and other vegetable oils for cognitive-related health,” states the study.
Researchers tracked olive oil intake through three specific consumption patterns. Participants were asked how frequently they consumed specific foods, including types of fats and oils used for cooking or added to meals in the past 12 months. Total olive oil intake was determined by summing up answers to three questions related to olive oil consumption (i.e., olive oil used for salad dressings, olive oil added to food or bread, and olive oil used for baking and frying at home).
This research builds upon previous findings linking olive oil to improved brain health. A study from October 2023 identified olive oil’s potential to enhance cognitive function through its neuroprotective properties. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains a compound called oleuropein-aglycone, which offers multiple health benefits.
The phenolic compounds in EVOO protect cells from oxidative damage caused by the free radicals formed during oxygen metabolism, the earlier study explains.
While some previous research has shown varying results, this latest comprehensive study strongly suggests that olive oil consumption positively impacts cognitive health. The findings demonstrate that common kitchen ingredients can play a significant role in maintaining brain health through regular consumption.