One type of olive oil has a surprising effect on brainpower during aging
The main difference between refined and virgin olive oils is how they are processed, the researchers said.
Refined olive oil undergoes industrial treatments to remove impurities. These treatments degrade the oil, stripping it of the natural antioxidants and vitamins that are beneficial to human health.
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The team also did a follow-up to identify any changes in participants’ cognitive function. Those who consumed extra virgin olive oil showed improved memory, attention and executive function over two years.
Researchers identified that a specific genus of bacteria, Adlercreutzia, is a potential indicator of brain preservation. Higher levels of this bacterium were found in those who used virgin olive oil. (iStock)
Refined olive oil did not show the same cognitive benefits.
“Not all olive oils have benefits for cognitive function,” Ni noted.
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This research reinforces the idea that the quality of fat people consume is as important as the quantity, according to Jordi Salas-Salvadó, principal investigator of the study.
“Extra virgin olive oil not only protects the heart but can also help preserve the brain during aging,” he said in the press release.
The industrial refining process for refined oil strips away the polyphenols and antioxidants that are essential for the “brain-boosting” effect, researchers explain. (iStock)
Because this was an observational study focused on older Mediterranean adults with specific health risks, the findings may not apply to the public, and the study does not prove that olive oil alone caused the cognitive changes.
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The researchers noted that factors like smoking and lower education levels were more common among those using refined oil, which could skew results despite their best efforts to adjust the data.
Additionally, the study relied on self-reported diets, which could have some risk of inaccuracies.
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The study was published in the journal Microbiome.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/one-type-olive-oil-has-surprising-effect-brainpower-during-aging