New Study Finds Olive Oil May Prevent Alzheimer’s

Often touted as one of the healthiest fats you can consume, new research shows that olive oil can be helpful in combating Alzheimer's disease. The study focused on olive oil consumption within a group of mice. Researchers found that the mice on the olive oil-rich diets performed better during tests involving memory recall and learning abilities. 

"The thinking is that extra-virgin olive oil is better than fruits and vegetables alone, and as a monounsaturated vegetable fat it is healthier than saturated animal fats," said senior investigator Domenico Praticò in an interview with Science Daily. This new research comes just days after the American Heart Association's recent advisory recommending replacing saturated fats with unsaturated options, like olive oil.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and affects five million Americans every year. Culinary legend Paula Wolfert has been famous in her fight against the disease, often acting as a spokeswoman for the Alzheimer's Association and educating others on the ways food affects the brain.

To educate yourself further on the linkage between diets and brain health, read on in What Brain Experts Eat for Better Brain Health or try some Recipes for Brain Health.