Olive Oil May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s

If Alzheimer’s disease runs in your family you should read this abstract of an article from Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. Preliminary studies suggest that oleocanthal (a compound found in olive oil) interferes with the process that initiates Alzheimer’s disease. This second article explains the same study in more depth and indicates the oleocanthal is in extra virgin olive oil, not regular olive oil.

Fortunately neither my or my husband’s family have been touched by Alzheimer’s. However a few of our friend’s have had parents with the disease. Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease that can devastate a family. If something as simple as switching to olive as you fat of choice may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s why not consider it? Since the oleocanthal is found in extra virgin olive oil it is reasonable to assume that heating the olive oil may alter the oleocanthal. If I were concerned about Alzheimer’s I would do what the Italians do and use extra virgin olive oil as a condiment, like salt and pepper, and drizzle a little over my food at the table.

There have been prior studies that suggest that turmeric also seems to inhibit Alzheimer’s. I find it fascinating that naturally occurring compounds in whole foods seem to routinely result in positive health benefits.

I hope you all have a happy and healthy day.