“Golden Elixir” Dodges KILLER Dementia”

It’s no secret that what we eat is central to our overall health and longevity.

But a new study has revealed a surprising link between one common kitchen staple and a lower risk of dying from dementia.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, is one of the first to investigate the relationship between diet and dementia-related death.

And the results are nothing short of astounding.

Researchers found that eating just half a tablespoon daily of olive oil could slash your risk of dementia-related death by an astounding 28 percent compared to those who rarely or never consumed it.

But that’s not all. The study also revealed that swapping a single teaspoon of margarine or mayo for heart-healthy olive oil daily could cut dementia mortality risk by eight to 14 percent.

While the study doesn’t prove cause-and-effect, the findings strongly support existing dietary guidelines that recommend reaching for olive oil over less healthy fats. And it suggests that these simple swaps may protect your heart AND your brain.

So, what makes olive oil such a dementia-fighting powerhouse?

Experts believe it comes down to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are known drivers of cognitive decline and dementia.

The healthy fats in olive oil may help preserve precious brain cells and keep our minds sharp as we age by reducing inflammation and quelling damaging free radicals.

Best of all, reaping these brain benefits couldn’t be easier. Sauté veggies in olive oil, drizzle it on salads, or use it as a dip for whole-grain bread.

Just be sure to choose extra-virgin varieties, which have the highest concentration of protective compounds.

Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between diet and dementia. But this latest study offers a glimpse into the power of simple dietary choices to support lifelong brain health.

So, go ahead and embrace the Mediterranean way of eating, with olive oil front and center.

And another thing…

Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily

Nature’s Brilliant Secret for Better Brain Health

We all want to stay sharp and focused as we age. New research reveals how to do precisely that. And it’s literally only steps away.

The Tiny, Tart Secret to a HEALTHIER Gut

We should cultivate happy, healthy, belly bacteria so THEY can support the REST of our health. Recent research revealed how to do precisely that—starting in four days!

Unmasking Chronic Pain’s HIDDEN Threat

Researchers sound the alarm about chronic pain. Losing your quality of life is just the start. Another shocking consequence can occur.

The FULL BODY Molecular Makeover

It turns out the body’s response to exercise is far more complex than we imagined. It affects us on a molecular level from head to toe. Here’s how

Mailbag: Foot Care for Folks with Diabetes

Regular foot care is VITAL for diabetics. If you’re battling blood sugar problems, these steps can help you avoid neuropathies and foot ulcers.

Simple Supplement Shaves DAYS Off Your Cold

What if there was an easy, affordable way to shave a couple DAYS off your next cold? New research confirms this could be the case

5 Fixes for Short-Term Memory Loss

You DON’T have to sit back and accept a shoddy short-term memory. Try these five simple fixes to boost your brain power.

P.S. Caution… THIS common cooking oil WARPS your brain!

Source:

Tessier A, Cortese M, Yuan C, et al. Consumption of Olive Oil and Diet Quality and Risk of Dementia-Related Death. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2410021. [doi:10. 1001 /jamanetworkopen .2024. 10021]

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk

If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....

Read This

When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)

I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...

Read This

Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car

We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...

Read This

Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?

“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking  Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....

Read This

Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%

Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...

Read This

This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger

Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...

Read This

Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?

The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...

Read This

This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar

Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...

Read This

Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics

Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...

Read This

Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?

Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...

Read This