How Virgin Olive Oil Helps Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease – Study

Scientists have known for some time that virgin olive oil plays a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in Mediterranean countries. Now U.S. researchers have figured out why: a compound known as oleocanthal protects nerve cells from Alzheimer’s damage. In a mouse study, researchers tracked the effects of oleocanthal in the brains and cultured brain cells of lab mice, finding that the substance boosted production of two proteins and key enzymes believed to be critical in removing dangerous beta-amyloid plaque from the brain. The Mediterranean diet – rich in olive oil use – “has the potential to reduce the risk of AD or related neurodegenerative dementias," the researchers concluded.