Brain Boost: How Eating This Everyday Ingredient Can Sharpen Your Mind

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Food & Nutrition

We already know abs are made in the kitchen. But you can also use your meals to muscle up your mind. And we’re not just talking about the MIND diet, although this brain-boosting food itinerary does feature this ingredient in abundance. Want to stay sharp? Time to roll out the olive oil.

A recent Harvard study looked into how this popular oil affects the brain. To do so, they analysed the diets of a group of more than 90 000 adults. In their research, they found that those who ate at least 7 grams of olive oil per day had an almost 30% lower risk of dementia-related death compared to those who didn’t partake in the golden elixir.

Why is Olive Oil a Natural Brain Booster?

bottles of olive oil
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Among the healthiest diets in the world, olive oil makes regular appearances. Besides its well-documented list of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting energy and bolstering skin health, its brain-boosting perks are the real stand out.

READ MORE: Mind Meals: How These 13 Foods Impact Stress, Anxiety & More

Why? The oil is rich in monounsaturated fats which have been shown to play a crucial role in brain health. For instance, these fats can help reduce inflammation and promote blood flow to your noggin’. Olive oil also contains certain polyphenols that double down on monounsaturated fats’ inflammation-busting chops and reduce oxidative stress. This two-pronged attack can help lower your risk of dementia.

But it’s not all brain and no body; olive oil can help boost your health in more ways than one. Here’s what science has to say about this golden elixir:

1. Olive Oil Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

oil supplements with heart cookie cutter

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for men the world over.  Thankfully, olive oil might help keep you safe from this common killer. Studies found that heart disease is far less prevalent in Mediterranean countries, i.e., parts of the world where olive oil is a staple ingredient. Other research has shown that the oil can help lower blood pressure, one of the most common risk factors for heart disease.

2. Olive Can Help You Lose Weight

This comes with a disclaimer: olive oil is a calorie-dense ingredient, so it’s best consumed in moderation. However, studies have linked the Mediterranean diet (which champions olive oil) with having a positive effect on body composition. For instance, one review found that diets heavily featuring this ingredient helped promote more weight loss than those that had lower amounts of the oil.

READ MORE: Eat These 9 Foods to Build Muscle and Add Strength

3. Olive Oil Can Reduce Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

One study found that those with prediabetes who took doses of oleanolic acid-enriched olive oil daily were more than 50% less likely to develop diabetes than those who didn’t. Further research has found that olive oil can help those with type 2 diabetes reduce their blood sugar levels.

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