Extra virgin olive oil not only makes the dish tasty but also protects against cognitive decline. Studies have shown that consuming good quality extra virgin olive protects memory and learning ability and reduces the formation of proteins building up in the brain, which is a classic marker of Alzheimer's disease. Its intake is also associated with a lower risk of total and cause-specific mortality. According to a study involving 90,000 people, it has been found that a higher intake of olive oil was associated with:
- 19% lower risk of cardiovascular disease,
- 17% lower risk of cancer mortality
- 29% lower risk of neurodegenerative disease mortality
- 8% lower risk of respiratory disease mortality
How Does Extra Virgin Olive Oil Help the Brain?
Eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, and healthy fats, with a small amount of meat, results in a lower risk of dementia. But now scientists have pinpointed that extra virgin olive oil is also a key ingredient, by identifying the mechanisms behind the oil’s protective effects, such as:
- Olive oil reduces brain inflammation
- It activates a process called autophagy, where cells break down to clear out intracellular debris and toxins. If this doesn’t happen, it could be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Many scientists also believe that extra virgin olive oil is better than many fruits and vegetables. Being a monounsaturated vegetable fat, it is healthier than saturated animal fats.
So How Much Olive Oil do you need to Consume?
In order to enjoy its health benefits, the general body of research says that 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day will protect your heart and brain and improve your blood pressure. Also, when you increase the daily intake to 3 or 4 tablespoons, the oil also helps with weight loss.
How to Cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
When it comes to which oil or fats to cook with, different oils react in different ways to heat. It all comes down to the smoking point of the particular oil. The healthier the oil, the lower the smoking point, which means it, will get damaged at high temperatures. Here are some tips to use extra virgin olive oil:
- Good quality extra virgin olive oil has a low - medium smoking point, so avoid using it for longer periods of cooking at high temperatures
- Use it for light sautéing
- For dressing salads
- Drizzle over food or dishes once they are cooked
Buy the Best Quality Olive Oil
Juka’s Organic is proud to bring you the highest quality extra virgin olive oil with the help of our women farmer partners from the villages of Africa. Not only it reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, but it is also packed with phenolic antioxidants, beneficial fatty acids, vitamins E and K, and polyphenols. Our olive oil is 100% pure, clean, and GMO-free, and has no additives, flavorings, or processing. To buy our extra virgin olive oil, follow this link: https://jukasorganic.com/products/buy-extra-virgin-olive-oil-16oz