From the day we are born, we begin aging. As time goes on, this inescapable process causes the body's everyday functions to diminish. As the brain ages, cognitive decline occurs. For some, this happens more rapidly than it does for others. Regardless, losing your memory can be very scary to think about. This is especially true if you’ve watched someone close to you experience a neurological decline over time. 

Although there is no magic pill to preserve brain function, it’s clear — food and nutrition play a large role.

When discussing preventative measures, the Mediterranean diet and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) continue to lead the way in promoting cognitive health! Recent studies have shown the benefits extra virgin olive oil plays an essential role in maintaining cognition. Extra virgin olive oil has neuroprotective qualities that have been found to play a role in memory, attention span, and overall brain comprehension. Valls-Pedret (4) suggests that following a Mediterranean diet with olive oil was associated with overall improved cognitive function, both in the frontal lobes and globally. Additionally, a recent study by Angeloni and Malaguti (2) reported that phenolics from olive oil have strong antioxidant properties that counteract oxidative stress in brain tissue. Additionally, Anastasiou and Hussain (1,3) support this claim with their research as well. 

Why is EVOO so special? What role could it possibly play in preserving brain function? 

Let’s dive deeper into the physiology behind why extra virgin olive oil helps keep the mind sharp. 

High-quality, minimally processed EVOO contains a rich abundance of polyphenols — a type of antioxidant that preserves brain function by maintaining healthy synapses. There are about 100 trillion synapses in our brains, and all of them play a role in communicating with or delivering messages to the rest of the body. Each individual thought we have must pass through a synapse to translate information. As I’m sure you can imagine, healthy synapses are crucial! Although the nervous system is extremely complex, one thing is for sure — the healthier the synapses are, the better the brain function! So keep your synapses sharp by incorporating EVOO into your everyday diet to increase your intake of polyphenols.  

Give these simple swaps a try!

1. Ditch the store-bought salad dressing and make your own! It’s super simple, just mix EVOO with fresh lemon juice and a pinch or two of kosher salt, and your set. 

2. Forget the pre-packaged popcorn, buy your own kernels and drizzle EVOO on top. Add your choice of truffle salt, parmesan cheese, or garlic powder with fresh cracked pepper. Nutritional yeast is a great option too! The combinations are endless. 

3. Impress your guests with an easy Bruschetta. Take your favorite rustic loaf of bread, rub it with garlic, and toast it to crisp perfection. Then top it with fresh diced tomatoes, EVOO, and any herbs or spices for garnish. 

Written by Chloe Morrill, RD

Reviewed by Kelly Powers, MA, RDN, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who takes a holistic approach to nutrition and health. Kelly is a recipe developer with a food blog highlighting whole foods, simple recipes, and her life in San Francisco. She’s the creator of Weeknight Dinners, a weekly meal plan program that helps users get back in the kitchen and feed themselves well.