EVOO Supports The Brain — And Gut
A two-year study of 656 older adults with metabolic syndrome found that extra-virgin olive oil may support brain health by improving the profile of gut bacteria. Participants who regularly consumed it showed better cognitive function and greater gut microbiome diversity, while those using refined olive oil saw declines in gut diversity.
Researchers at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Spain identified a specific group of gut bacteria, Adlercreutzia, as a possible link between olive oil intake and preserved cognition. The key difference appears to lie in how the oils are processed: Extra-virgin olive oil retains beneficial compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants, which are largely lost in refined versions. Overall, the study suggests that the quality of fat matters. Choosing extra-virgin olive oil could be a simple dietary change that helps protect both gut health and brain function as people age.
Try this recipe today: Lemon Olive Oil Cake
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