Alzheimer’s is a terrifying and paralyzing disease. It can take years away from a life full of promise and hope. I watched two of my own relatives fall victim to this disease, as well as a very dear client – who continues to struggle every day, but gives an amazing weather report, despite this disability.
Now, thanks to researchers at the University of Temple, a new study has shown that by using extra-virgin-olive oil it can help to improve cognitive function and help to avoid the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.
Along with a healthy diet and exercise, a daily dose of nitrates found abundantly in celery, beetroot juice, arugala, and spinach, can help to improve cognitive function and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. Domenico Pratico, MD, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Microbiology and the Center for Translational Medicine at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University has identified a process by which cells break down and clear out the intracellular debris and toxins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)2328-9503 ) According to Dr. Pratico, “…the thinking is that extra-virgin olive oil is better than fruits and vegetables alone, and as a mono-saturated vegetable fat it is healthier than saturated animal fats.”
By investigating the relationship between extra-virgin olive oil and dementia, Dr. Practico and colleagues used a well-established Alzheimer’s diseased mouse model. Known as a “triple transgenic model” the animals develop three key characteristics of the disease, memory impairment, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
The researchers found that out of two groups studied, one that received a diet enriched with extra-virgin-olive-oil, performed significantly better on tests designed to evaluate working memory, spatial memory and learning abilities.
So, along with a Mediterranean diet, full of various nuts (as mentioned in my previous article on Coconut Oil) this can be a diet that not only helps to aid in weight loss, but keeps your memory intact for years to come.
