Olive Oil Variant Shows Promising Impact on Cognitive Function in Aging Adults

Spanish researchers have discovered that extra virgin olive oil may boost brain health by enhancing gut diversity, according to a new study from Universitat Rovira i Virgili. The findings suggest that consuming virgin olive oil, rather than refined varieties, can lead to improved cognitive function.

“This is the first prospective study in humans to specifically analyze the role of olive oil in the interaction between gut microbiota and cognitive function,” said lead researcher Jiaqi Ni from the university’s Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

The two-year study followed more than 600 participants aged 55 to 75 who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome, conditions that increase heart disease risk. Researchers tracked consumption of both refined and virgin olive oils while monitoring gut microbiota—the collection of microorganisms living in the digestive tract.

Participants who regularly consumed virgin olive oil demonstrated increased diversity in their gut bacteria, which researchers described as an “important marker of intestinal and metabolic health.” Conversely, those who used refined olive oil showed diminished gut diversity over time.

The research team found that individuals consuming virgin olive oil exhibited improvements in memory, attention and executive function throughout the study period. Refined olive oil did not provide the same cognitive benefits.

“Not all olive oils have benefits for cognitive function,” Ni emphasized.

The researchers identified a specific genus of bacteria called Adlercreutzia as a potential indicator of brain preservation. Higher levels of this bacterium were found in participants who used virgin olive oil, suggesting a possible mechanism behind the cognitive improvements.

The key difference between the oils lies in their processing methods. Refined olive oil undergoes industrial treatments to remove impurities, which also strip away natural antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamins beneficial to human health. Virgin olive oil, particularly extra virgin, retains these compounds during production.

“Extra virgin olive oil not only protects the heart, but can also help preserve the brain during aging,” noted principal investigator Jordi Salas-Salvadó. His comments reinforce the growing consensus that the quality of dietary fats may be as important as the quantity consumed.

The findings build on previous research establishing olive oil’s heart health benefits, while extending these advantages to cognitive function. This connection between the Mediterranean diet staple and brain health could have significant implications for aging populations worldwide.

The olive oil market has seen steady growth in recent years, with global consumption reaching approximately 3.1 million tons annually. Extra virgin olive oil commands premium prices due to its minimal processing and higher nutritional content. The Mediterranean region, particularly Spain, Italy and Greece, dominates production, though consumption has been increasing globally as awareness of its health benefits spreads.

The study, published in the journal Microbiome, does come with some limitations. Because it was an observational study focused on older Mediterranean adults with specific health risks, the findings may not apply to all populations. The researchers noted that factors such as smoking and education levels were more common among participants using refined oil, which could influence results despite statistical adjustments.

Additionally, the study relied on self-reported dietary information, which carries inherent risks of inaccuracy. The researchers cannot definitively prove that olive oil alone caused the cognitive changes observed.

Despite these limitations, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that dietary choices can influence brain health through gut microbiota. This gut-brain axis has become an increasingly important area of research as scientists seek to understand the connections between diet, intestinal health and cognitive function.

For consumers looking to gain potential brain benefits, the distinction between virgin and refined olive oils appears significant. The research suggests that the extra cost of virgin and extra virgin varieties may be justified by their protective effects on both cardiovascular and cognitive health.