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This week on the Olive Health Information System website
The newsletter of the University of Navarra and the IOC dedicated to health
Olive oil contains several important phytochemicals and fats that significantly contribute to its health benefits. These compounds are primarily responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. This week, the newsletter presents three studies focused on the effects of olive oil and its constituents on mental health outcomes.
The first study, a scoping review, found that olive oil consumption led to significant improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Among six prospective studies, five found a correlation between higher baseline olive oil consumption and a reduced risk of developing mental health disorders or symptoms at a later stage. As a key component of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil plays a central role in promoting mental health.
A meta-analysis evaluating the effects of dietary patterns on cognitive function in healthy adults included 19 studies involving 12,119 participants. Results showed that dietary intervention groups experienced significant improvements in mental health outcomes compared to control groups. Dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts demonstrated a notable enhancement in overall cognitive performance (standardized mean differences (SMD)= 0.18, 95% CI [0.10, 0.26], P < 0.0001) and function (SMD= −0.13, 95% CI [−0.22,−0.04], P = 0.003).
Emerging evidence also suggests that the gut-brain axis (GBA) may play a critical role in neuroprotection. A recent review suggested that the intake of olive oil had a positive impact on GBA by promoting beneficial gut microbiota such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and improved the production of short-chain fatty acids like acetate and butyrate. These compounds support neuroprotection, mood regulation, and cognitive function. Furthermore, olive oil contains several phenolic compounds, including hydroxytyrosol and ferulic acid, which help prevent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, protecting neuronal cell damage. These findings point to the potential benefits of olive oil against neurodegenerative outcomes.
However, future research should prioritize well-designed randomized control trials to confirm its benefits. Investigating the optimal dosages of olive oil and its synergistic effects with other dietary components will be crucial for establishing its role in supporting mental health and cognitive function.
Other articles mentioned this week in the OHIS newsletter:
Mental Health and Neurodegenerative disorders
The role of olive oil and its constituents in mental health: a scoping review
Obesity
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Nutritional and Pharmacological Strategies for Obesity.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Using Diet to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.
Cancer
Metabolic disorders
Prevention of cardiometabolic diseases through dietary modifications.
Pregnancy
Others
