According to the government, there are around 800.000 cases of dementia in the United Kingdom. This illness costs the economy 23 million pounds each year. Moreover, the number of people affected by dementia is expected to rise by 50%, which will bring with it an increase in the budget dedicated to this issue.
The government has made various efforts to improve the attention and care received by those who suffer dementia, but there are small things that we can do ourselves to better the situation.
One scientifically proven option is to follow a diet based on the Mediterranean Diet, which is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage and which counts Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a fundamental ingredient. According to a review of available research undertaken by the University of Exeter Medical School and published in Epidemiology, the Mediterranean Diet is associated with better cognitive ability.Specifically, the review found that nine out of 12 studies showed an association between a higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and better cognitive function as well as lower rates of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The benefits of the Mediterranean Diet—and, more specifically, extra virgin olive oil—are due in part to the polyphenols that it contains. This component (found in extra virgin and virgin olive oil, walnuts and wine) helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases, improves verbal memory and, in general, supports global cognitive function.
It should be mentioned that Olive Oils from Spain are high-quality olive oils that preserve all the characteristics of their primary source and have an unrivalled flavour. Spain is the world’s largest producer of this kind of oil, so if we want to help our body, and especially our brain, we should keep this in mind.
As you can see, it is possible to help prevent dementia with one simple diet change.We’re betting on the Mediterranean Diet. Will you?
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