Study Suggests Certain Olive Oil May Help Boost Brain Function and Cognitive Health

Your kitchen staple might be doing more for your brain than you think, starting in your gut.

A growing body of research now suggests that extra virgin olive oil could help protect cognitive function by reshaping the gut microbiome, the vast community of bacteria living in the digestive system.

In a recent study, published in the journal Microbiome, scientists explored how different types of olive oil influence both gut health and brain performance over time.

The study followed 656 adults aged 55 to 75 who were overweight or living with metabolic syndrome. Over two years, participants’ diets, gut bacteria, and cognitive abilities were closely monitored as part of the PREDIMED-Plus study.

The results revealed a clear pattern: those who regularly consumed extra virgin olive oil showed improved cognitive function and greater gut microbiome diversity—both considered markers of better overall health.

In contrast, participants who consumed refined olive oil experienced a decline in microbial diversity. This difference appears to stem from how the oils are produced.

Extra virgin olive oil is minimally processed, preserving beneficial compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants. Refined oils, on the other hand, lose many of these bioactive components during industrial processing.

Researchers also identified a specific group of gut bacteria, Adlercreutzia, that may play a role in linking olive oil consumption to brain health. Its presence was associated with better cognitive outcomes, suggesting that the gut-brain connection is central to these benefits.

The findings reinforce a simple but powerful idea: not all fats are equal. Choosing high-quality fats like extra virgin olive oil may support not just heart health, but also brain function—especially as we age.

REFERENCE: Jiaqi Ni, Stephanie K. Nishi, Nancy Babio, Clara Belzer, Jesús Vioque, Dolores Corella, Javier Hernando-Redondo, Josep Vidal, Isabel Moreno-Indias, Laura Compañ-Gabucio, Oscar Coltell, Montse Fitó, Estefanía Toledo, Dong D. Wang, Francisco J. Tinahones, Jordi Salas-Salvadó. Total and different types of olive oil consumption, gut microbiota, and cognitive function changes in older adults. Microbiome, 2026; 14 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s40168-025-02306-4