Okay, so I’ve been diving deep into this whole olive oil and brain health thing. It’s been buzzing around, and I figured, why not give it a shot? I mean, I’m all about keeping this noggin’ of mine in tip-top shape. So, I started with finding the guideline of “5 rules for olive oil and brain health”. I’m gonna walk you through what I did and what I’ve noticed.
Rule 1: Get the Good Stuff
First things first, I learned that not all olive oil is created equal. You gotta go for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Apparently, this stuff is the least processed, so it keeps all the good nutrients and antioxidants. I used to just grab whatever was cheapest, big mistake! I swapped out my old bottle for a decent EVOO. The price difference was noticeable, but I figured it’s an investment in my brain, right?
Rule 2: Store It Right
Next up, storage. Turns out, light and heat are the enemies of olive oil. Who knew? I used to keep mine right next to the stove – super convenient, but also super dumb. Now, I keep it in a dark, cool cupboard. I even read somewhere that some people keep theirs in the fridge, but I haven’t gone that far yet.
Rule 3: Cook with It (But Not Too Hot)
This one was a bit tricky. I love stir-frying, and I used to crank up the heat. But apparently, EVOO has a relatively low smoke point. So, if you heat it too much, you’re breaking down all those good compounds and potentially creating harmful ones. Now, I use it more for sautéing at lower temperatures, drizzling over salads, and dipping bread. I’ve switched to other oils (like avocado oil) for high-heat cooking.
Rule 4: Drizzle, Don’t Drown
Moderation is key, they say. Even though EVOO is good for you, it’s still a fat. So, I’ve been mindful of how much I’m using. I’m not drenching my food in it. Instead, I’m going for a light drizzle or a tablespoon or two in my cooking. I try to use it to replace other less healthy fats, like butter, sometimes.
Rule 5: Make It a Habit
Finally, the last step: consistency. This isn’t a one-time thing. To really see any potential brain benefits, I’ve gotta make this a regular part of my diet. So, I’ve been trying to incorporate EVOO into my meals every day, in some way or another. I started using it in my salad, with vegetables, and every food that needed a little bit of oil. It’s become a staple in my kitchen.
It’s still early days, but I do feel like I have a bit more mental clarity. Placebo effect? Maybe. But even if it is, I’m enjoying the taste, and I feel good about making a healthier choice. I’ll keep at it and see how it goes long-term. This whole olive oil experiment has been pretty interesting, and I’m definitely sticking with it!
