The benefits of a diet rich in extra virgin olive oil for one’s health are plentiful, research continues to discover more and more positive results of consuming olive oil. Now, not only have studies indicated positive results on individuals that have a regular intake of olive oil, but for mothers following this diet, the intake of olive oil also has positive effects on the development of their unborn babies.
During gestation, there is a great incorporation of fatty acids into the fetal brain, in order to maintain adequate development and since olive oil is consumed in the Mediterranean diet with great results, the idea was that the olive oil, with a favorable fatty acids profile, could be good as well in the prenatal period. – Prof. Marilise Escobar Burger.
The researchers studied the effects of different diets on rodent pups: a group of female rats received a diet enriched with 20 percent olive oil and one group was subjected to a standard diet. The pups were monitored over various stages: pregnancy, lactation, and after weaning until the pups’ adulthood.
At adulthood, animals in the olive oil diet group showed less brain lipid peroxidation and higher levels of glutathione sulfhydryl groups in the prefrontal cortex and lower brain levels of reactive species in the hippocampus. This group also showed an increase in molecules that play an important role in neuronal plasticity and cognitive function.
“Olive oil during perinatal period seems to be able to prevent oxidative damage and improve the appearance of protective neurotrophins in the adult brain.” – Camila Simonetti Pase, Federal University of Santa Maria.
Not only was it found that fetal exposure to olive oil in pregnancy can protect against damage to cells in the brain and increase certain functionality, researchers also discovered that an olive oil rich diet may assist in the prevention of psychiatric diseases in adulthood.
Marco Andrea Riva, researcher in the field of psychiatric disorders and factors that may affect the risk of developing them in the pre- and perinatal period, claims that there is clear evidence that exposure to stress makes the individual more vulnerable and more susceptible to develop certain psychiatric illnesses, such as depression or schizophrenia, later in life especially if they are exposed to stressful events during early life. Different factors can affect brain structure and function, not only those related to the environment but also nutritional elements.”
This research supports the evidence that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, already during the prenatal period, make the brain more plastic, more dynamic and therefore, probably, more resistant to any negative environmental stresses in adult life. – Prof. Riva concluded.
Sources:
http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-health-news/olive-oil-diet-during-pregnancy-can-benefit-the-unborn-through-adulthood/49023
http://www.oliveoilemporium.com/HealthBenefits/HealthBenefits.aspx
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