My motivation to care for my brain health is ever-growing. I’ve seen the impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s on loved ones. I’m also someone who has a lifelong mental health disorder. Because of that, I do everything I can to keep myself sharp, whether it’s 1,000-piece puzzles or weighted incline walks at the gym. I just found out that I have been doing a very healthy habit regularly for years—one that could significantly help my brain.
A study from 2024 circulated among my coworkers and me this past week. It found that about ½ tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with a 28% lower risk of a dementia-related cause of death. (Read our original report on the study.) I immediately got excited, because I practically drink olive oil—that’s how much I love it. It was quite a large study that included data from 92,383 participants, over half of whom were women. Researchers didn’t indicate a causal link between olive oil and lower dementia-related risk of death, but they did note olive oil’s brain-boosting benefits when consumed as part of a Mediterranean diet. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which are excellent for brain health.
But you need to consider two important factors: the quality and the storage. Higher-quality olive oils contain more antioxidants. Extra virgin oils are excellent since they’re less processed. And storage? A good quality brand will sell olive oil in the right bottles, but you need an oil dispenser that checks important boxes. I invest in my oil (I love Heraclea), but my go-to dispenser is this $10 find from Amazon.
Aozita 17-Ounce Olive Oil Dispenser
Amazon
I wouldn’t change a thing about this olive oil dispenser, because it makes cooking quick and tidy. The most important feature it offers is the tinted, nonporous green glass, which helps prevent oxidation. The tinted bottle also helps protect my quality oils from sunlight, another culprit for spoilage.
The size of the bottle is ideal for keeping on my countertop. It’s long and slim, taking up very minimal space. It’s also easy to grab. And, the 17-ounce size is enough to last a few weeks, so I’m not refilling it constantly.
Speaking of refills: They’re a breeze due to the included funnel. While the set comes with three different lids—a flip-top spout, a covered spout and a twist-on cap—I keep the flip-top option on at all times. This keeps my oil covered, but it opens up as soon as I tilt the bottle to drizzle into a pan or bowl.
This bottle has more than 4,600 perfect ratings from shoppers, who love all the same things I do about it. With oil being such a staple, why not make it easy to use it and potentially gain some brain benefits?
After all, who doesn’t need a little bit of that?
Shop More Olive Oil Dispensers
Aozita 17-Ounce Olive Oil Dispenser, 2-Pack
Amazon
Zulay Kitchen 17-Ounce Olive Oil Dispenser
Amazon
Sweejar 20-Ounce Ceramic Olive Oil Dispenser
Amazon
Rachel Ray Ceramic 24-Ounce Olive Oil Dispenser
Amazon
Emile Henry Stoneware 15-Ounce Oil Cruet
Amazon
At the time of publishing, the price was $10.
