EVOO contains numerous antioxidants, including polyphenols, vitamins E and K, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. These antioxidants protect the brain from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, impairing brain health. They are also anti-inflammatory - inflammation is a known contributing factor to cognitive decline. High intake of polyphenols has been linked to improved cognitive function and decreased blood levels of beta-amyloid protein - that pesky plaque-forming protein - in the blood, which is a marker for Alzheimer’s disease. Consuming plenty of different tocopherols, the different forms of vitamin E, may decrease the activation of microglia, cells in the central nervous system that are strongly related to Alzheimer’s disease. One of vitamin K’s many functions is to regulate calcium levels in the brain, and it has been suggested that an imbalance of brain calcium may contribute to the damage that precipitates Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin K is also involved in the development and maintenance of some central nervous system cells, therefore inadequate intake may cause neurodegenerative dysfunction.