Omega-3s & Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids levels in the blood have been linked to better brain health and cognitive function in midlife. 

Prior research has shown that Omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA, protect the brain.  Omega-3s are essential fats that we must obtain from food.  Good sources of Omega-3s are fatty fish (salmon, tuna, anchovies, and sardines), walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and leafy vegetables. 

Researchers analyzed blood and MRI data from 2,183 dementia-free and stroke-free participants, who were 53% female and average age of 46 years.  They discovered that higher blood concentrations of Omega-3s were associated with larger hippocampus volumes, as well as more effective abstract reasoning.  The hippocampus is a brain structure that is critical to learning and memory.

Takeaway: Strive to include Omega-3s in your diet to keep your memory-processing hippocampus healthy and to empower cognitive capacity.

Well-being is a journey, not a quick fix

Sources

Satizabal Claudia L, et al., Association of Red Blood Cell Omega-3 Fatty Acids with MRI Markers and Cognitive Function in Midlife: The Framingham Heart Study. Neurology, Oct 5, 2022, Association of Red Blood Cell Omega-3 Fatty Acids With MRI Markers and Cognitive Function in Midlife: The Framingham Heart Study | Neurology

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution, The Nutrition Source, Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Cleveland Clinic, The Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Health Essentials, Apr 4, 2022, 12 Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Cleveland Clinic.