Omega 3's for Your Brain
Brain health is a hot topic these days. By the year 2035, Americans over age 65 are projected to outnumber children under the age of 18. What can we do today to keep mentally sharp as we age?
Discovering the role of essential fatty acids and their effect on brain health marked a significant milestone for scientists. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, represent a powerful group of nutrients. They are vital to brain health, mental wellbeing, and overall health.
Over a dozen omega-3 benefits supported by scientific studies include:
- Fighting low mood*
- Improving eye health*
- Improving risk factors for heart health issues*
- Providing metabolic health support*
- Battling inflammation*
- Improving skin texture and hydration*
- Promoting brain growth and supporting aging brains*
We often talk about cutting back on fats in our diet. While the brain is one of the fattest, albeit most significant organs in our body, we don’t want to cut back on crucial omega-3 essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA.
DHA is considered the most essential omega-3 for brain health as 97 percent of omega-3 fats reside in the brain and nervous system. The cerebral cortex is built on DHA. It controls memory, language, abstraction, creativity, judgment, emotion, and attention. People with low levels of DHA actually have smaller brains. DHA also supports the function of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin.
Studies show DHA is present in 30 percent of the brain. The two essential omega-3 fats, EPA, and DHA:
- Regulate brain structure and building healthy cell membranes*
- Support both infant brain development and the aging process*
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative damage to the brain*
- Improve nerve transmission*
- Improve mood and memory*
It’s a fact cognitive function peaks during middle age and declines as the body and mind start to age. When high levels of omega-3 nutrients reside in our brains, the hippocampus grows larger, vital for maintaining long-term memory and spatial ability.
An estimated 70 percent of Americans are deficient in omega-3. Plant sources like chia seeds, hemp seeds, Brussels sprouts, and walnuts contain ALA. These foods are converted in the body to EPA and DHA but in minuscule amounts that aren’t considered very useful.
Land animal sources of omega-3 include meat, poultry, and eggs. The value of these fats is dependent on how the animals were raised. Like humans, animals get their omega-3 fats from the food they eat. Formerly, animals grazed on wild grasses and other natural food sources. Nowadays, animals are confined and fed processed corn and grain feed lacking omega-3 fats.
Fish and seafood are excellent sources of omega-3 but known to possess high levels of mercury and other contaminants. The best fish known to be low in mercury are wild Alaskan salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines.
Mass-production has eliminated much of the naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids from the food chain. For brain benefit from animal sources of omega-3, choose products marked wild-caught, grass-fed, pasture-raised, or free-range. To balance the known risks with significant benefits of fish and seafood consumption, eat wild-caught, cold-water fish in moderation.
Make informed choices for your diet and add QOL’s Advasorb® DHA to support omega-3 levels. The positive impact on your brain function, mood, and overall health can be life-changing.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
