Middle-aged people (40-50 years old) who often eat foods and especially fish with a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, cod, herring, tuna, etc., can improve their brain function and mind. New American scientific research. Previous studies have found something similar in older people, but the new study has focused on younger people, showing they too may benefit.

Researchers led by Claudia Satizabal, associate professor of population health sciences at the University of Texas, who published a related publication in the American Academy of Neurology’s journal Neurology, analyzed data from 2,183 cognitively healthy people with an average age of 46. Participants measured omega-3 levels, which also underwent cognitive tests and an MRI of the brain.

It was found that those who ate more of the foods that allowed them to have higher levels of omega-3s in the body, such as EPA and DHA, also had better average cognitive scores on cognitive tests, as well as a larger average hippocampal volume, a vital an area of ​​the brain that plays a key role in learning and memory. The worst picture in both the tests and the hippocampus was in those who consumed very little or no omega-3s.

“Improving our diet is one way to boost our brain health. Our research shows that even a moderate intake of omega-3s can be enough to keep your brain functioning well. This is in line with current American Heart Association dietary guidelines for eating at least two servings of fish per week to improve cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Satizabal.

However, he added that the study only shows a link between omega-3s and mental health, not necessarily a causal relationship, and said his findings need to be confirmed by further research.

So far, scientists are not sure why and how omega-3s protect the brain and, by extension, the mind and its functions. One theory of explanation is that they help brain neurons work better, and another is that the substances in question have anti-inflammatory properties.

“The case is complex. “We don’t understand everything yet, but as we have shown, the bottom line is that if you increase your omega-3 intake even a little, it will protect your brain,” said the lead researcher.

Source: RES – OIE