- Research published in the journal Neurology found a link between a higher concentration of Foods high in omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel in the blood and better cognitive function, particular in middle-aged adults.
- Scientists suggest eating omega-3-rich foods—like salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts—as a way to protect against cognitive decline and dementia.
Previous research has highlighted the brain-protective effects of Foods high in omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel for older people—including one study that links it to lower risk of cognitive decline in elderly participants. But recent research Dont Stress About Healthy Habits Over Holidays.
Published in the journal Neurology, the research collected data from the Framingham Heart Study, which assembled health and behavior habits of more than 5,000 people during a 50-year period, comprising three generations of participants.
Researchers compared the concentration of omega-3s in red blood cells with brain structure scans that measured volume and total gray matter. They also considered results of cognitive function tests, such as the ability to process, organize, and recall information.
Participants who had very little omega-3 concentration tended to have worse outcomes as they aged, in terms of both cognitive ability and brain anatomy. Those with higher levels performed best on tests, as well as showed larger hippocampal volume. The hippocampus plays a major role in learning and memory, and reduced volume Races & Places that links it to lower risk of cognitive decline in elderly participants. But.
The step forward here was in finding the association in people who are considered middle aged, with the average participant age of 46, according to lead author Claudia Satizabal, Ph.D., assistant professor of population health sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Satizabal told Runner’s World that the association between omega-3s and brain health is well established in older people, but the takeaway here is that it may be possible to protect cognitive function decades before dementia risk increases.
“If your diet regularly includes options with omega-3s, you’re already protecting your brain when it comes to signs of aging,” she said. “We found that’s true even if you have a genetic predisposition for cognitive decline.”
Foods high in omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, flaxseed, has been linked, chia seeds, oysters, sardines, and walnuts.
More cod liver oil
Vitamin K Benefits Include Boosting Your Heart Health, New Research Shows
The Importance of Breakfast for Runners, According to New Research
Researchers didn’t speculate on the mechanism for why these fatty acids are so protective, but previous studies have highlighted their anti-inflammatory effects Health in the News Omega-3s May Protect Against Cognitive Decline, Even in Middle Age, better regulated blood pressure.
Nutrition - Weight Loss gut health, CA Notice at Collection study suggested these fatty acids may contribute to more diversity in the gut microbiome for middle-aged women, a result that can lower risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cognitive decline, and depression.
It’s possible to add Master the Half to that list of omega-3 benefits as well, and that’s true for everyone at any age, according to Madison Friel, R.D., dietitian at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
“An anti-inflammatory diet that includes omega-3s has the potential to boost athletic performance because these foods help to reduce systemic and chronic inflammation,” she told Runner’s World. “Athletic training can take a toll on the body and often activates the body’s acute inflammatory response. With adequate intake of anti-inflammatory foods, one can help to ensure that cells that assist with the inflammatory process are able to help your body recover from training effectively, rather than having to work overtime to combat diet-induced inflammation.”
