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Can consuming omega-3 fatty acids in your midlife years help your brain? Study finds out

Published on: Oct 7, 2022, 17:48:00 IST
ANI | Posted by , Washington [US]
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Can consuming omega-3 fatty acids in your midlife years help your brain: Study (istockphoto)
Can consuming omega-3 fatty acids in your midlife years help your brain: Study (istockphoto)

According to an exploratory study, people who consume more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in midlife may have better cognitive function and even better brain shape than people who consume less of these items.

According to an exploratory study, those who consume more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids in midlife may have higher cognitive abilities and even better brain structure than those who consume less of these foods. The research is published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, on October 5, 2022, online. Fish including salmon, sardines, lake trout, and albacore tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. They can also be found in supplements or foodstuffs that have been fatty acid-fortified. (Also read: Lesser known health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for skin and hair )

According to research author Claudia L. Satizabal, PhD, of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, "improving our diet is one strategy to boost our brain health." "It may have a big influence on public health if people could increase their cognitive resilience and possibly prevent dementia with some easy dietary adjustments.

Even better, our research hints that a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids may be sufficient to maintain brain health. This is in keeping with the most recent American Heart Association dietary recommendations, which state that eating fish at least twice a week can help with cardiovascular health.

2,183 adults without dementia or strokes, with an average age of 46, participated in the cross-sectional study. Their omega-3 fatty acid concentrations were evaluated. They took assessments of their capacity for thought. Their brain volumes were measured via scans. The average percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in the low group participants was 3.4%, while it was 5.2% for the high group participants. 8% or more is deemed ideal. Levels of 4% to 8% are regarded as moderate. Low levels are those that fall below 4%.

The cross-sectional study included 2,183 persons without dementia or strokes, with an average age of 46. Their levels of omega-3 fatty acids were measured. They underwent evaluations of their thinking abilities. Scans were used to calculate the size of their brains.

Participants in the low group had an average omega-3 fatty acid content of 3.4%, while those in the high group had an average of 5.2%. 8% or higher is considered excellent. Moderate levels are defined as 4% to 8%. Lower than 4% levels are considered low.

The majority of the sample, according to Satizabal, was non-Hispanic white adults, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other groups even if the study included a small percentage of persons of all races and ethnicities.

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  • Akanksha Agnihotri
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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