Urgent News For Omega-3 Fatty Acid Consumers

As the years go by, your brain function may start to decline.

It’s just another sign of that yes, you’re getting older.

However, some people may experience subtle changes in memory and brain function that often occur as we age.

These subtle changes – often referred to as mild cognitive impairment – may be a result of increased free radicals – or the results of oxidative stress in your brain cells.

Besides disruptions in memory and other functions, mild cognitive impairment may be a sign of worsening brain activity that could lead to dementia.

Can you stop this process?

Unfortunately, the natural process of aging may lead to a decrease in brain function – regardless of changes that you may make.

But, is there something that may slow the process?

Although a complicated question, new research may provide an answer…

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Function

There have been many studies that show the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, may improve brain function as you get older.

In fact, some studies link an increase in omega-3 fatty acids to better health, brain function, and other brain-related health issues.

And now, a new study shows that these potent omega-3 fatty acids may reduce oxidative stress markers, therefore possibly improving the brain health in some older adults.

Here’s what the researchers found:

They compared blood work from 67 patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment to 134 healthy participants.

First, they discovered that lipid hydroperoxide levels (LPO) were significantly higher in patients suffering from cognitive impairment compared to control patients.

Lipid hydroperoxide level (LPO) is a measure of the oxidation of fats in your body.  It is a very good indicator of oxidative stress and free radical damage that may occur when a free radical “steals” an electron from a healthy cell resulting in damage to the cells.

Next, they discovered an inverse relationship between DHA and EPA levels and LPO levels.  Meaning, if DHA and EPA were lower, the LPO level was higher and vice versa.

And, when EPA and DHA levels increased the LPO levels significantly decreased.

What did they conclude?

“The findings revealed that DHA and EPA can play a role in alleviating oxidative stress and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.”

Better Brain Health

It’s a simple fact: you are getting older as is the rest of the world.

And with aging may come many different ailments from the simplest forms of arthritis to the most severe being Alzheimer’s diseases.

Now, as you age, you may experience a loss of brain function, which could lead to a common condition called mild cognitive impairment, where you may live with memory issues or other conditions that affect the brain.

Some studies show that oxidative stress (free radical damage to cells) may be one reason for a decline in brain function and mild cognitive impairment.

And, according to this new study, the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, may play a large role in reducing or preventing oxidative stress from affecting your brain cells.

In fact, they showed that as EPA and DHA levels increased, blood markers for oxidative stress decreased.

Take home message: if you want to reduce or prevent many common age-related brain issues (mild cognitive impairment), then you may want to include the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. 

These powerful fats, when part of a healthy diet and exercise program, may contribute to better brain health and overall health.



POWERFUL Fats That May Improve Your Health >>



References:

Lee LK, Shahar S, Rajab NF, Yusoff NAM, Jamal RA, Then SM.  The role of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing lipid peroxidation among elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: a case-control study.  The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.  2013 May;24(5):803-808.