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Cardio-metabolic syndrome – otherwise known as metabolic syndrome – may be one of the leading health challenges that the US – and the world – faces today.
A combination of high-blood pressure, poor sensitivity to insulin, excess weight around your belly, and altered cholesterol levels, metabolic syndrome may be the leading cause of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease development.
For those who suffer from this condition – there are many interventions and strategies to treat this all so common disorder.
Now, for older people with metabolic syndrome – or metabolic disorders in general – may be at a higher risk for heart disease and impaired brain function – especially cognitive functioning.
But many people ask: is there anything they can do to reduce their risk for loss of cognitive functioning if they suffer from metabolic syndrome.
And their answer: YES!
Metabolic Syndrome and Omega-3 Fats
Nutritional and medical interventions may help reduce some – if not most – of the co-existing conditions that make up metabolic syndrome.
But one substance in particular – omega-3 fatty acids – may be a new option for improving brain function, and reducing the effects that metabolic syndrome has on older adult brains.
Here is a little background:
Although there has been plenty of research indicating omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to brain health, there has been very little study on the effects of omega-3 fats with the combination of metabolic syndrome.
Many studies show that when there are higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA – in the blood and other tissues, people may see tremendous health benefits.
Likewise, when there are higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain, according to some studies, there may be a reduced risk for depression, suicide, dementia, and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, back to the study!
Researchers attempted to see, not only if omega-3 fatty acids were effective at improving cognitive function as people grew older, but also to see if they were effective at reducing some factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
Here’s what they found:
People supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids (3 grams), showed better performance in working memory tests compared to the placebo group.
Working memory tests are psychological tests administered to determine cognitive function in older adults.
Now, when they looked at metabolic syndrome factors, they showed some AMAZING results!
They showed – people supplemented with omega-3 fats – had lower triacylglycerides and lower systolic blood pressure.
Now, you may be asking why this is important.
The researchers showed that systolic blood pressure, higher TNF-alpha levels, and higher fasting glucose levels were associated with poor performance on the cognitive tests!
They concluded:
“Intake of n-3 PUFA improved cognitive performance in healthy subjects after five weeks compared to the placebo.”
They also noted changes in cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive performance which may indicate a need for dietary prevention strategies to delay the onset of cognitive decline – especially in people with metabolic syndrome.
Boost Your Omega-3 Fats
If you – or a loved one – has metabolic syndrome, then this information is for you.
If you don’t have metabolic syndrome, then this information is still relevant, for the sole purpose to reduce at least one – or more – symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome.
And this may lead to better health outcomes as you get older, including improvements in your brain health and reducing your risk for cognitive decline.
If you’re considering steps to improve your health, then including sources of omega-3 fatty acids – either through supplement form or by eating wild-caught fatty fish - may be an important step in this process.
Here Are Some Other Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Worth Knowing About >>