Have you forgotten your cars keys or had trouble recalling a friend’s name and felt worried about your brain function?
Recent research shows that one particular nutrient has a great impact on the risk of dementia. The study was published June 2022 and shows that the amount of one Omega-3 fatty acid found in the red blood cells of a patient is inversely related to the risk for dementia.
The two important Omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This study, published in Nutrients June 2022, found that those with the highest DHA levels had a staggering 49% lower risk of dementia than the lowest DHA group.
Our diets are radically lower in DHA than those of our ancestors just two or three generations back. Common food sources used to be wild game and meat or milk from grass-fed farm animals. Now the best source many of us have is fish. There are also small amounts in some seeds and nuts.
There is already compelling evidence that the proper balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils in the body are essential for reducing inflammation, for staving on depression and for managing weight. Now we can add brain health to the list.
If you have been getting at least two servings of cold-water, fatty fish each week then you may have good levels. However, in addition to have a good source of the fatty acids you also need adequate digestion to absorb them. Gallbladder or stomach problems can make it difficult for you to benefit from the nutrients in your food. There is a simple lab test that can be done at home that will evaluate your Omega-3 levels.