Want a healthy brain? Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Having trouble with that crossword puzzle?

Here’s some interesting information from a study by Finnish researchers, recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The report acknowledged the reduction in small brain lesions (called “Silent Infarcts”) in men and women with higher levels of plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Silent Infarcts are caused by a lack of blood flow, and that’s often associated with a decrease in cognitive abilities. Silent infarcts are estimated to affect approximately 20% of healthy older adults.

So the basic idea is this: increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, and you’ll help prevent this type of damage to your brain as you age. Adequate blood levels of omega-3 can also play an important preventative role in heart disease.

How do you increase omega-3 fatty acids?

The following foods are all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

• Sardines
• Salmon
• Flax seeds
• Walnuts

Omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form.

If you have questions about omega-3 fatty acids, or other preventative health steps you can take, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment.

Inspiring you to Live Longer Better,
Dr. Grant Pagdin, MD

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Flickr Photo Credit: Bev Goodwin