Is Fish Good for My Brain?

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

Fish is not only rich in flavor, but rich in health benefits that are directly linked to greater brain function. And even more, a new study suggests that it may reduce the chance of dementia development in older adults. Researchers found that among nearly 15,000 older adults living in China, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela, the odds of development dementia generally declined as fish consumption rose. The Omega 3 fatty acids in the fish are not only good for the brain – especially for infants who’s neurological functions are still increasing and growing, but also have been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower heart rates, alleviate symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis, and improve other cardiovascular risks.

What types of fish are best for me? These fish are high in Omega 3’s and low in mercury and other environmental contaminants.

- Salmon
- Sardines
- Herring
- Albacore Tuna from the U.S. and Canada
- Anchovies
- Farmed Oysters
- Halibut
- Sablefish
- Mackerel
- Farmed Rainbow Trout

For those of you who aren’t meat eaters, or are simply not a fan of eating fish, there are other ways to make Omega 3 consumption part of your daily diet. You could even try integrating fish oil supplements into your daily vitamin routine. Other foods you could seek to introduce into your diet include:

- Flax seed
- Walnuts
- Soybeans
- Dark green vegetables
- Fortified foods like eggs, bread, and juice
- Winter Squash

So, eat up. Make your brain function sharper and even more effective not only now, but for your golden years.


Reference

1. More Evidence that Fish is Brain Food. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE57D39Z20090814 Accessed on the web August 15, 2009.