Omega-3 Fatty Acids to protect your Brain

Omega-3 Fatty Acids to protect your Brain

Omega-3 fatty acids comprise a large and important portion of brain cell membranes, where they participate in a wide variety of cellular functions. Indeed, 30 to 50% of the fatty acids in brain cell membranes are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that include the vital omega-3 group. Brain cell membranes are especially rich in DHA, an essential fatty acid derived only from the diet.59,60

Omega-3s have many functions that help protect brain cells. Omega-3 fats are known to enhance the brain’s relaxing functions.61 This protects brain cells from overexcitation, which is a major cause of brain cell damage that occurs with aging.62 Omega-3s also help preserve brain cell function by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory signaling molecules in the brain.59,63 Similarly, omega-3 fats in brain tissue protect cells from damage induced by stress and elevated stress steroids.63

The importance of this protection is especially seen when there’s not enough of this vital nutrient. Indeed, abnormal distributions of fatty acids in brain cells are associated with a variety of mental health disorders, particularly major depression and bipolar disorder.64

It is not surprising, then, that age-related changes in brain cell omega-3 fat composition raise the risk of brain abnormalities as people age.65 By contrast, studies show that a higher omega-3 index (which is the sum of the omega-3 fats EPA plus DHA), is correlated with larger brain volume.66

Unfortunately, aging is associated with a significant decline in DHA levels in the brain, a drop that is sharply worsened in Alzheimer’s disease and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.67,68.

This highlights the importance of protecting your brain by supplementing with omega-3 fats.

Info source:

http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/2/combat-age-related-brain-atrophy/page-01