Good news for seafood lovers! Omega-3s protect our brains!
Just read a study about how eating fish (or taking omega-3 or fish oil supplements) could protect our brains from cognitive decline caused by air pollution. This seemed odd to me because I just purchased a really great air filter with a hepa-filter to protect me from air pollution.
But according to Neurology, the medical journal of American Academy of Neurology,
“Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to fight inflammation and maintain brain structure in aging brains. They have also been found to reduce brain damage caused by neurotoxins like lead and mercury.”
Fatty fish that is baked or broiled (wild salmon, mackerel, and tuna) are the best sources for omega-3s. They say that fried fish loses the benefits because of the deep frying process. So no fish and chips!
Environmental neurotoxins are a problem for the brain because the particles are so small that they can be breathed into the lungs. From there, they can be distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream and cause neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
Because omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties, they can protect the brain. So have seafood once or twice a week to possibly stave off dementia. Well, that is some news I can embrace – I love wild salmon!