When is the last time you had fish for dinner? If you can't remember, it may be more than the passage of time that's to blame. Research suggests that improved memory is just one of many brain-boosting benefits associated with eating more fish.
You Are What You Eat
You've likely heard that omega-3 fatty acids are good for your health. But one in particular, docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, goes straight to your head.
"DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain health," says Torey Armul, MS, RD, CSSD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "In fact, it’s required to keep the brain functioning normally and efficiently. Brain and nervous system tissues are partly made up of fat, and research shows they have a special preference for DHA in particular."
If you think higher levels of DHA in your diet might simply help you remember to put fish on your shopping list, keep in mind that studies link DHA deficiencies to more serious mental problems than occasional forgetfulness. In fact, low levels of DHA have been associated with a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease in later years.
Signs of memory loss shouldn't be your first signal to boost intake. Think of fish consumption as a savings plan for your brain, not a winning lottery ticket. "Studies have shown that long-term consumption of adequate DHA is linked to improved memory, improved learning ability and reduced rates of cognitive decline," says Armul. "Eating fish isn't a quick fix for brain health, however.
To reap the brain benefits of DHA, you need to maintain a consistent intake of DHA-rich foods, like fish, fish oil, algal supplements or other DHA-fortified foods, in your diet."
Sea-Worthy Servings
Do you have to be swimming in fish dinners to feed your brain? The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults consume at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. This works out to be two 4-ounce servings of fish. Oily fish such as wild salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and farmed trout are great catches with DHA to offer. When you get cooking, think broiling or grilling — the extra fat from deep frying is counterproductive when there's lean protein on the menu. You also can select fish that have a lesser environmental impact and are lower in mercury. Sardines and wild Alaskan salmon are top choices. Meanwhile, shark and swordfish are choices to avoid due to high mercury levels.
Brains and Brawn
Add one more plus to the fish list: lean protein. To make sure the body stays in top aerobic condition to power through exercise, the effect of fish on the heart is just one more benefit. Aside from being lower in saturated fat than red meat, swapping burgers for tuna means more omega-3s, which studies have shown can lower blood pressure and reduce heart attack risk.
Seafood or Seaweed?
For individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, all is not lost — getting DHA is possible. Algae is a primary source of DHA, and is used to make vegetarian DHA supplements. Ground flax seed, walnuts and chia seeds are other vegetarian sources of another omega-3 fatty acid, ALA, which the body converts into DHA. However, our bodies may convert only about 5 percent of ALA to DHA.
Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/brain-health-and-fish