Reverse Brain Aging with This Nutrient Duo
By
Natalie Moore
Posted May 24, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
It’s no secret that aging can really take a toll on your brain.
And sometimes quickly — it seems like overnight you can go from remembering the name of your first-grade teacher to barely remembering your own address.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Because researchers from the University of Illinois have just found that two super nutrients can help shield your brain from the effects of aging.
And getting enough of these nutrients can be the key to preserving your memory – and your independence – throughout your golden years.
I’m talking about omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
For years, scientists have known that these fatty acids play a key role in your heart health.
More recently, researchers wanted to see what kind of effect this powerful duo has on the aging brain.
In two different studies, scientists examined the relationship between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acid and cognitive decline. They focused on the frontal parietal network, a part of the brain that’s vital to cognitive function and often declines prematurely.
In both studies, they looked for fatty acid patterns in the blood of adults ages 65–75. Next, they compared these levels with the participants’ cognitive abilities and brain structures.
And what they found was amazing…
Folks with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including their precursors like alpha-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid, had larger frontoparietal cortices and better scores on cognitive tests.
But the good news doesn’t stop there…
The second study also showed that folks with balanced blood levels of both omega-3 and omega-6 had larger fornixes, a cluster of nerve fibers that are vital for memory.
In short, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids slow aging in parts of the brain key to memory and cognitive function.
Researchers believe these fatty acids are so effective because they strengthen important brain structures that are greatly affected by aging and disease.
Results like these make getting a balanced amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids a real no-brainer!
You can get omega-3s, alpha-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid through foods like nuts and certain fish like salmon and tuna. And foods like poultry, eggs and nuts contain omega-6 fatty acids.
But your best bet is to take a fatty acid supplement that contains both omega-3s and omega-6s to ensure you’re getting a balanced amount. You can find these supplements at puritan.com.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Healthy brain aging linked to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood
[2] Omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids linked to healthy brain aging
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Scientists Discover Hidden CAUSE of Stubborn Diabetes
If, despite diet and exercise, you’re struggling to control type 2 diabetes, this might be the most important thing you read this year. New research uncovered a microscopic malfunction in muscle cells—and it could be sabotaging your body’s response to insulin. The most shocking part? It has nothing to do with your diet, weight, or...
Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works? Thank you,” Sneezy and Allergic Hi Sneezy, It’s...
Eat 23 of These Daily to SLASH Heart Risk [DELICIOUS!]
When it comes to heart health, we’re constantly told what we need to cut out. You know the drill—ditch the salt, dump the sugar, and avoid the processed foods. But what if I told you that adding something to your diet could be just as effective for protecting your heart? A comprehensive new scientific analysis...
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...