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
Men, If You’re Feeling Tired—Don’t Ignore THIS Warning
You know that feeling when you wake up tired… and stay tired all day? You chalk it up to age—but lately, it’s worse. You’re dragging… You need more coffee… Your energy just isn’t what it used to be! But what if it’s not just age? A new study shows that fatigue in older men could...
Mailbag: Science-Backed Strategies Target Belly Fat
“What is an effective strategy for gradually eliminating (white) belly fat?” —Slimming Down Hi Slimming, White fat is the most common fat in the body, and its primary purpose is to store energy. But belly fat isn’t just about appearances. Having too much of it is associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and...
Just 35 Minutes Could SAVE Your Brain
For years, I’ve told you exercise is non-negotiable for healthy aging. As you age you must move more to protect your body and brain. Now, groundbreaking new research confirms what I’ve been saying all along. Exercise can slash your dementia risk—but with a surprising twist that eliminates your last excuse for not moving more. Dementia...
The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...
Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox
You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...
Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...
Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again
I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...