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 |  Subject: Omega-3 fats shown to improve cognition and memory in young adults  Fri 09 Nov 2012, 10:37 | |
| Omega-3 fats shown to improve cognition and memory in young adults(NaturalNews) The long chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA have been
shown to effectively lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack
and reduce the occurrence of dementia in aging adults. Omega-3 fats
improve systemic inflammation to aid vascular elasticity and reduce the
risk of blood clots that can result in a cardiovascular event.
Additionally, the fats are preferentially incorporated into the cell
wall matrix of neurons to aid neurotransmitter communications and the
flow of oxygen and nutrients for efficient cellular metabolism.
In a landmark study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have published the results of a study in the journal PLoS ONE
that demonstrates how omega-3 essential fatty acids such as those found
in foods like wild fish and grass-fed livestock are necessary for human
body functioning, and improve the working memory and level of cognition
in healthy, young adults. The study's authors determined that healthy,
young adults, aged 18 to 25 can improve their working memory even
further by increasing their omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Lead study author, Dr. Bita Moghaddam commented "Before
seeing this data, I would have said it was impossible to move young
healthy individuals above their cognitive best... we found that members
of this population can enhance their working memory performance even
further, despite their already being at the top of their cognitive
game." To conduct the study, scientists assembled a cohort of healthy young men and women to receive a standardized omega-3 supplement for a period of six months.
Omega-3 supplements affect dopamine levels in the brain to improve memory and decision making skills
At
the outset of the study, participants underwent PET scans and had blood
samples drawn. Each performed a numerical working memory test known as
an 'n-back test' to assess their ability to recall number sequences. The
researchers noted that numerical abilities corresponded to plasma
omega-3 levels before supplementation. After the six month study period,
blood samples were again drawn and memory recall tests were performed.
Virtually
all prior studies involving omega-3 levels and cognition have been
performed on aging adults, and the scientists wanted to assess if memory
could be improved in younger adults at the peak of physical and
cognitive function. The authors concluded "But what about our
highest-functioning periods? Can we help the brain achieve its full
potential by adapting our healthy behaviors in our young adult life? We
found that we absolutely can."
The authors cited past studies
showing that omega-3 supplementation in mice improved levels of
dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with mood as well as working
memory, and increases a protein known as VMAT2 that is associated with
decision making. Although the researchers did not make this causative
conclusion in their study, it should be clear to all health-conscious
individuals that daily supplementation with a quality omega-3 fish oil
is important to maintain brain health and improve memory in adolescents
and adults of all ages.
Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/037881_omega-3s_memory_DHA.html
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