Sometimes it can be difficult to get the necessary nutrients through food alone. This can be especially true as you age because it’s common for your appetite to change and your nutrient needs to increase. If you are someone who is concerned at all about your brain or cognitive healthtaking the right supplement can help.
“Brain supplements are specifically designed to benefit brain health and function. Their purpose is primarily for long-term brain health, but some short-term benefits can be expected as well,” he says. Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD a Balance One Supplements. “Some immediate benefits to expect include better concentration, a slight increase in energy, better sleep, and a modest improvement in mood.
According to Best, when it comes to the best supplement for your brain, any supplement with omega-3 fatty acids is helpful in keeping the brain young and fit.
Read on, and for more tips for healthy aging, check out 5 coffee habits that may be shortening your life.
How omega-3 fatty acids benefit your brain
“A diet that lacks omega-3s or has a significant imbalance between omega-3s and omega-6s can lead to poor cognitive function and brain health, so when it comes to making a list of foods and supplements that increase brain power, foods that contain omega-3 they’re usually at the top,” says Best.
In fact, omega-3s are arguably some of the most important nutrients for brain health as you age.
“This is because about 60% of the brain is made up of fat, and half of that is omega-3 fats; foods rich in omega-3s have been found to help prevent cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and slow mental decline. says better. “The brain also requires omega-3 fat to make nerve cells, which are vital for memory and the ability to learn.”
According to a report published in Aging Research Reviews, adequate consumption of these fatty acids helped slow brain aging and cognitive decline related to the aging process. They are even known to possibly help reduce the risk of dementia.
Omega-3s have also been found to help certain mental health problems, and deficiency of this fatty acid has been linked to an increased risk of bipolar disorder, ADHD and depression.
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Finding the Right Omega-3 Supplement
It can seem a bit intimidating to find the right omega-3 supplement with so many on the market today. Most of these supplements are made from fish oil, but there are also vegetarian options you can find, such as algae oil.
There are three different types of omega-3s (ALA, EPA, and DHA), but many people suggest finding one that has a combination of omega-3 DHA and EPAthey have many popular supplements. Research has also suggested that DHA omega-3s may be one of the most important for your brain. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor about the best type for your personal needs.
