When I consider foods that actually feed the brain, I consider salmon. I've witnessed it myself as a doctor how nutrition can entirely change mental function, and one of the more brain health foods that nature offers is salmon. How it works is that it's a fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of EPA and DHA, which are essential building blocks that the brain needs to have in place to function normally.
Salmon happens to be one of the most concentrated food sources of omega-3 brain function nutrients. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential fatty acids that play a vital role in brain development and function. My question is, how do these nutrients actually become part of our brain cell membranes to influence everything from mood to memory?
The brain itself is made up of about 60% fat, and DHA brain health components comprise about 15-20% of the brain's overall fatty acid composition. So by consuming salmon just once weekly, we are providing our brains with what they need to be at their optimal best.
Recent research has shown some fascinating facts on why omega-3 fatty acids' brain benefits are so significant:
Research has shown that individuals who consume salmon and other fish rich in omega-3 for memory have better memory formation and recall. Salmon's DHA loosens up brain cell membranes to allow neurons to communicate with greater ease. That neural transmission is the product of faster thinking and learning.
More sophisticated brain imaging research showed that people with more omega-3s also have better brain structure, including larger hippocampal size. The hippocampus is the most important region of memory and learning, so this is an excellent indication of overall long-term brain health benefits.
What surprises most of my patients is how quickly they can get better. It was found that brain function omega-3 enrichment can be quantified within six weeks of uninterrupted use. The greater the omega-3 level in the blood rises, the greater the cognitive improvement.
Regular intake of salmon enhances short- and long-term memory. The omega-3 memory support assists in the formation of brain cells and stimulates new neural pathways for remembering and recalling memory.
EPA in salmon also controls brain inflammation that has a direct impact on mood regulation. The majority of patients become emotionally stable and experience fewer signs of depression if they have more omega-3 mental health support from salmon.
Most importantly, alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 in salmon, has been proven to avert cognitive decline in the elderly. Fatty acids ensure healthy brain aging by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, the most potent catalysts of neurodegenerative illness.
These same mind-enhancing properties of salmon translate to healthy brain function support. A majority of individuals find that they are more alert, their head is clearer, and they have sharper thoughts when they consume salmon on a consistent basis.
If I were a physician, then I would generally recommend that you eat fatty fish like salmon at least two times weekly. You can get about 1,500-2,000mg of omega-3 brain benefits per serving size of 3.5 ounces, and that is the serving size, and that is what all of the health organizations are recommending is the dose for brain function.
For those who cannot handle fish on a weekly basis, good quality omega-3 supplements brain are beneficial, but I always want to get the whole food whenever possible due to other nutrients that salmon contains.
To derive maximum mental benefits from salmon:
While a winner with the salmon brain health benefits is everyone, there are a few individuals who can benefit at least phenomenally:
The facts are straightforward: the omega-3s' brain health impact is dramatic, ranging from the day-to-day benefit of better concentration and memory to the overall increased state of resilience against mental breakdown. As a physician who prescribes food on a daily basis, I can tell you with not a single doubt that eating salmon is one of the most important food choices you can make to move yourself toward optimal mental performance.
The appeal of salmon is not only its high content of omega-3s but also the manner in which the nutrients work with the other chemicals in the fish to provide an overall enhancement of brain function nutrition. Consuming salmon is an investment in the future of your brain.
Keep in mind, brain health nutrition is a long-term investment, and each thing you do today is tomorrow's thoughts. By incorporating salmon into your daily life, you are ahead of the game of clear thinking, razor-sharp memory, and peak brain functioning throughout your lifespan.
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