A team of experts at the University of South Dakota assessed 1,111 post-menopausal women with an average age of 70 years from Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. They increased the levels of omega-3s in the diets of these women to check how these fatty acids are associated with brain shrinkage levels.
The levels of DHA and EPA (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) found in fatty acids show up in red blood cells. In a follow up eight years after the assessment, DHA and EPA levels were recorded in these participants and MRI scans done to check total brain volume. The results showed women with twice the high levels of fatty acids had 0.7 percent larger brain volume. They also found 2.7 percent increase in the volume of hippocampus area that is associated with learning and memory.
Non-Fishy Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Want to reap the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, but dislike fish? We've got you covered.I actually think fish oil has other molecules that are antiviral, but I don't argue with vegetarians.
