We have been told about the benefits of seafood more than once. It seems that we hear from childhood: "Eat more fish, it is incredibly useful." Well, lovers of specifics can get accurate data. Recently, researchers have found out exactly how fish affects our brain.
An elementary way to keep your brain healthy until old age
Everyone has heard that fish is good for the brain. This was known at least 100 years ago: the famous novelist, author of a series of books about Jeeves and Worcester, wrote:
“How many cans of sardines have you eaten, Jeeves?
“None, sir. I don't like sardines.
- So you came up with this amazing, grandiose, ingenious plan without stimulating your brain by eating fish at all?
A century ago, humans did not have any convincing evidence that fish was good for the brain. Researchers tried to find it, but all the evidence was mixed: even if eating seafood is good for the brain, the mercury content in some fish may have the opposite effect.
New research last week confirmed that fish is actually good for the brain. More specifically, eating fish lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The benefits of fish are greater than the harm of the mercury it contains
The author of the work Martha Clare Morris (Martha Clare Morris) of the Chicago Medical Center drew attention to people who took part in a long study of the aging process and died in the past 10 years. Scientists studied the brains of the deceased, examined the amyloid (senile) plaques that are signs of Alzheimer's disease, and used survey data to determine the diet of these people and find out how much fish they ate. Yes, the method is imperfect, but often the only possible one.
Here's what the researchers found: People who ate seafood at least once a week had lower rates of three different signs of Alzheimer's. It looks like the fish is countering this genetic mutation.
Bad news for fish oil and fish oil supplement manufacturers … Research has shown that fish oil does not provide any benefit. It is the fish that needs to be eaten.
This is not the first study to show the beneficial effects of fish consumption. The authors cite 13 previously published works. They all speak of the emergence of a certain protective mechanism in those who include seafood and polyunsaturated fatty acids in their diet: the development of cognitive impairment and dementia is suspended.
However, only new studies have assessed the risks of mercury poisoning in fish. Apparently, the overall effect is still positive: you get much more benefit than harm.
The benefits of fish are proven
The authors of the work also noted that as we age, the amount of docosahexaenoic acid, an essential substance for our brain, decreases. Therefore, older people simply have to eat seafood.
So Woodhouse was right 100 years ago: fish is indeed brain food.
Who to study for in order to be a sought-after specialist in the coming decades. Life hacker tells what promising professions to choose, if you are thinking about what kind of education to get or recommend to children, or are planning to retrain
“Out of my mind”, “in insanity”, “got under way in my old age” … We often hear this. You won't wish that on anyone. Neither myself nor my parents. But what to do? Years go by! They take their toll … In this article - an easy way to maintain clear thinking to a ripe old age.
