A new study delving into Omega-3 (fish oil) and it’s affect on our metabolism and brain function provides further support for the recommendation to eat 2-3 servings of oily fish per week. According to their findings, fish oil not only promotes healthy metabolic functions and cardiovascular health, these benefits in turn directly support cognitive function.

It’s studies like these that explain why many doctors highly recommend fish oil for overall health—so much so that it’s one of the most popular supplements in America.

Study Details

For the study, 40 healthy participants between the ages of 51 and 72 received either three grams of fish oil containing 1,500 mg of EPA and 1,050 mg DHA or a placebo for a period of five weeks. After a “wash out” period of five weeks, the groups switched treatments.

Among those receiving fish oil, the researchers reported:

• An inverse association between fish oil consumption and markers for metabolic and cardiovascular health
• Better performance in working memory and cognitive function tests
• The relationship between metabolic and cardiovascular health were also inversely associated with cognitive function.

Fish Oil Sources

If you enjoy seafood, the best sources of fish oil are from the following fish species as they contain the fewest contaminants (mercury and PCBs) while still providing a good source of EPA and DHA:

• Salmon
• Pollock
• Flounder or Sole
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Herring

Otherwise, the safest way to get the benefits of fish without the risk of mercury is a high quality fish oil supplement.

We stipulate “high quality” as there are significant differences in the quality and potency of fish oil supplements on the market. The best quality fish oil supplements are made from smaller fish that typically contain little or no mercury and PCBs to begin with. Then the oil is purified and concentrated to provide high amounts of EPA and DHA. And finally, as fish oil can spoil, so look for a high quality fish oil supplement that contains an antioxidant to preserve freshness and prevent rancidity (spoilage).

Source:

NutraIngredients