Despite an unpleasant taste and hints of fish that are just as unpleasant, fish oil is a proven health asset! A study by researchers at the Rhode Island Hospital (USA) shows that regular intake of fish oil, rich in omega-3, can help maintain a healthy mind, and thus prevent the disease of ‘Alzheimer’s.
To conduct their study, the results of which have been published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the researchers solicited 819 middle-aged adults, to whom they passed MRIs and neuropsychological tests, every six months. 229 people had no cognitive impairment, 397 had a small cerebral decrease and 193 had Alzheimer’s disease.
Cognitive functions preserved
And the results were positive. In subjects with no disorder and who were given supplements based on fish oil, the researchers noticed that their cognitive functions were better preserved. “Furthermore, the various brain MRI scans conducted during the study showed that subjects with normal cognitive functioning who took fish oil supplements had less brain shrinkage in key neurological areas, compared to subjects with normal cognitive function who took fish oil supplements. people who weren’t taking these supplements,” noted Lori Daiello, an Alzheimer’s disease specialist at Rhode Island Hospital.
We already knew the virtues of fish oil for cardiovascular protection, forrheumatoid arthritis and potentially for depression and mood disorders, but dietary supplements rich in omega-3s could benefit subjects of all ages and even play a role in prevention and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. It is generally recommended to consume 500mg of EPA and DHA, the two omega-3 fatty acids. This quantity is found in 50 grams of sardines, 100 grams of prawns or twenty grams of Atlantic mackerel.