Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids -- EFAs -- meaning that they're necessary for your survival. They maintain the health of your brain. Even more than that, omega-3 may decrease your chances of Alzheimer's disease. Greg Cole, professor of medicine and neurology at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, says that omega-3 increases production of a protective protein that destroys plaque associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to ScienceDaily.com.
Alzheimer's and Cholesterol
The Alzheimer's Association explains that clogs in arteries from high consumption of cholesterol and saturated fats can lead to health issues like increased LDL -- low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol -- which may leave you with a larger risk of Alzheimer's disease. HDL on the other hand -- high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol -- can help defend brain cells. The Alzheimer's Association advises you to use "good" fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered a type of polyunsaturated fat. MayoClinic.com ranks fish and omega-3 fatty acids as its second best food to lower cholesterol.
Omega-3 in the Brain
Your brain is full of cells, or neurons, that communicate to one another through signals. A single signal needs to be given from one neuron to the other, by departing from one cell at a region referred to as the synapse. From there the signal passes through a gap between neurons and enters the other cell through the cell membrane, or the outer wall of the cell. The cell membrane is made up of practically all fat, 20 percent of which is EPAs like omega-3. According to BBC Health, one role omega-3 may play is making it easier for these signals to enter the cells.
DHA
Formations within the membrane called ion channels either allow the signal into the cell or keep it from penetrating. In order to do this, the ion channels must become flexible and alter their forms. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid -- a type of omega-3 fatty acid -- may ensure the elasticity of the ion channels, explains BBC Health. If deficiency of DHA occurs, it's replaced by DPAn-6. DPAn-6 is very similar to DHA; however, this alternative is much less flexible. This in turn causes the ion channels to have a harder time morphing shape, thus slowing the functioning of the channels regarding the signals. This is one reason why it's important to get enough omega-3 fatty acids.
EPA
"Omega-3 can improve brain function at the very simplest level, by improving blood flow," explains researcher Dr. Alex Richardson, of Mansfield College, University of Oxford. Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, another type of omega-3 fatty acid, may also provide valuable brain benefits. EPA produces eicosanoids, substances that improve the flow of blood. Cell membranes contain EPA, but only a very low amount. A study conducted by Richardson and colleagues at the University of Oxford in 2002 found that out of more than 100 children who took EPA oil every night for six months, about 40 percent showed significant improvement in academics, including reading, notes BBC Health.
References
- ScienceDaily; Anti-Alzheimer's Mechanism In Omega-3 Fatty Acids Found; Jan. 2, 2008
- Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet; Dec. 29, 2010
- MayoClinic; Cholesterol: Top 5 Foods to Lower Your Numbers; May 7, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 25, 2009
- BBC Health: The Omega Wave
- Durham Research; Durham Research in Primary Schools -- The Durham Trial; January 2004
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