The human brain is comprised of approximately 60 percent fat and requires essential fatty acids for fetal development, nerve cell membranes, neurotransmitter function and sustaining optimal health throughout life, according to research published by scientists at the Chi-Mei Medical Center in Tainan, Taiwan, and published in "Acta Neurolology Taiwan" in December 2009. A deficiency of fatty acids increases risk of certain brain-related diseases. Increasing intake of certain fatty acids may reduce your health risks.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts and flaxseeds are essential for proper brain function, including cognition, attention and behavior. Increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, a condition characterized by an inability to stay focused, pay attention and control behavior. Scientists at Center Hospital University Sainte-Justine in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, found children with ADHD who take omega-3 fatty acid supplements achieve and maintain control of symptoms, according to research published in "Paediatric Child Health" in February 2009.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils include linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Increased brain levels of arachidonic acid may increase your risk of depression, a mental health disorder. Scientists at the Felsenstein Medical Research Center in Petah Tiqva, Israel, found increased levels of arachidonic acid throughout the brain in depressed rats, according to research published in the "Journal of Lipid Research" in June 2005. The scientists studied rats to determine fat composition of the brain, something they are unable to do with humans. The scientists compared the brains of depressed rats and normal rats. To their surprise, there were no significant differences in omega-3 fatty acids, initially thought to be associated with depression, but instead found significant differences in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocado. Increasing your intake of monounsaturated fatty acids reduces your risk of cognitive impairment. Scientists at the Mayo Clinic found that a higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids is associated with a reduced likelihood of mild cognitive impairment among elderly persons, according to research published in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" in 2010. The scientists also found that the risk of mild cognitive impairment decreases as intake of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increases, along with decreases in saturated fatty acid intake.
Saturated Fatty Acids
Saturated fats found in meat and dairy increase your risk of cerebrovascular diseases. Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease characterized by a sudden fall-off of blood supply to your brain. Scientists at the University of Leuven School of Public Health in Belgium found that saturated fat is a key determinant in the risk of death from a stroke, according to research published in "Stroke" in May 1995.
References
- "Acta Neurology Taiwan"; Essential Fatty Acids and Human Brain; Chia-Yu Chang, et al.; December 2009
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?; 2009
- "Paediatric Child Health"; Omega-3 Fatty Acid Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study; Stacey Belanger, et al.; February 2009
- "Journal of Lipid Research"; Increased Arachidonic Acid Concentration in the Brain of Flinders Sensitive Line Rats, an Animal Model of Depression; P. Green, et al.; June 2005
- Science Daily: Study Links Brain Fatty Acid Levels to Depression; May 25, 2005
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Reduced Odds of MCI: The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging; R.O. Roberts, et al.; 2010
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