Fish: Is It Brain Food?

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Written By Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Fish: Is It Brain Food?

Growing up in the 1950s, my mom always said, ?fish is brain food.? This may have just been a ploy to get me to eat fish on Fridays, but growing evidence suggests that the omega-3 fatty acids found in large amounts in fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, trout, herring, pilchards and mackerel can improve mental function. Not only are the omega-3 fatty acids found in large amounts in these fish needed to promote healthy brain and visual development in children, but growing evidence suggests they may help sustain healthy brain function in older people as well.
A recent study done in France examined the impact on mental function of different fatty acids in the diet of 246 people over 4 years. A higher proportion of stearic acid and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet were associated with a greater risk in cognitive decline. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in large amounts in red meat and chocolate. The major omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid is linoleic acid and is found in large amounts in most vegetable oils. Conversely, a higher intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) found in fatty fish were associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in these older people, age 63-74 years. The authors concluded that high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is associated with more rapid loss of mental function with age.1Bottom Line: The results of this study suggest that a diet lower in saturated fat and less polyunsaturated fat-rich vegetable oils but with more omega-3 rich fatty acids is good for the brain. Here are more strategies for improved mental function:? Exercise regularly and consume more fruits and vegetables.? Avoid insulin resistance associated with syndrome X and type 2 diabetes.? Keep cholesterol and homocysteine levels in check.? Reduce salt intake, which lowers blood pressure, which helps maintain mental function.? Encourage a mentally challenging environment.2By James J. Kenney PhD, RD, FACN1. Am J Clin Nutr 2003:77:803-82. Mayo Clin Proc 2002;77:681-96
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Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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