Well moms everywhere managed to hit the nail squarely on the head once again.
If your mom insisted you eat your fish because it’s brain food you owe her a big thank you. Because a new study confirms that yes, mom IS almost always right.
Researchers say that the brain-friendly fats in fish may help keep you dementia free.
It turns out the omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fish, could essentially “Alzheimer’s proof” your brain.
These fatty brain-boosters basically build a suit of armor against the beta amyloid plaques that are the hallmark of the devastating disease.
Outsmart your genes with fish the ultimate brain food
And for the many Americans who have a copy of the APOE4 gene this is great news.
If you haven’t heard of APOE4 before don’t worry, most people haven’t. The gene raises your risk of dementia, and despite most people never having heard of it estimates are that 75 million of us are carrying APOE4 around in our genetic code.
Another 7 million of us have a second copy raising our risk for dementia even further.
But researchers say we can outsmart our genes with a healthy lifestyle including the omega-3s found in delicious nutritious fish such as one of my favorite’s, fresh wild-caught salmon.
The exciting study tracked 286 folks in their golden years until their death with a good number of the hearty seniors living into their 90s. After death their brains were carefully examined for any sign of the beta amyloid plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
“Alzheimer’s proof” your brain with omega-3s
Astoundingly, fish-loving seniors with the APOE4 gene who included fish on their menu at least once a week not only had LESS of the plaques and tangles. It turns out they also had fewer signs of other kinds of brain damage associated with cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It appeared almost as if the omega-3s from the fish had built a tiny protective suit of armor around their brains helping to keep their precious memories intact right up until their very last day here on Earth.
(Worried about dementia? Try this 10 second test to reveal if you’re at risk.)
Although the researchers didn’t spot the same benefit for the folks who didn’t have an APOE4 gene that doesn’t mean fish doesn’t have the same brain protecting benefits. According to researchers had the study been larger they very well may have seen them for those folks too.
Don’t fall for fish fraud
But regardless omega-3s are packed so full of health benefits you can’t go wrong making fish a part of your regular diet. Omega 3s can slash your overall risk of death by 20 percent and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Just try to make sure you’re getting the wild-caught variety. Farmed fish is often filthy and more likely to be contaminated with antibiotics, PCBs and mercury.
And beware of fish fraud. Unfortunately it’s not unheard of for farmed salmon and other farmed fish to be deliberately mislabeled as wild caught. Or for cheaper junk fish to be passed off as pricier varieties.
Know where your fish supplier buys his fish and whenever possible buy whole fish instead of fillets so you can be sure you are getting the fish you are paying for.
And if someone you care for is already facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis don’t believe the myth that there’s nothing you can do but sit by idly and watch them slip away. Click here to read about the Simple fruit extract that can slow Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Mark Stengler has appeared as a medical expert on FOX, CBS, NBC and hosts his own weekly PBS TV show, “Natural Healing with Mark Stengler.”
He’s also written 17 books, including “Prescription for Natural Cures” and The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies which have now sold over 1 million copies.
When he’s not busy sharing his knowledge of amazing alternatives to toxic mainstream therapies, Dr.Stengler practices what he preaches at his state-of-the-art Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine in Encinitas, California.
Dr. Stengler has treated tens of thousands patients of all ages, with a wide range of health conditions, such as...
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What makes Dr. Stengler different is his diverse medical training in conventional medications and natural alternatives.
This means he can combine the best of modern technology and traditional time-tested therapies, for safer, long-term treatments.
His track-record of success with this breakthrough approach has earned him national acclaim as “America’s Natural Doctor.”
Dr. Stengler completed premed studies at Mt. Royal College and the University of Calgary, and graduated from naturopathic medical school at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. He is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Stengler lives in San Diego County, California with his wife and three children. He enjoys quality time with his family. His hobbies include several sports and theological studies.
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