Better Diet - Better Brain

Tuesday November 13, 2007

Eating a diet rich in fish, omega-3 oils, fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease according to a study published in the November 13, 2007, issue of Neurology.

Researchers studied the diets of more than 8000 people over the age of 65 who did not have dementia. The research subjects who regularly consumed omega-3 fats such as canola oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil, reduced their risk of dementia by 60 percent compared to people who did not regularly consume such oils. The study also finds that people who ate fruits and vegetables every day also reduced their risk of dementia.

The study also points out the growing concern that diets with too little omega-3 fats and too much of the omega-6 fats are at more of a risk for dementia and chronic disease.

Omega-6 fats are essential for you health and are found in many cooking oils. But the typical western diet has way too many omega-6 fats and too few omega-3 fats. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of chronic disease. Choosing fish, walnuts, canola oil and flax seeds and less of oils such as sunflower, corn and other cooking oils will help to restore a healthy balance to your diet.

Healthy Fish and Vegetable Dishes

Daily Nutrition Tip

_{Photo © Linnea Paulson}