OK, I decided to take a break from the word a week post, to concentrate on some more interesting topics about brain health. Did you know eating fish may help improve your memory? I really don’t care for fish all that much. Matter of fact until recently I didn’t eat fish except maybe once a year. Now I am forcing myself to at least eat Tuna, twice a week, and I take an Omega 3 supplement a couple times a week, as well, especially if I didn’t force myself to eat Tuna.
Fattier fish is better, so Salmon, or Trout, neither of which I like very much. The fattier fish options have the highest amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids. There are also Omega 6 fatty acids, but apparently I probably get plenty of those in other foods I may eat. Omega 3 is also very healthy for the heart, not just the brain. I use organic ground flaxseed from Trader Joe’s. I put it in my smoothies, or sprinkle it on a baked potato. I could take Fish Oil capsules, but I tried them once and they gave me such horrible bloating and pain, that well you get the idea. It really doesn’t matter if something is good for me. If it is going to make me feel awful, I am just not going to do it. So no fish oil for me. Fish of course is high in protein, so I still have to limit serving sizes.
So what are Omega 3’s? Omega 3 is a fatty acid, and a nutrient that is essential for the human body to function correctly. Our bodies do not make Omega 3’s on their own. You must get them from food. For years researchers have known of the heart benefits of Omega 3’s, but new research is showing the benefits to the brain as well. One study showed that people over 50 who took Omega 3’s, either in their diet, or as a supplement, had no memory loss. That sounds good to me, especially since I will be 50 in just a couple of short months.
Do you eat fish? Do you take a supplement, instead? Drop me a comment, and let me know. Since this blog is all about health coaching, and setting goals, I have set a goal to eat Tuna at least twice a week. I especially like Tuna Noodle Casserole. Unfortunately, no one else in my house does.
Living Life With CKD 