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For many years the omega 3 fatty acids have been known coq10 have strong neuro-protective effects, but it recently that scientists were able to prove that having a higher diet intake and blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids may help people reduce the risk of a series of age-related medical conditions, such as cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. At least three studies conducted in the last year had shown a significant protective effect for omega 3 fatty acids in this regard.

The richest sources of omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are marine foods, such as fish and shellfish from both salt water and fresh water and medics recommend people, old persons especially, to increase significantly the amount of marine foods in their diet to benefit from the benefits of these essential acids. The EPA and DHA essential fats can also be obtained fu the human body from desaturated alpha-linolenic acid, which is present in some vegetable oils (flaxseed oil is especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid).

DHA is the most prominent fatty acid in the brain, retina and spermatozoa. It is a necessary fat for vision, cognition and sperm motility. The neurons and synaptosomes of the cerebral cortex are especially rich in DHA, where it is incorporated into the cell membrane.

Studies have shown that the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's contain a lower content of DHA in the natural branched chain amino acid matter of the frontal lobe and the hippocampus than healthy people do. Medics tried to discover how exactly the omega 3 fatty acids benefit people suffering from cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have strong anti-inflammatory effects due to their conversion to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids within the body. The eicosanoids formed from omega 3 fatty acids are also known to improve the blood flow, thus providing other benefits associated with cardiovascular health.

The Omega 3 fatty acids also play a vital role in the structure and function of nerve cells. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the docsahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to improve the composition of nerve cell membranes, and thus stimulating the development, regeneration and function of nerve cells, relieving many symptoms related to age-related medical conditions, such as cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Specialists found out that oxidative stress (coming from oxygen and free radicals) contributes to neuronal damage.

They suggest that by protecting brain cells with EPA and DHA via a higher intake level, people can protect themselves against cognitive decline to a significant degree.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Natural Dha Fish Oil focuses on omega 3 as a whole, and in particular, a natural product our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Dha Esters

Be sure to check out our Omega 3 Dha Esters of choice, it is the natural supplement we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years.