OMEGA-3S MAY LIMIT IMPACT OF UNHEALTHY FOODS ON BRAIN

A diet rich in omega-3s may play a significant role in stalling refined sugars and saturated fats’ ability to inhibit the brain’s control on the body’s intake of food, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool reviewed more than 180 research papers and found that diets high in fat disrupt the generation of new nerve cells, which is called neurogenesis. However, a diet high in omega-3 fish oil may limit the harmful impact of unhealthy foods on the brain.

"Body weight is influenced by many factors, and some of the most important of these are the nutrients we consume," said lead author Lucy Pickavance, of the University's Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease. "Excessive intake of certain macronutrients, the refined sugars and saturated fats found in junk food, can lead to weight gain, disrupt metabolism and even affect mental processing."

Pickavance added while fish oils may not have a direct impact on weight loss, they do "take the brakes off of the detrimental effects" on the brain caused by high-fat diets.

"They seem to mimic the effects of calorie restrictive diets and including more oily fish or fish oil supplements in our diets could certainly be a positive step forward for those wanting to improve their general health," she said.

Previous research also suggests consuming nutrient-rich foods such as omega-3s and engaging in physical and mental exercises can help increase brain health.