Want to ensure you’re at peak performance? Increase your intake of oily fish! Oily fish are the best dietary sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids – possibly the single most important brain nutrient. Oily, cold water fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and kippers are the best sources to improve your cognition and memory function. These sustainable swimmers are supercharged with EPA and DHA, two brain boosting forms of omega-3 fatty acids that help to regulate the neurotransmitters which are responsible for strong mental focus. Fatty acids such as EPA and DHA have been thought to assist in the alleviation of stress and also make that feel-good brain chemical- serotonin. DHA plays a huge part in the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for memory, language and attention. Low levels of DHA have been linked to slower learning, a lower IQ and even irregular sleeping patterns.

The Rush Medical Centre in Chicago recently did a study on people who carry a genetic marker known to be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. They found that the carriers who ate seafood at least once per week had lower physiological signs of the disease. This proved that eating fish counteracted the effects of the genetic mutation.

Our bodies cannot make these essential fatty acids which means they must be obtained through one’s diet. If you’re vegetarian, vegan or simply don’t enjoy fish, there are supplements available such as Udo’s Choice or Ultimate Oil Blend capsules. It’s available in most health food stores and is made from a unique blend of organic seeds  and oils, all of which are packed full with omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids.

It appears that the old tale, The Salmon of Knowledge, seems to hold up after all!