Did you know that your brain is made up of roughly 60% fat? Not just any fat, but fatty acids your brain needs. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is good for the brain*. In this article you will read why DHA is important and how to get enough of it.
Your brain is a fat-rich organ
Your brain consists of around 60% fat, more than any other organ in your body. Of that fat, 10-15% is DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid that your body cannot produce on its own. This also explains why good fats are so important for your brain.
After the second year of life, your body no longer creates new brain cells. From then on, your brain develops mainly by forming connections between existing cells. That is why it is good to give your brain the right nutrients.
Why is DHA so important for the brain?
DHA is found mainly in the cell membranes (walls) of your brain cells. It contributes to the structure of these cell walls, where a great deal of activity takes place. Scientists have discovered that DHA has several functions for your brain:
- DHA is an important building block for the brain;*
- DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function;*
- DHA plays a role in the functioning of the brain.*
5 interesting facts about your brain
Your brain is constantly active. It weighs only 2% of your body weight, yet uses 20% of your energy! Even while you sleep, your brain keeps working hard: it processes information, stores memories and controls your bodily functions. Here are 5 more surprising facts about your brain:
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It takes 25 years to fully mature.
The brain is far from fully developed at birth. It takes no less than 25 years before the brain is fully developed.
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The exciting second year.
In the second year, language develops very quickly. Most children go through a kind of word race, rapidly expanding their vocabulary in just a few months.
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This is what happens when you learn something new
Learning is the process of new connections forming between brain cells. When you experience something or read something, a memory forms in your brain through the connection of thousands of brain cells.
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DHA is important in early development
Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal development of the brain in the foetus and in breastfed infants.*
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Brain fitness really exists!
Scientific research shows that daily mental memory training has a measurable effect on the brain. The brain visibly grows through training, just like a muscle.
How much DHA do you need?
To maintain normal brain function, a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA is recommended.* You can get this amount by eating a portion of oily fish about twice a week.
The problem is that many people do not eat enough fish. Only around 24 percent of Dutch people eat fish twice a week or more. That means three out of four people may not be getting enough DHA.
In certain stages of life, extra DHA can be even more important. Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal development of the brain in the foetus and in breastfed infants.*
Is plant-based omega-3 also enough?
Your body can produce a small amount of DHA from plant-based omega-3 (ALA), but this conversion is very inefficient at only 1-5%. That is why it is important to get DHA directly.
The main natural sources are oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring. But did you know that fish do not produce DHA themselves either? They get it through algae in their food chain. That is why algae oil is an excellent alternative: you go straight to the source. You can of course also choose fish oil if you are not getting enough DHA.
Finally: DHA as part of a healthy lifestyle
By getting enough DHA, you give your brain the nutrients it needs. DHA is an important building block for the brain* and contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function*.
Whether you choose oily fish, algae oil or fish oil, the most important thing is that you get enough DHA. At Arctic Blue we understand the importance of pure, high-quality omega-3 fatty acids for your brain health. That is why we offer various DHA-rich supplements to help you meet your daily needs.
Combine this with plenty of exercise, challenging mental activities and a healthy diet, and you give your brain the best chances for both today and the future!
*Approved health claims from the EFSA. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, an additional daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is recommended.
