Did you know that your brain consists of approximately 60% fat? Not just any fat, but fatty acids that 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 about 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 itself. This also explains why good fats are so important for your brain.
After the second year of life, your body no longer produces new brain cells. Your brain then develops primarily by making connections between existing cells. Therefore, it is good to give your brain the right nutrients.
Why is DHA so important for the brain?
DHA is found primarily in the cell membranes (walls) of your brain cells. It contributes to the structure of these cell walls, where much activity takes place. Scientists have discovered that DHA has various 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 brain function.*
5 interesting facts about your brain
Your brain is constantly active. It weighs only 2% of your body weight, but consumes 20% of your energy! Even while you sleep, your brain continues to work hard: it processes information, stores memories, and controls your bodily functions. Here are 5 more surprising facts about your brain:
-
It takes 25 years to fully mature.
The brain is far from fully developed at birth. It takes no less than 25 years for the brain to be fully developed.
-
The exciting second year.
In the second year, language develops very rapidly. Most children go through a kind of word race, expanding their vocabulary very quickly in just a few months.
-
This 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.
-
DHA is important in early development
Maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal development of the brain in the fetus and in breastfed infants.*
-
Brain fitness really exists!
Scientific research shows that daily mental memory training has a measurable effect on the brain. The brain becomes visibly larger through training, just like a muscle.
How much DHA do you need?
To maintain normal brain function, a daily intake of 250 mg DHA is recommended.* You obtain this amount by eating a serving of fatty fish approximately twice a week.
However, many people consume too little fish. About 24 percent of the Dutch eat fish two times a week or more. This means that three out of four people may be getting too little DHA.
In certain life stages, extra DHA can be even more important. Maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal development of the brain in the fetus and in breastfed infants.*
Is plant-based omega-3 also sufficient?
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%. Therefore, it is important to ingest DHA directly.
The main natural sources are fatty fish species such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. But did you know that fish do not produce DHA themselves either? They obtain it through algae in their food chain. That is why algae oil is an excellent alternative: you go directly to the source. Of course, you can 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 fatty fish, algae oil , or fish oil, the most important thing is that you get enough DHA. Arctic Blue We understand the importance of pure, high-quality omega-3 fatty acids for your brain health. That is why we have various DHA-rich supplements that help you meet your daily needs.
Combine this with sufficient 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 by the EFSA. For pregnant women and breastfeeding women, an additional daily intake of 200 mg DHA is recommended.
