HEALTHY CHOICES

It turns out that your granny may have been right all along – eating fish could indeed be good for your brain. Research from Northumbria University published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that foods containing lots of omega-3 oils boosted mental performance.

“Eating fish – particularly oily fish such as salmon – should be on everyone’s menu plan,” explains Polly Douglas, a nutritional therapist. “Scottish farmed salmon, due to the diet they are fed, are a great source of omega-3 – in fact, Scottish salmon has twice as much omega 3 than Norwegian or mixed-sourced salmon.

“A natural antiinflammatory, omega-3 can regulate hormone balance and supports good gut health. And studies have shown that indeed, oily fish can improve cognitive alertness and eye sight.”

The difference comes from the fishes’ diet, with Scottish salmon being fed more fish meal and fish oils than in other countries. The British Dietetic Association recommends eating two portions of oily fish each week, with other candidates including herring, mackerel and pilchards.

Douglas also reels off a list of vitamins – including A, D and B12 – and minerals such as iodine, astaxanthin and selenium that are found in salmon. Each is believed to have additional health benefits.

Vitamin A is good for the eyes and healthy skin, while vitamin D supports the health of bones and the immune system and B12 is involved in keeping cells healthy and in nerve function. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant and comes from the pink flesh of the salmon, with both iodine and selenium playing a role in thyroid functions.

“Packed full of protein, vitamins and minerals, salmon is a great allrounder,” adds Douglas. “Fish oils EPA and DHA, uniquely found in salmon and other oily fish, are easily absorbed into the body – salmon truly is a fast food fit for a healthy body and a healthy brain in every way.”