Vitamin A, Omega-3 and Lutein: Powerhouse Nutrients
According to the January 24, 2012 Issue of the Neurology Journal, researchers found that certain vitamins and omega-3 levels are correlated to healthier cognitive function. Researchers measured blood levels in 104 men and women, whose average age was 87. After controlling for age, sex and many other factors, the scientist discovered that the people with the highest levels of the four vitamins, vitamin B, C, D and E, had larger brain volume, and scored highest on the cognitive tests. Also, higher omega-3 levels correlated to better cognitive functioning and improved blood vessels in brain, but not to higher brain volume. Impaired mental ability and smaller brain volume in turn was linked to high levels of trans fats. The lead scientist, Gene Bowman, could not prove that taking supplements of these vitamins can cure dementia, but what is the harm in healthy eating?