True to form
Oily fish – which includes trout, mackerel, sardines, herrings and anchovies – contain high levels of omega-3, a special kind of fatty acid that's been shown to boost our brains.
Omega-3s, along with protein and essential minerals, make up what is now referred to as 'brain food' – foods that improve our concentration, memory, reaction times and even moods.
Growing demand
In the last couple of years, demand for brain foods has skyrocketed, and hundreds of products fortified with minerals and omega-3s are now on the market.
But while scientists, dieticians and nutritionists agree that brain foods are good for us, omega-3s in particular are still the subject of hot debate, and more research is now being done to find out just how much we need and what other health benefits we get from them.
The science
So what is omega-3? It is one of two types of fatty acid that we get from polyunsaturated fats, such as sunflower oil – which are generally thought of as 'good' fats.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be critical to the healthy development of our brains. They form a key part of the outer membrane of brain cells – the layer through which all nerve signals must pass. All brain cell membranes need to refresh themselves constantly with a new supply of fatty acids, and current research suggests Omega-3s do the job best.
Feed your mind
A lot of healthy, natural foods are rich in the proteins, minerals and fatty acids we need to maintain a healthy brain, including oily fish, lean beef, eggs, cheese, spinach, avocados, bananas, brown rice, milk and flaxseed oil – and plenty more besides.
Of course, not everyone in today's busy modern world can ensure they get the right amounts of these foods in their diets to ensure a healthy brain, which is why Unilever is making it easier than ever for consumers.
Making it easier
Spreads like Flora/Becel are now available with added Omega-3s, while a cup of tea, like PG Tips and Lipton, contains large amounts of the amino acid theanine. Tea is virtually one of the only natural source of theanine, which stimulates alpha brain waves. These alpha waves makes our brains relaxed but alert, and are thought to be important in helping focus attention.
Meanwhile, Amaze Brainfood has recently been launched in Turkey. It's a range of tasty bite-size cereal treats and milk drinks for children that contain iron, iodine, DHA fatty acids – the type of Omega-3s found in fish oil – and protein. Not only that, but they're low in saturated and trans-fat, sugar and salt – meaning it's not only good for kids' brains, but for their general health and well-being too.
