Can Brain Volume Really Be Increased?

It's been a long held belief within the medical community that brain shrinkage and nerve cell death are both progressive and irreversible. Recent research has revealed that in fact that not only can we halt the expected age related cognitive decline, but we can now actually increase gray matter in the brain, especially the areas of the brain associated with happiness.

Aging subjects in one particular study who consumed more Omega-3 showed increased brain volume and new tissue development, particularly in regions of the brain related to happiness and emotions. Recent findings published by prestigious Journal Lancet stated that researchers who studied the diets of 12,000 pregnant women, found that the children of the women who consumed the least amounts of Omega-3 were 48% more likely to score in the lowest percentile on IQ tests!

The importance of essential fatty acids cannot be stressed enough when it comes to the growth, development and function of the human brain. Omega-3 Fatty Acids also have the unique ability to combat multiple form of mental illness, including combative behavior resulting from Alzheimer's disease, to Bipolar Disorder and Depression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are responsible for supporting brain cell structure, increasing production of neurotransmitters, and retarding damage resulting from oxidation and inflammation. A significant portion of the brain is comprised of Lipids, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid accounts for about 8% of the brain's weight. In fact, Omega-3 heavily influences many brain functions such as memory, cognitive ability, mental health and depression.

Declining levels of DHA and EPA may also contribute to anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, aggression, mental illness, and yes even criminal behavior! Recent findings would indicated that some aggressive and criminal behaviors are closely correlated with lower levels of Omega-3, effecting serotonin turnover, which in turn produces a lack of altruism, honesty, and self-discipline. Could it be that Omega-3 may be the next natural crime fighter?

A 3 month study of substance abusers who were administered DHA and EPA showed significant decreases in anger and anxiety scores over placebo recipients. Furthermore, studies involving Autistic children with severe behavioral problems such as extreme tantrums, aggression, or self-abusive behaviors showed significant improvements over the control group. It's also proven to be very effective in combating depression, faring very well in a head-to-head comparisons to Prozac.

In summary, it is possible to reverse brain aging and actually increase the volume of the brain's gray matter, especially in the regions associated with happiness. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain cell structure, increase the production of vital neurotransmitters, boost intelligence, improve memory, and yield significant improvement in symptoms of depression, aggression, and other mental disorders, as well as protect against blunt oxidative and inflammatory damage and cognitive decline.