Fish Oil May Lessen Effects of Junk Food on Brain

A review of 185 research papers concerned with the effects of fish oils suggests that they may help to minimize some of the deleterious effects that junk food has on the brain. Dr Lucy Pickavance from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (UK) and colleagues were analyzing the data in order to determine whether fish oils could aid weight loss. Results showed that fish oils appeared to be able to stop refined sugars and saturated fats from interfering with the brain’s ability to control food intake. “Excessive intake of certain macronutrients, the refined sugars and saturated fats found in junk food, can lead to weight gain, disrupt metabolism and even affect mental processing,” said Dr Pickavance. “These changes can be seen in the brain’s structure, including its ability to generate new nerve cells, potentially linking obesity to neurodegenerative diseases. Research, however, has suggested that omega-3 fish oils can reverse or even prevent these effects.” Dr Pickavance concluded that although fish oils don’t appear to have a direct impact on weight loss, they may mitigate the detrimental effects of some of the processes in the brain that are triggered by eating a high-fat diet.