Salmon Oil & Your Brain (Omega-3)

It's no secret that taking care of our cognitive health can be a big part of aging well.

According to the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas, maintaining your Head [1st Brain] healthy may be closely linked to how well you function in daily life.¹

This includes making smart decisions, solving problems, interacting with others successfully, and maintaining emotional balance.

Cognitive health is important at every age.

Recent studies show that a healthy diet (eating more "brain-healthy foods") and lifestyle may be one of the best ways to keep your brain in top shape, regardless of age. It may significantly improve your day-to-day activities and keep your head-brain healthy later in life.*^2,3

Speaking of a healthy lifestyle, you've probably heard that Salmon Oil is good for you. And for good reason: it may offer some pretty amazing health benefits. But here's another reason to get "hooked" on this supplement—it may be great for your brain, too.*

The evidence is compelling.

For example, a 2023 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition involving over 100,000 participants found that increasing your Omega-3 intake (whether through diet or nootropics) or having higher Omega-3 blood levels, may reduce your risk of age-related cognitive challenges by 20%.*⁴

Another 2023 study by psychologists at Loma Linda University in California, published in the journal Brain Sciences, concluded that those with higher Omega-3 levels in their blood may have more white matter in their brains and perform better on cognitive tests.*⁵

Finally, a 2022 cohort study using data from the UK Biobank reported a 9% lower risk of all-cause declining mental function in those taking fish oil nootropics.*⁶

Is salmon oil THAT good for my brain?

Absolutely! Countless studies have shown that Salmon Oil may benefit overall cognitive health and function. In fact, when we talk about brain-boosting foods, oily fish (like salmon) often tops the list.*

But what exactly is Salmon Oil? Well, it's oil extracted from... salmon. And it's typically used in high-quality, premium nootropics for its high EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)—which generally may be more bioavailable (readily absorbed and used by your body) than plant-based sources, like flaxseed oil.*⁷

According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, Omega-3 Fatty Acids may be essential for brain development (including for young adults) and function.⁸ Regular Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) intake may also support healthy brain aging.*

For instance, a review published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience concluded that "the aging brain is more prone to inflammation and lower levels of these essential fatty acids."*⁹

On the other hand, higher levels of DHA and EPA have shown positive effects in otherwise healthy individuals or those with mild cognitive challenges.*¹⁰

How does it work?

Our brain is mostly made of fats—about 60% of it—and proteins and other substances.¹¹ DHA makes up about 10-20% of the total fatty acids in the brain.*

The bad news? Our bodies can't make DHA on their own. The only way to get more of it is through diet (or a quality nootropic).*

However, the potential Omega-3 benefits are not limited to just cognitive health. In fact, research shows that DHA and EPA (and even ALA to a lesser extent) may support the entire brain system (head, heart, and gut).*

Research published in the journal Nutrients notes that Omega-3 DHA can be found in (and used) by many cell membranes throughout the body.¹² This includes cells in the heart, nervous tissue, and even the retina.*

Along with other helpful compounds, Omega-3s can even cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).*¹³

Once inside the body, Omega-3 fats may help lower triglycerides, become part of cell membranes, influence cell signaling, and adjust how cell receptors function.*¹⁴

Is Salmon Oil better than other fish oils?

Omega-3 is easily the most popular supplement in America. According to the latest numbers from the National Institutes of Health, roughly 8% of adults—or about 19 million people—use some kind of Omega-3 Fatty Acid nootropic.*¹⁵

However, while Omega-3 nootropics are so popular, at HCF®, we understand that the quality of these nootropics really matters.

How so? Because the benefits of fish oils (Salmon Oil included) typically come from their high concentration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. And that content (and quality) may greatly vary based on factors like the fish's diet, where it was sourced, and the environmental conditions in the region.*

Not to mention that the extraction and purification process may play an important role, too.

Salmon, on the other hand, is in a league of its own. Wild-caught salmon is richer in Omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA) and may have lower levels of contaminants (like mercury).*¹⁶

Additionally, Salmon Oil contains Astaxanthin (an antioxidant that gives salmon its red color).

And since we mentioned how Salmon Oil can potentially benefit the entire brain system, Astaxanthin may help reduce the risk of heart challenges by decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL). It may also protect the brain and nervous system from inflammation.*¹⁷

Its rare combination of high-quality Omega-3s and potent antioxidants may make Salmon Oil a superior choice for those seeking the full health benefits of an Omega-3 nootropic:*

Salmon Oil may support better brain cell function.*

Omega-3 fatty acids may be one of the best neuro-nutrients for supporting "synaptic plasticity" (a fancy way of saying they may help brain cells communicate better).*

Why is this synaptic plasticity important? According to research, better brain cell communication may positively affect the expression of several molecules linked to learning and memory found on synapses.*¹⁸

May reduce inflammation.*

A 2023 study found that DHA may reduce brain cell inflammation by increasing the expression of ATF3 (a transcription factor that helps control inflammation).*¹⁹

DHA can also decrease the levels of inflammatory molecules (like cytokines and chemokines). Translation? DHA may reduce harmful inflammation and help clear out damaging substances in the brain, protecting against neuronal damage.*

May improve emotional imbalance.

Mental fatigue and emotional distress may be related to brain chemistry and function. DHA may reduce inflammation in the brain (which can contribute to feeling off and even memory challenges).*

Although there could be many other possible causes of emotional unease, imbalances in the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine (which Omega-3s may help improve) are typically linked to this challenge.*²⁰

Salmon oil may improve memory.*

A 2021 study published in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society looked into the potential memory benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids—particularly DHA.²¹ What did it find? Those who consume more DHA twice a week show a 13% slower decline in memory issues for seniors 65 years and older.*

Simply put, eating more DHA-rich fish (like salmon) may help keep your brain sharp as you age.*

People with normal brain function who regularly include salmon in their diets may also show improved brain function.*