When you think of omega-3s, you probably think about heart health. However, there is more to omega-3s you maybe didn’t know. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of oil that is high in polyunsaturated fats. The three types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). DHA and EPA mainly come from algae and fish. DHA can help promote healthier brain cells and prevent deterioration. However, within the human diet, DHA is pretty much only coming from fatty fish fish oil. And the sad part is that most people aren’t even consuming enough fish to meet the levels of omega-3s they should be getting daily. Therefore, considering a men’s multivitamin that is rich in omega-3s is one of the best options to make sure you are meeting your daily requirement for DHA and EPA. DHA can support brain function and development throughout the entirety of one’s life. That is why it is vital to consume enough DHA to support cognitive wellness by taking a men’s multivitamin.
Memory and Brain Aging
DHA can play a role in cognitive wellness by contributing to brain function to help with your memory. As people age, some people have more trouble remembering things that they could easily remember before. Researchers have been studying how increased levels of DHA can support the enhancement of memory and the strengthening of neuroprotection in general. Your brain will continue to deteriorate as you get older. Keeping higher levels of DHA throughout one’s lifespan may help support cognitive wellness by slowing down the decline during aging. DHA may support brain survival and repair when taken at consistent levels over time. This can be difficult unless you are consistently eating seafood or other fatty fish. A men’s multivitamin can help keep DHA levels on target in order for it to potentially contribute to slowing down the process again for the memory and cognitive functions.
Depression
Although depression can affect one’s emotions and mood, it can also affect cognitive wellness. It can bring about physical and cognitive changes that can impact your daily living. Some examples of how depression can impact cognitive functioning are problem solving, decision making, attention, and learning. These functions are necessary for doing daily tasks throughout one’s life. When these cognitive functions are impaired by something such as depression, it may hinder one’s ability to perform at their normal capacity. DHA has the potential to reduce the risk of depression. If it can potentially minimize the risk, then DHA can have a strong influence on cognitive wellness by keeping normal brain functions working as they should rather than being impaired by depression. With DHA possibly having so many benefits, it’s important you are fueling your body with the right amount of omega-3s by taking a men’s multivitamin.
ADHD
There are many people who struggle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Characteristics of ADHD are impulsive behaviors, having trouble focusing on tasks, and concentrating in conversation. ADHD can directly affect cognitive wellness and functioning, making it difficult for people to remember, learn, and pay attention. Scientists have been studying DHA’s impact on children and adults with ADHD and how DHA may provide aid to people functioning with ADHD. This is because they have seen an association between children and adults with ADHD and their lower blood levels of DHA in their system. DHA can help increase blood flow during mental tasks, which can help reduce impulsive behaviors and support the ability to concentrate. With that being said, there’s a possibility DHA can support cognitive wellness by supporting the cognitive functioning of people who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Where Can I Get DHA?
As mentioned before, DHA mostly comes from eating fish that are high in omega-3s. Some of those options are:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Oysters
- Sea Bass
- Mussels
Some people don’t particularly love seafood, or enjoy eating as much as they need in order to maintain the proper level of DHA in their body. That is why people typically supplement it in the form of a men’s multivitamin. You can get vitamins with fish oil or with algal oil. Algal oil is a type of vegetarian DHA derived from algae. Fish are high in omega-3s because they eat algae. By taking a supplement with algal oil, you are getting the right dose of DHA that eliminates the fishy taste and scent you might experience from fish or fish oil. You should aim for about one gram of total omega-3s, with 250 milligrams being DHA and EPA. This can be more difficult to do with just eating fish, and that is why many people prefer a supplement such as a men’s multivitamin.
DHA and Cognitive Wellness
It’s no secret that omega-3s have health benefits for people. This is why they are included in many supplements that people enjoy taking. DHA may have the ability to slow down the loss of memory and the deterioration of brain functioning since it is crucial for brain function and development throughout all stages of life. It may also have the ability to reduce the risk of depression that can impair overall cognitive wellness. DHA may help support people with ADHD who have impulsive behaviors and trouble concentrating. By taking a men’s multivitamin that includes DHA, you can help support your overall cognitive wellness.
