Eating this may also contribute to a healthier heart and stronger bones
A food item costing just 45p at Tesco could slash your dementia risk while boosting skin health, amongst numerous other advantages. Sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D which support cardiovascular wellness and bone strength.
The tinned fish also boasts essential nutrients including calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamins B12, A, E, and K. Health experts recommend consuming 1.1-1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily, with each tin of sardines delivering approximately 3g.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) examined fruit fly brains and human brain cells to investigate how particular fatty acids like omega-3 impact neurological wellbeing. The laboratory flies carried a genetic alteration linked to motor neurone disease onset and an uncommon dementia variant called frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Lead researcher Professor Adrian Isaacs, from the UK Dementia Research Institute, explained: “From our findings we can conclude that enhancing levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may be beneficial in motor neurone disease. Of course, the next step is to test this in people.
“We first need to work out which specific fatty acid would be best to test in humans, and how we can deliver sufficient quantities to the brain. Then, we want to take these findings forward into a clinical trial.”
A US-based study has discovered that consuming omega-3 in your middle years can reduce the risk of dementia. Experts found that those with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids scored better on cognitive tests and had a larger hippocampus, a part of the brain crucial for memory.
Another perk of tucking into sardines is the positive impact it has on your skin. Packed with not only omega-3, but also collagen and selenium, this fish is believed to boost skin elasticity and hydration. Plus, it’s a great source of vitamin D.