In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, boosting a person’s mental performance by using cod liver oil supplements (fish oil) was investigated.
The study noted: “A particular fish oil (omega-3) supplement has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain during mental activity and to impact on certain aspects of mental performance in young adults,” according to research from Northumbria University.
“Researchers found that overall, taking either of two different types of fish oil supplement for three months had no consistent impact on mental function in 18 – 35-year-olds, however they did find evidence of reduced mental fatigue and faster reaction times.
“It was found that taking DHA-rich fish oil over the same time period did increase blood flow to active areas of the brain during performance of similar mental tasks.
“The researchers claim these findings could have implications for mental function later on in life, as evidence suggests regularly eating oily fish or taking omega-3 supplements may prevent cognitive decline and dementia, and increased blood flow to the brain may be a mechanism by which this occurs.”