DHA acid - belonging to the group of omega-3 fatty acids - has unique he alth properties. The right dose can protect against Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration (AMD), depression, as well as reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic diseases. However, some people should be careful with excessive consumption of DHA as it may harm more than help.

DHA acid(docosahexaenoic acid) belongs to the polyunsaturated fatty acids from the group of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also referred to as essential fatty acids, because their lack or deficiency in the diet causes he alth disorders, and in addition, they cannot be synthesized in the human body. DHA acid plays a key role in the functioning of the nervous system. Consumed in appropriate doses, it also supports the work of the immune and cardiovascular systems. In addition, it alleviates the symptoms of rheumatic diseases, has a beneficial effect on the hormonal balance and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. However, in some cases, excessive consumption may harm rather than help.

DHA acid increases the risk of prostate and colon cancer?

Some scientists claim that omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids (including DHA), due to their anti-inflammatory properties, can have positive effects in the prevention and treatment of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer or cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. However, there are studies that suggest a relationship between DHA consumption and the development of some of these cancers.

Scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute argue that the high concentration of EPA, DHA and DPA acids increases by 71 percent. the risk of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer, with a high risk of metastasis, by 44%. the risk of prostate cancer with a low risk of metastasis, and by 43 percent. increases the risk of all forms of this cancer. Thus, they confirmed the results of studies by other scientists who had previously shown a relationship between the development of this cancer and omega-3 acids. At the same time, they emphasize that a diet rich in fish and seafood does not pose a threat to men's he alth. This is evidenced by research fromJapan, where the incidence of prostate cancer, especially its most dangerous form, is one of the lowest in the world with this type of nutrition. So they suppose that increased supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may be harmful.

In turn, scientists from Michigan State University, whose research results appeared in the journal "Science", say that fish oil (rich in DHA acids, among others) may be associated with colitis and colon cancer. In the laboratory mice they studied (which, it should be noted, were susceptible to inflammatory diseases of the digestive system), fish oil (in high doses) with increased inflammation needed only 4 weeks for the tumor to develop. Scientists call for a limit on the dose of DHA acid, especially in the case of people with chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

DHA acid reduces the risk of heart attack

DHA acid supports the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. It stabilizes blood pressure and protects against platelets sticking together, and thus - the formation of blood clots in the vessels. In addition, it lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises the level of good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis, and thus - reducing the likelihood of diseases such as coronary heart disease or heart attack. Research shows that eating more than one fish meal per week reduces by over 50%. risk of dying from heart disease (compared to people who eat no fish at all or only eat fish once a month). In the case of people who have had a heart attack, the risk is reduced by 42%.

DHA acid protects the brain also after a stroke

DHA acid can protect the brain from a stroke. Scientists from the University of Louisiana in New Orleans go a step further and argue in "Translational Stroke Research" that DHA can also protect the brain after a cerebrovascular accident. Their experiment on mice showed that the administration of DHA acid 3 hours after the stroke reduced the area of ​​brain damage by 40%. In turn, in rodents that received a beneficial acid 4 and 5 hours after stroke, brain damage was 66 percent, respectively. and 59 percent smaller (compared to animals that did not receive them). In addition, DHA acid contributed to the reduction of brain swelling and stimulated the production of neuroprotectin D1 - a substance that helps protect nervous tissue from damage.

Important

DHA acid - dosage

According to the standards of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), DHA acid promotes the proper functioning of the brain, eyes and heart at a dose of 250 mg a day.

AcidDHA can prevent macular degeneration

DHA acid is a component of the eye's retina. Its deficiency in the youngest ones may lead to retinopathy of premature babies. On the other hand, children who do not eat fish are more susceptible to visual impairment and see worse. In contrast, a deficiency of DHA and other omega-3 acids in old age may contribute to the degeneration of the macula (central part of the retina), which may result in blindness. This is confirmed by the results of research by American scientists, which were published in the journal "Archives of Ophthalmology". Dr. William G. Christen of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and his team have examined a group of women who have not yet been diagnosed with AMD for several years. It turned out that women who consumed the most omega-3 fatty acids had 38 percent. lower risk of macular degeneration (compared to the group of women who consumed the least omega-3 fatty acids). The results concerned both DHA and EPA. On the other hand, eating one portion of fish per week - compared to consuming one portion of fish per month - was 42 percent. a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. To sum up: regular consumption of DHA and EPA significantly reduces the risk of AMD.

Important

DHA acid - what products does it contain?

The richest source of DHA is oily sea fish such as: salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and halibut. To meet the demand for omega-3 fatty acids, you should eat fish at least 2-3 times a week.

In addition, DHA can be found in algae, nuts, tofu, linseed and vegetable oils, especially linseed oil, but also in rapeseed, which is even a richer source than olive oil. However, the proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids is definitely worse in oils than in marine fish.

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DHA acid can prevent dementia

DHA acid improves blood supply to the brain and improves the flow of nerve stimuli between the gray and white substances. This includes the efficiency of thinking, understanding and remembering depends on it. Unfortunately, its level in the brain decreases with age. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement its deficiencies in order to reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction at a later age. It has been shown that elderly people who eat a lot of fish are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. This is confirmed, among others, by the results of research by scientists at the University of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. They argue that omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA) slow down the rate of lossbrain tissue during the aging process, and thus can protect against dementia.

DHA acid for depression, anxiety and schizophrenia

DHA acid, as a structural component of the nervous system, plays a significant role in its functioning. Its deficiency may be associated with disturbances in the stability of the cell membrane in neurons and the transmission of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which in turn is important in the development of cognitive and mood disorders occurring, among others, depressed. This thesis is confirmed by the research of scientists, which shows that patients suffering from depression often have DHA deficiency in the brain, especially in the key area in this respect, i.e. the frontal cortex. They also argue that supplementing DHA (and other omega-3 and omega-6) deficiencies supports the treatment of mental disorders and diseases of the nervous system, including depression and schizophrenia. However, the results are inconclusive and further research is needed to establish the true role of individual polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment and prevention of these conditions.

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