Wellbeing

Keep your brain healthy at every life stage

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With many of us using lockdown to focus on our health and wellbeing, there has never been a better time to focus on our brain health.

Our brains are mostly made up of fat, with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) being the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid. DHA is incredibly important for our brain health. In fact, it makes up to 70 percent of the fatty acids found within the brain structure. DHA is present in the outer structure of our cells. It has consistently been found to play a unique role in normal brain development of children* and normal brain function throughout life. That said, dietary intakes of DHA are below current recommendations for most of the population.

To help you keep your brain healthy, Efamol® has created five hacks to look after your brain whatever your age:

5 ways to protect your brain health

1. Keep active

With life slowly returning back to normal, it’s important to keep the kids as active as possible and in a good routine. The Government recommends that children and young adults aged five to 18 should do 60 minutes of exercise each day. So ditch those devices and get active!

For busy parents, it can be easy to let exercise fall to the bottom of the priority list. Finding something you enjoy doing will make exercise more fun, and means you’re more likely to stick to it. Try exercising with friends, as this makes it sociable and more enjoyable. Jogging, dancing, cycling and yoga are all easily accessible.

2. Get organised

Family life can be hectic, but don’t let that descend into chaos! Keeping the family and the house organised is therapeutic, and will help to keep anxiety at bay. Use a family calendar to track everyone’s schedule and plan your meals for the week ahead. This way, you know that everyone is on track to eat delicious, healthy food. In time, these good intentions will hopefully become habits.

3. Eat well

Whether it’s for school or work, plan a healthy lunch or lunch box for all the family. The UK Government recommends that we eat one portion of oily fish per week. So try incorporating this with smoked salmon sandwiches or mackerel paté.

For evening meals, try oily fish such as mackerel, salmon or fresh tuna, as oily fish is the main dietary sources of omega 3 DHA. Just remember that tinned tuna doesn’t count as a portion of oily fish.

Eating oily fish a few times a week is a great insurance policy for your brain health. If you don’t like fish then a high-quality omega 3 supplement would be a good choice.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E will also help to protect the body from the stress of oxidation.

4. Learn something new

There are many actors, scientists, authors and academics practising well into their 80s and 90s. One thing they have in common is they are constantly learning. Keeping your brain active has been shown to delay memory decline. Try family games that everyone can enjoy, but which stimulate the little grey brain cells. Challenging your brain is hugely beneficial. In fact, one study suggests that doing crossword puzzles delayed onset of memory decline by 2.54 years.

5. Stay social

It’s important for the whole family to have their fair share of social time, both as a family and with friends. Encourage your children to meet their friends outdoors as 20 percent of the fresh air you breathe in is used by your brain to function.

Having an active social life, volunteering for a local charity or being part of something away from work can help stave off loneliness and depression, which can occur at any stage of life. Combining learning something new with socialising with friends is an amazing brain tonic.

Brain health at every age

Efamol® has a product range to provide the required daily intake of omega 3 DHA for all the family.

For 6 months+

Formulated with little ones in mind, Efamol® Kids Omega 3 DHA Drops are a simple and effective way to top up your child’s omega 3 levels. They’re suitable for babies and children as they progress through school, with a natural lemon flavour and no fishy taste. What’s more, each tiny 1ml daily dose contains 400mg of DHA, well above the 250mg required to support normal brain function and vision.

For 5 years+

The tiny Efamol® Efalex Brain Formula capsules are easy for children to swallow as they are only 15mm x 10mm. They are high in the omega 3 fat DHA, which helps support normal brain function and vision. They also contain AA, the second most abundant fat in the brain, as well as the omega 6 fat GLA from evening primrose oil.

For adults

Efamol® Efamax™ High Strength Pure Fish Oil is an ultra-strength formula. In fact, it’s one of the strongest on the UK market as it contains 800mg of DHA and EPA. DHA supports normal brain performance and vision, while DHA and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) contribute to the normal function of the heart. This product is also suitable during pregnancy.

For older adults

Efamol Active Memory contains a high-strength omega 3 DHA fish oil to support normal brain function*. It also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, which support normal psychological function. Meanwhile, the addition of Ginkgo Biloba helps to maintain memory with age decline and preserve cognitive function.

Get 25% off all Efamol® Omega 3 Products until 19th October 2021. Exclusions apply. Subject to availability.

Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 1. 250mg of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) daily contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision. 2. Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg DHA and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). 3. 250mg of DHA and EPA daily helps support the normal function of the heart.