Why DHA is Essential for Brain Health: 12 Key Benefits

Did you know what fuels your brain power? It’s DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid. It helps with the brain’s sharpness, memory, and mood upliftment. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid required for the development, maintenance, and optimization of the brain. Lack of DHA leads to brain fog, low moods, forgetfulness, or even poor concentration. However, the kicker is that your body cannot make DHA in large amounts by itself, so you need omega-3 supplements along with your diet.

This blog will enlighten you about the 12 ways DHA supports brain health, including improving memory and reducing fatigue. Additionally, we will also mention the best omega-3 tablet for you to consider during your pregnancy. Let’s start.

Benefits of Consuming DHA

Supports Foetal Development

During pregnancy, doctors recommend that expectant mothers consume omega-3 supplements along with a balanced diet. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a vital role in the brain, eye, and nervous system development of the growing baby. Since the growing baby depends upon you for the diet and DHA, you need to get enough DHA via omega-3 capsules. The recommended daily intake of DHA during pregnancy is around 200 to 300 mg. Regular intake of omega-3 supplements helps boost the baby’s cognitive abilities, visual strength, and motor skills, setting the stage for healthy early development.

Reduced Risk of ADHD

Omega-3 fatty acid DHA is an essential nutrient for the optimal brain development of the child, especially during the early years when the child develops rapidly. DHA helps in cognitive functioning, such as learning ability, memory, and attention. According to some studies, children who consume sufficient DHA have higher school performance and better social conduct. Moreover, as per recent research, proper and adequate consumption of DHA decreases the risk of developmental disorders like ADHD. Furthermore, DHA supports the mental and behavioral development of a child by ensuring that the brain functions and emotional health are optimal.

Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth

Current research proves that consuming adequate DHA during pregnancy can lower the risk of preterm birth. The omega-3 fatty acid is essential in the development of your baby's brain and eyes, and helps you give birth safely and smoothly at full term. Therefore, regular intake of an omega-3 supplement is essential.

Supports Brain Health

Some studies have indicated that DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, is crucial for your baby’s brain health. It maintains the structure of brain cells, solidifies neurons, and enhances neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's capacity to learn and create new connections. Omega-3 DHA also enhances your baby’s memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. Furthermore, DHA minimizes the risk of cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer's and age-related deterioration.

Boosts Memory and Learning in Adults

DHA is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your baby’s brain cells. Continuous consumption of DHA benefits to improve cognitive function and memory retention.

Fights Inflammation

Enhancing the DHA consumption helps reduce inflammation. Additionally, DHA intake also helps balance the excess of inflammatory omega-6 fats.

Reduced Risk of Depression

Receiving appropriate amounts of DHA omega-3 helps reduce the risk of depression. The omega-3 fats support serotonin, a nerve messenger that balances the mood.

Reduced Heart Disease Risk

According to studies, Omega-3 DHA helps support your baby’s heart health while boosting the omega-3 index in the body, and reducing triglycerides.

Lowers BP and Supports Circulation

Doctors all across the globe suggest taking omega-3 tablets regularly during your pregnancy, especially because DHA plays a vital role in maintaining heart health. It improves blood flow and enhances the function of the endothelium, the blood vessel lining. This helps your arteries stay flexible and healthy. Additionally, omega-3s are known to lower blood pressure, which can significantly reduce your risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. It’s a simple step with powerful, long-term benefits.

Minimises Risk of Certain Cancers

Persistent inflammation can cause cancer. However, consuming a higher amount of DHA omega-3 lowers the risk of developing breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.

Supports Quick Brain Recovery After Injuries

Brain injuries like stroke or concussions lead to cognitive and functional disorders. DHA omega-3 helps the recovery process by reducing inflammation, damage replacement, and promoting neurogenesis.

Boosts Visual Processing

DHA plays a crucial role in the visual processing of the retina. It helps maintain clear communication between the brain and the eyes and optimizes tasks, such as reading and spatial awareness.

Natural Sources of DHA Omega-3

Mentioned below are the natural sources of DHA:

• Fatty fish: Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, Tuna, Anchovies
• Shellfish: Mussels, Oysters, Shrimp
• Fish Eggs: Salmon, Other fish eggs
• Cod liver oil
• Algae oil
• Fortified Foods: Milk and dairy products, Eggs, Yogurts, Orange juice, Infant formulas
• Grass-Fed Animal Products: Dairy products, Meats

Why is Trimacare the Best DHA for Pregnancy?

Trimacare is renowned as the best DHA for pregnancy because it offers a perfect blend of 20+ essential nutrients. A team of highly skilled and experienced medical experts specially made it for Indian expectant mothers to fulfill the RDA of nutrients that the staple Indian diet lacks. It is formulated using deep-sea algae – 100% vegetarian – ensuring safety and purity. Furthermore, the prenatal supplement is enriched with vital vitamins and minerals, including DHA omega-3, iron, calcium, folate, zinc, etc. This scientifically balanced formulation follows the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and the Indian Council of Medical Research, making it the best DHA for pregnancy in the Indian market.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to brain health during pregnancy, DHA is truly your secret weapon. This supports your baby’s brain, eyes, and nervous system, while also giving your own heart, memory, and mood a helping hand. However, your body doesn’t make enough DHA on its own, and your diet alone might not fill the gap. That’s why many experts recommend adding a reliable omega-3 supplement to your routine. From sharpening cognitive function to lowering inflammation and even reducing the risk of preterm birth and conditions like ADHD, DHA does a bit of everything. But not just any omega-3 supplement will do; you need one that’s safe, easy to absorb, and tailored for pregnancy. As your body changes and your baby grows, DHA becomes a key ally in supporting healthy development. So, stay consistent, eat well, and talk to your doctor about the right DHA intake for you and your little one.

FAQs

What is DHA, and why is it important?

DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain health. It helps support the baby’s neurological development while maintaining the mental health of the mother.

What are the benefits of DHA?

It helps support foetal development and reduces the risk of certain cancers, heart diseases, ADHD, preterm birth, depression, heart attack, and stroke.

What are the natural sources of DHA omega-3?

• Fatty fish: Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, Tuna, Anchovies
• Shellfish: Mussels, Oysters, Shrimp
• Fish Eggs: Salmon, Other fish eggs
• Cod liver oil
• Algae oil
• Fortified Foods: Milk and dairy products, Eggs, Yogurts, Orange juice, Infant formulas
• Grass-Fed Animal Products: Dairy products, Meats

How much DHA should be consumed daily?

The required daily amount (RDA) of DHA is 200-300 mg.