The Myth is True: If You Want to Get Smarter, Eat More Fish

You might have thought that your “general intelligence level” was predetermined, based on such measures as your IQ. Well, that’s simply not true. And believe it or not, you may be able to improve your intelligence just by eating more fish! A recent study showed that teenage boys who consumed fish at least once a week had higher intelligence scores than boys who did not consume as much. Keep reading to find out the details of this study, and to learn how you can “get smart.”

Fish has often been called brain food because of its Omega3 fatty acids, which are known to support cognitive abilities. A recent study performed in Sweden, published in the journal Acta Paediatrica, revealed that 15-year-old boys who consumed fish at least once a week had higher intelligence scores by the time they were 18 than those who did not consume as much fish. The study was based on approximately 4,000 teenaged boys. 

According to the study, the boys who ate fish had an increase in cognitive abilities of 11 percent during the three-year time frame, while those who did not consume fish had an increase around 6 percent. There was a marked difference between the group who ate fish and who did not eat fish. 

Professor Kjell Toren of the University of Gothenburg was involved with the study and stated that the young men who ate fish once a week scored better in the test scores than those who did not eat fish (seven percent higher). Those who ate fish more than once a week scored even better (12 percent higher). 

This study is one of many that have been done on the effects of fish and fish oils. The verdict is clear: eating fish does improve brain power. Fatty fish, such as salmon, contain Omega3s. These essential nutrients have been known to boost brain power, and are also good for your heart and digestive tract. Omega3 fish supplements are one of the most beneficial supplements on the market today. 

Eating fish also provides both young and old with a source of protein. It has been suggested that eating fish twice a week can not only improve cognitive abilities but also stave off conditions such as heart disease, and digestive disorders, dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease. 

In addition to this study, other studies have indicated that eating fish can help in the neuro-development of children and that pregnant women who consume fish can lessen the risk of having a child with cognitive impairment. However, pregnant women also need to be conscious of the threat of mercury when choosing fish sources.

Studies also indicate that those who eat fish when they are young benefit from eating fish well into middle age. Eating fish is also effective for controlling weight and can be used to maintain a healthy weight in both young people as well as adults. 

Incorporating fish into your diet as well as the diet of your children appears to be a wise idea if you want to improve your intelligence and benefit other areas of your health. You can also start to include fish oil supplements, such as Bio-Kr ill and Bio-Krill with Superba.