We have all heard of the countless benefits of consuming foods with omega-3, now you can add another big one: reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a new study  by Columbia University’s Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, consuming high levels of omega-3 fatty acids lower your levels of a protein called beta-amyloid which is a major player in developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s. In fact, higher levels of omega-3 each day can lower your blood beta-amyloid levels by as much as 20-30%!

Researchers have suspected a link between omega-3 and decreased memory loss risks for a long time, this study, which was recently published in Neurology, is a major breakthrough for doctors studying the development of Alzheimer’s. The study looked at over 1,200 people over the age of 65 and more than 10 different nutrients. Those with particularly high levels of omega-3 intake had 20-30% lower levels of beta-amyloid than people with an average intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

This study focused on the blood but more research remains to be done on how the levels of beta-amyloid in the blood actually affect the levels in the brain. Testing blood levels is a fairly simple thing for any researcher to do, testing brain levels is not – but it is a necessary step in figuring out exactly how much omega-3 fatty acids actually affect your chances of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s.

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been considered highly beneficial for a bevy of physical elements. The acids have been shown to help prevent cancer, improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems, prevent inflammation, and improve neurological function. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t get the recommended amount from diet alone and certainly don’t come close to the high levels of omega-3 needed to lower your beta-amyloid levels. Even adding more fish and other omega-3 containing foods like eggs and nuts may not be enough which is why you may want to consider supplementing your diet with krill oil capsules for the best results.