Calming the Chaos: What Anxeity is?

četvrtak, 21. svibnja 2026.

Is fish oil always good for your brain?

Today’s Ingredients

If there’s one supplement most of us assume is universally good, it’s fish oil. But a new study found that one type of omega-3 may actually interfere with brain repair after head injuries. However, this may not be the case for most people. Below, we break down what the research found and what it means for you.

•

Food to enjoy: Strawberry banana breakfast bars

•

News to know: Eating eggs 5 times a week linked to lower Alzheimer's risk in new study

•

Tips to live well: 7 scrumptious drinks that are high in iron

Let’s look into it,
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Tim Snaith
May 21, 2026 • 2 min read

FRESH FINDINGS

Don’t ditch your fish oil yet

Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to heart health, reduced inflammation, and better brain function — DHA in particular is essential for your brain throughout life. So a new study that found one omega-3 might actually hinder the brain got our attention.

The omega-3 in question is EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). In mouse models and human brain cell trials, EPA was associated with reduced repair capacity in the brain’s blood vessels and a buildup of tau protein — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

DHA, the other major omega-3 in fish oil, did not show the same effect.

But it’s not quite as bad as it sounds, as this only applies to brains recovering from repeated mild traumatic injuries — the kind of scenario relevant to contact-sport athletes, military veterans, or people with a history of recurrent falls. This was not a study about the general population, and it doesn't overturn the broader evidence behind omega-3s.

The bottom line: for most people, omega-3 supplementation remains well supported. The exception is if you have a history of repeated head injuries; it’s worth asking your doctor whether your supplement is EPA-heavy.

If you’d rather get your omega-3s from food, fatty fish two to three times a week alongside walnuts, flaxseeds, and a Mediterranean-style diet is a solid path.

GET THE FULL STORY

Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we’ll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)

RECIPE PICK
Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Lime Cauliflower Rice
The magic happens in the last 10 minutes with this delicious shredded chicken satisfier.
GET THE RECIPE →

YES, CHEF

Oatmeal with Ricotta, Honey, and Pistachios

Ready in just 4 minutes, this oatmeal is low in calories, sugar, carbs, and sodium while being high in fiber. The ricotta, honey, and pistachios are reminiscent of baklava, a Greek dessert made with honey and pistachios.

START COOKING

the takeout

What we’re digesting

🌡️ 11 natural ways to reduce symptoms of menopause. Diet, exercise, and a few targeted supplements that actually have evidence behind them.

👁️ Eccentric viewing for wet AMD. A simple technique that trains your peripheral vision to work around central blind spots.

👃 Parkinson’s and smell: what's the connection? Loss of smell can appear years before motor symptoms do.

🩸 How to reverse prediabetes naturally. Eight lifestyle changes that can bring your blood sugar back to a healthy range.

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!

This edition was powered by

reading the fine print.️

View in browser

Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
To see all newsletters, click here.

Privacy | Unsubscribe

We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.

Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline’s or Optum Now’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.