Ten ways to keep your brain young - part 2

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4. Eat oily fish

Omega-3 is a fatty acid found in oily fish, like mackerel, salmon and sardines. It helps reduce the risk of heart-disease and now scientists say it can help your mind too. About 30% of the brain's cells are made up of Omega-3, but a diet of processed food can destroy them and stop the cells from being as efficient as they should be. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 helps top up the brain.

Try this smoked mackerel and spring onion jacket potato for a delicious and quick way to get your serving of Omega-3, or take a look at out other fish recipes

5. Take up dancing

Aerobic exercise, like dancing, has been shown to improve the fitness of your brain as well as your body. By learning this new skill, you'll be exercising both sides of brain - the logical left side and your right side, which looks after your creativity. Our Strictly Come Dancing article has lots of tips and will help you shift some pounds too! You could also have a look at our list of the the best fitness DVDs.

Studies have shown that exercising three times a week reduces the risk of dementia by up to 40%.

6. Drink tea

The nation's favourite drink can also help slow the arrival of Alzheimer's in people who are susceptible to the disease. Drinking a cup of tea per day has been shown to stop the chemicals which destroys part of the brain, causing the disease.

Green tea is even better because it stops certain proteins forming in the brain, which have been linked to Alzheimer's. Both also contain antioxidants, which help fight cancer.

7. Cut back on booze

The effects of alcohol can be seen after the first few drinks - the slurred speech, slowed reactions. After a long session, you can experience blackouts and even unconsciousness. Drinking excessively actually shrinks your brain.

Government recommendations for women say we should have no more than 14 units of alcohol a week - that's about a small glass of wine or a pint of lager a day

Check to see other health problems with drinking too much alcohol and take our quiz to see if you're drinking too much

- Next: find out how eating more can boost your brain power