One serving of fish per week could slow down mental decline in the elderly.

Nutrition research showed that a fish diet can also lower the rates of heart disease, stroke, inflammation and certain eye diseases. It can also thwart depression, boost mood and protect the brain as a whole.

The study said a person who eats fish has a brain that is effectively three or four years younger than the person who doesn't. It showed that weekly serving of fish results in a 10% slower rate of cognitive decline. Two servings a week could even lead to 13% of slower mental aging.

Fish is the key source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for neurological development and normal brain function.

One omega-3 fatty acid in particular, docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is known to be particularly crucial to protect brain cells. The brain is 60% fat and it is through the fat-rich cell membrane that all nerve signals must pass. Unless it has all the ingredients for keeping cells in tip-top shape, the brain won't function at full capacity, especially as it grows older.

Thus, nutritionists advised people to eat fish regularly. Almost all species of fish are good sources of Omega 3, but oily cold-water fish such as tuna and salmon have the highest benefits.

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