2. Eat the right kinds of fats

Our body needs a constant supply of two types of fats: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are essential for - among other things - brain performance, memory and intelligence. The balance between both types of fats is very critical for brain structure and function 49 . We all seem to consume more omega-6 (mainly from common vegetable oils), than omega-3 (present in nuts, seeds and oily fish). Allah(~ ) mentions fish meat in the Qur' an, naming it 'tender meat' : (\ f : J>..:.11•.;y ) ~And He it is Who has subjected the sea [to you], that you eat fresh tender meat [fish] from it) (Qur 'an 16: 14) Stick to the recommended daily amounts of these fats (see Chapter Two), and minimize your intake of saturated fats and hydrogenated fats - especially from fried and processed foods and red meat. Olive oil is rich in another type of good fat: monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats, as mentioned in Chapter Two, increase HDL 48 Holford, 2005b. 49 Ibid. cholesterol in the blood and reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, thus protecting your circulatory system and enabling it to efficiently supply your brain with the needed oxygen and nutrients. Recall the saying of the Prophet (~) : «Eat (olive) oil and use it as an ointment, as it comes from a blessed tree.» 50