Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at London's Imperial College MRI unit, released his findings on Omega 3 and its effect on brain function and depression, many studies have been performed regarding the beneficial effects of this fatty acid. Studies over the past two years have consistently confirmed that Omega 3, a substance lacking in today's "diet" is a key component in the brain's development and proper functioning.
The notion that Omega 3 was linked to depression and other mental illnesses came about based on studies conducted at Harvard University in 1999 on people with bipolar and a 1996 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association studying the prevalence of depression across ten countries. The Harvard study found that fish oil was an effective treatment for bipolar. The study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association was expanded upon in 1998 when it was discovered that depression was lower in countries that consumed higher levels of fish.
Omega 3 As Part Of A Healthy Diet
Omega 3 is a substance found most commonly in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, tuna, mackerel, pilchards and sardines. Over the last 100 years the western diet has shifted radically to include far less fish and thus the Omega 3 fatty acid. During the same time depression is estimated to have increased up to 100 fold.
To maintain ideal health, the average person should consume five grams daily of essential fatty acids (divided between Omega 3 and Omega 6). As this is not likely to change at any point in the near future some recommendations have been laid out for those who choose to take Omega 3 supplements. These recommendations will be listed further below in the section titled, "Omega 3 Supplements".
Omega 3 And The Brain
While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids can be noticed on many levels, the biggest breakthroughs documented have occurred in improved mental functions and health. Omega 3 has been reported to be effective in the treatment of depression. Numerous studies have indicated that during double-blind tests, patients suffering from depression who take Omega 3 over a placebo report significant benefits.
Similar results have been reported in the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. There are theories that Omega 3 could be used to treat other mental conditions such as attention deficit disorder, borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and cognitive impairment however at the time of this writing these beliefs are unsubstantiated by anything more than preliminary data.
Omega 3 And The Body
The main reported benefits of Omega 3 for the body occur in the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice per week in order to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.
While research is still ongoing into the effects of these fatty acids on the heart, research to date has shown that they:
? decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
? decrease triglyceride levels
? decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
? lower blood pressure (slightly)
Additionally, Omega 3 has been reported effective as an anti-inflammatory. And according to an article by Judith Horstman for Arthritis Today, "There's strong evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can ease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, help prevent Raynaud's syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms.
There is some limited evidence that the reduction in Omega 3 in the average western diet can be a contributing factor to the rise in:
? asthma
? chronic fatigue syndrome
? cystic fibrosis
? osteoporosis
? prostate cancer
Omega 3 Supplements
Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to go right to the source and eat it through the foods they originate. In the case of Omega 3 this would most likely be in the form of fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil. That said, this is not always possible given the average westerner's diet and lifestyle. Additionally, for those suffering from sever depression or using Omega 3 to combat an existing condition, the amount contained in the foods we eat may not provide enough of this fatty acid. If this is the case then it is important to know what you are looking for.
The supplement should be high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA, along with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two active ingredients in Omega 3. EPA is considered to be the therapeutic element. It is thus important to purchase a supplement higher in EPA than DHA.
Additional Notes
Due to the recent developments and study of Omega 3 and all of its potential health benefits, the majority of studies and information on it are preliminary and based on smaller test groups. Additional research is underway and should provide additional insight into how it works and exactly what its role is in the brain's functioning and development.
Currently additional studies are ongoing into the roll of Omega 3 in brain and nerve regeneration, depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, neck and back pain, stress and an assortment of other mental and physical conditions.
About The Author
Information on Omega 3 and its properties provided by Mind1st.co.uk. Mind1st in the sole distributor of PuraEPA with 90% pure EPA. Visit their website for more information on Omega 3 fish oil and how it works.
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More
It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More
After nearly 4 years of research and development, Flavonoid Sciences... Read More
A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More
As you may have already experienced, figuring out how to... Read More
Have you heard of the herbal supplement with the very... Read More
Vitamin E is an absolutely vital nutrient in your body,... Read More
We have all heard that it is important to eat... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
Chromium picolinate supplement combines the essential trace mineral Chromium with... Read More
If glyconutrients are for real, why aren't they all over... Read More
Are you not feeling any results from your nutritional supplements?Here... Read More
Moderate amounts of vitamin E in the diet can protect... Read More
The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals... Read More
We all want healthy skin. While the main reasons for... Read More
No Money in PreventionI have been recommending a wide variety... Read More
I wanted to write this article because of my sincere... Read More
The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin... Read More
Weight Lifting Supplement ? what is it?The term "weight lifting... Read More
Over the years, amino acid usage has become more and... Read More
Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More
Proper nutrition is fundamental to optimizing your health. By eating... Read More
I finally bought the stuff. I couldn't resist anymore. After... Read More
ImmunPlex? is an undenatured whey protein isolate that contains many... Read More
Most people believe that they are reasonably healthy. Exercise, having... Read More
Over the past few years, Coral Calcium has received a... Read More
Recently a television health expert was discussing the topic, "How... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the health... Read More
Did you know?· 20% of Australian children reported symptoms of... Read More
A source suggests that there may be a new way... Read More
Many years ago I became convinced of the need to... Read More
You Need Probiotics For Better Digestion and Overall HealthInside your... Read More
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role... Read More
How Well Does Thyrin-ATC and Other Natural Thyroid Products Work?Hypothyroidism... Read More
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More
When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More
Herbal Supplement ? what is it?So what is an herbal... Read More
As I have become more involved in using functional nutritional... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More
I often hear people say that they have smoked for... Read More
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that the body cannot... Read More
It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid plays a supporting role in... Read More
Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of fatty... Read More
Biological oxidation involves transferring electrons from one oxygen molecule to... Read More
Chromium picolinate supplement combines the essential trace mineral Chromium with... Read More
I know protein is good for me, but do I... Read More
Do you ever wonder why the experts keep saying that... Read More
Over the last 2 years, the link between weight gain... Read More
One of the most apparent influences modern times has brought... Read More
Bovine Colostrum is the form of "milk" taken from dairy... Read More
A lot of people take vitamins A, C, B and... Read More
Considering that the Health and Wellness industry is currently a... Read More
Those who start eating lemons at first symptoms of the... Read More
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic... Read More
Selenium is a type of trace mineral which supports healthy... Read More
Suppose you can turn back the hands of time to... Read More
L-carnitine is synthesized in the body from the amino acids... Read More
Our bodies change as we age, and to remain vigorous,... Read More
Herbal supplements have become hugely popular over the years, and... Read More
Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More
Taking good care of your body means that you are... Read More
A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of... Read More
Americans are buzzing about the FDA's recent decision to reverse... Read More
At the moment we are in the grip of an... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |