Truth About Omega 3

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.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Developing Those Elusive Bright Eyes... With Vitamins and Minerals

Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More

If You Want to Enjoy Optimum Good Health A Multivitamin Can Help

It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More

Tart Cherries - Natural Cox-2 Inhibitors, Now Available in One A Day Softgels for Arthritis and Gout

After nearly 4 years of research and development, Flavonoid Sciences... Read More

The Science Behind Phytonutrient Rich Soy Based Products

A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More

How To Choose A Good Quality Vitamin Supplement For You And Your Family Without Getting Ripped Off

As you may have already experienced, figuring out how to... Read More

Should You Take Gingko Biloba to Improve Your Brain Power?

Have you heard of the herbal supplement with the very... Read More

Can Vitamin E Cure Almost Everything?

Vitamin E is an absolutely vital nutrient in your body,... Read More

PhytoNutrients

We have all heard that it is important to eat... Read More

Discover Natural Supplements That Really Give Relief From Arthritic Pain

If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More

What is Chromium Picolinate?

Chromium picolinate supplement combines the essential trace mineral Chromium with... Read More

Are Glyconutrients for Real?

If glyconutrients are for real, why aren't they all over... Read More

Getting the Most Out of Your Supplements and Yourself

Are you not feeling any results from your nutritional supplements?Here... Read More

Vitamin E to Protect Against Parkinsons Disease

Moderate amounts of vitamin E in the diet can protect... Read More

When Your Body Lacks Vitamins

The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals... Read More

Achieving Youthful Healthy Skin with Vitamins A, C, and E

We all want healthy skin. While the main reasons for... Read More

Definitve Proof - Supplements Heal

No Money in PreventionI have been recommending a wide variety... Read More

The Perfect Supplement

I wanted to write this article because of my sincere... Read More

Reviving Vitamin E Studies That Challenge Claims of Wonder Supplement Also Leave Openings

The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin... Read More

Weight Lifting Supplement

Weight Lifting Supplement ? what is it?The term "weight lifting... Read More

Amino Acid Usage ? How You Can Benefit

Over the years, amino acid usage has become more and... Read More

Fish Oil and Possible Disease Prevention

Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More

Proper Nutrition is Fundamental as a First Step in Optimizing Your Health: Immunocal

Proper nutrition is fundamental to optimizing your health. By eating... Read More

How Taking an HGH Supplement Changed My Life

I finally bought the stuff. I couldn't resist anymore. After... Read More

ImmunPlex: Highest Quality Natural Whey

ImmunPlex? is an undenatured whey protein isolate that contains many... Read More

Should I Be Taking Vitamin Supplements?

Most people believe that they are reasonably healthy. Exercise, having... Read More

Superior Absorption of Coral Calcium

Over the past few years, Coral Calcium has received a... Read More

Supplements, Diet and Exercise for Healthy Aging

Recently a television health expert was discussing the topic, "How... Read More

Beneficial Effects of Vitamins and Minerals To Your Blood

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the health... Read More

Glyconutrients - The Next Major Health Breakthrough

Did you know?· 20% of Australian children reported symptoms of... Read More

Antioxidants May Prevent Childhood Asthma

A source suggests that there may be a new way... Read More

Can You Drink Your Way To Good Health?

Many years ago I became convinced of the need to... Read More

Probiotics and Friendly Flora

You Need Probiotics For Better Digestion and Overall HealthInside your... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role... Read More