Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Omega 3 – Benefiting Your Brain

A lot is promoted in the media about the addition of essential fatty acids like Omega 3 fish oilto a heart-healthy diet. But just what are essential fatty acids, where do they come from, and what benefits do they offer to you?
Essential fatty acids are, as the name would suggest, fatty acids that the human body requires in order to maintain a healthy functioning system. The human body does not produce these types of essential fatty acids, so it is important that they are added to the diet by way of heart-healthy foods. Some of these foods include nuts, certain types of algae, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna.
Eating fresh fish just twice a week can have a marked improvement on your health, and can provide you with the omega 3 that your body needs. Taking daily omega 3 supplements can also help you to ensure that your body is maintaining a steady level of these very essential fatty acids; especially if you are including the omega 3 with the intention of seeing an improvement in your health.
It is typically well-known that essential fatty acids like omega 3 offer a wide range of health benefits, like the ability to reduce the inflammation that plagues those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the other omega 3 benefits include an improvement in mental health, which is something that not many consider. However researchers have discovered decidedly lower instances of depression in those who have high levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their body.
In addition, it has been discovered that including fish oil supplements as a part of a well-managed mental health treatment program can help to see a boost in the effectiveness of prescription antidepressants. It is always wise to discuss the addition of supplements with your prescribing doctor, due to the risk of an interaction with your prescriptions.
Individuals who live with bipolar disorder typically find themselves on a large number of prescription medications in order to try and control their bipolar symptoms. Studies have demonstrated that individuals being treated for bipolar disorder can see a marked reduction in the manic depressive symptoms that they would otherwise display if they were not including high levels of omega 3 in their diet.
ADHD in a child can be a difficult diagnosis for a parent to come to terms with, but studies have shown that an increase in omega 3 fatty acids has demonstrated a marked reduction in the ADHD symptoms. Children have also shown a major improvement in their overall cognitive function, simply by adding fish oil supplements to their diet.
Fish has long been considered to be "brain food" and studies are now starting to confirm some of these trains of thought. Preliminary studies are also pointing to a diet rich in omega 3s offering protection against debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. While more research does need to be conducted, the findings are thus far encouraging and should give merit to the idea that upping your levels of omega 3 can only prove to be beneficial. Keep in mind that the best omega 3 source is one that is constant, which is why so many turn to using daily supplements.

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