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 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.
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.
disinfecting cleaning services Buffalo Grove ..Nutrition has everything to do with health. This isn't news,... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
Who suffers from Eating Disorders?Eating Disorder sufferers are male and... Read More
The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG... Read More
Did you know that the food you eat when you... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you... Read More
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive... Read More
You're always hungry right? The last thing you have time... Read More
It is often taken as a given fact that soy... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
Get back to the basics - eat fresh at home... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the development... Read More
Post nasal drip is a sensation of mucous build up... Read More
Herbal teas have long been known to have medicinal benefits... Read More
We all need fat in our diet on a daily... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
You may have noticed an ever-expanding choice of oils at... Read More
Coconut oil is less known compare to olive oil, corn... Read More
There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
What if you could actually slow your rate of aging,... Read More
With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More
Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
spotless home service Arlington Heights ..Diets don't work. If they did the U.S. of A.... Read More
New studies bring to our attention that high levels of... Read More
Copyright ? 2004 priya shah Glutathione, the body's... Read More
Nutrition facts have become a part of everyday life because... Read More
Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn... Read More
There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal... Read More
Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More
Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More
Calcium helps reduce constipationUsing calcium and magnesium in the right... Read More
Spring is in the air and ? summer is around... Read More
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and potentially life-altering disorder with symptoms... Read More
LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More
Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
Finally, a positive solution regarding America's difficult and costly campaign... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
The research in support of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (such... Read More
It is believed that cane sugar was discovered before the... Read More
Sugar intake is a real concern for people who've had... Read More
The word cholesterol has become synonymous with poor health. Indeed,... Read More
Mineral nutritionSearching for mineral nutrition information is much easier today... Read More
You say you don't know what glyconutrients are? You are... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More
Nutrition |