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 ..Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More
Nails are a protective horn at the end of our... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
The word cholesterol has become synonymous with poor health. Indeed,... Read More
Because all of us have been brought up eating junk... Read More
White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and potentially life-altering disorder with symptoms... Read More
Chances are you may have had a food product that... Read More
The fact that diet directly affects behaviour is no news,... Read More
How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More
If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your... Read More
Eating healthy is fast becoming a way of life. American's... Read More
There are a number of common food mistakes that costs... Read More
Everyone can benefit from understanding how food affects our... Read More
The typical American diet already provides plenty of protein and... Read More
The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with... Read More
Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More
Just what is the "New Biology of Health?" And who's... Read More
Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you... Read More
Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
spotless home service Arlington Heights ..Constipation is a condition whereby the fecal matter traveling through... Read More
Nails are a protective horn at the end of our... Read More
Many of us, probably even you, want this thing called... Read More
Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed... Read More
Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More
Cholesterol is present in our bodies by one of two... Read More
The reason I remember the first time I was served... Read More
If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More
Water is the most abundant substance in the human body.... Read More
New studies bring to our attention that high levels of... Read More
NutrientsFat, Sugar, Sodium and CarbohydrateThe sections on a food label... Read More
It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
Apart from eating many of the wonderful vegetables and fruits... Read More
Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More
How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More
Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited... Read More
Can the colors on your plate tell you what health... Read More
Hi Readers,My message today is simple short and perhaps blunt... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
Eating grain products - breads, cakes, cereals - have long... Read More
Because all of us have been brought up eating junk... Read More
I'm 40-something years old, and for 40-something years breakfast has... Read More
We sometimes hear about ways that we can take care... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
Salt does Not Cause High Blood Pressure. Some things you... Read More
Nutrition |