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.
kitchen deep cleaning Deerfield ..For most people, the concept of capsulized food? usually conjures... Read More
Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More
Most people understand that it is wise to limit the... Read More
If you're looking for a power-packed entr?e or soup to... Read More
In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming... Read More
Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people... Read More
Nutrition has everything to do with health. This isn't news,... Read More
It is amazing to be able to say I am... Read More
Americans are literally running out of time. Achieving a work-life... Read More
The cry of "I have no willpower!" often emerges from... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
After WLS we must concentrate on eating nutrient rich food.... Read More
It would be fair to assume that almost everyone on... Read More
Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately... Read More
I had finally come to a place in my life... Read More
DeathDeath. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do... Read More
On average 30% of foods in our daily diet are... Read More
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice... Read More
Modern life can be stressful. There are so many concerns... Read More
Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as... Read More
Most of us equate the word diet with calorie reduction.... Read More
Okay, before we start, let me explain the purpose of... Read More
Water is a vitally important component of any valuable and... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
interior house cleaning Highland Park ..They sit left behind on relish trays. They're often by-passed... Read More
Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
The adrenal or "stress glands" are small, triangular shaped glands... Read More
If you are like most people, you are probably confused... Read More
East Meets WestAsian cultures have realized the medical benefits of... Read More
The topic of nutrition is one that is always present... Read More
It is believed that cane sugar was discovered before the... Read More
Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)An oat is a grass that... Read More
A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to... Read More
If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More
The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of... Read More
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
Constipation is a condition whereby the fecal matter traveling through... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
This is such a busy time of year, isn't it?... Read More
The key to good hydration is drinking a lot of... Read More
All carbohydrates are not the same. Generally it is assumed... Read More
Do you know your ph? By getting ph strips at... Read More
What is health? Everyone wants this thing called health, and... Read More
With today's time constraints, stressful jobs, and "thin is in"... Read More
Dr. Arthur Agatston, the cardiologist who developed South Beach Diet... Read More
Nutrition |