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.
recurring maid service Buffalo Grove ..If glyconutrients are for real, why aren't they all over... Read More
Perhaps you first read riboflavin at the back of a... Read More
Since the release of a book called" beat chronic fatigue... Read More
MSM is a wonderful supplement with a low toxicity rating... Read More
When looking for health care supplements Texas residents can enjoy... Read More
Diet Supplement ? when are they used?Why diet supplement is... Read More
Creatine ? The most researched performance enhancing nutritional supplementDoes creatine... Read More
There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More
Vitamin E is a family of eight related molecules known... Read More
Every day, it seems like we are living in an... Read More
Lipovarin ReviewSince the ban on ephedra based products in April... Read More
Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More
Taking good care of your body means that you are... Read More
Do you ever wonder why the experts keep saying that... Read More
At times, due to your busy and fast life, we... Read More
It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More
One of the most apparent influences modern times has brought... Read More
Before you read the rest of this article I want... Read More
Benefits of using Vitamin A products:Retinol is pure and active... Read More
Some fitness adherents are supplement crazy and spend money like... Read More
I recently heard of an older couple that eats salmon... Read More
The next step on your road to real health is... Read More
Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every... Read More
A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of... Read More
Difficulty sleeping can affect many aspects of life. People who... Read More
premium house cleaning Glenview ..Nutritional vitamin fiber supplements come in a variety of types,... Read More
The science of Glycobiology, touted by the Massachusetts Institute of... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
A long time ago, in the country far, far away,... Read More
We have all heard that it is important to eat... Read More
I've been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don't... Read More
Our bodies change as we age, and to remain vigorous,... Read More
There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that... Read More
According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More
PART TWOFor those of you that read my previous article... Read More
Benefits of using Vitamin A products:Retinol is pure and active... Read More
I often hear people say that they have smoked for... Read More
Mineral Supplement ? be healthy.Why is mineral supplement so important?... Read More
The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and... Read More
The food is the raw material for the body. Minerals... Read More
The muscles of the body actually depend heavily on the... Read More
In September 2004 Orange County, California published an article "OC... Read More
Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.... Read More
Protein Supplement ? whey protein.Why is protein supplement important? Protein... Read More
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More
Do you spend at least some time in your day... Read More
Iron supplement - why iron?Why people need to use iron... Read More
Colloidal Silver might just be a wonderful thing and here's... Read More
The Connection Between Brain Inflammation, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's DiseaseThe evidence... Read More
Aging, a steady declineThe History of the world is filled... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |