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.
weekly home cleaning Highland Park ..The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending... Read More
You may have heard of the "Portfolio Diet" wherein it... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
A fictional overheard conversation at a Thelma's Fine Dining.Hi, I'm... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
Creating Your Target is easy.What I use to help create... Read More
The dangers of processed foods and diets Why is that... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
Some people say to themselves, junk food is not that... Read More
Are there any benefits to be obtained from drinking water... Read More
Fats have been unfairly lumped together as being all bad... Read More
An American culture that is marked by a chronic lack... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to... Read More
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and quite normal fat gain often... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
The fact that diet directly affects behaviour is no news,... Read More
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More
In today's world, there's a definite need to be proactive... Read More
I don't understand people sometimes. You know, there is a... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
Better sleep = better metabolism. I have been saying it... Read More
You are a mineral bodyEvery part of you is made... Read More
I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens... Read More
Okay, so you think you are doing pretty well with... Read More
whole house cleaning Park Ridge ..A hundred years ago, life was very different here on... Read More
Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food.... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
What are Glyconutrients? Glyconutrients are eight newly discovered biologically-active sugars... Read More
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you... Read More
Americans are literally running out of time. Achieving a work-life... Read More
Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn... Read More
(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all... Read More
Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my 6-month old... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
High Fructose Corn SyrupBefore we get to high fructose corn... Read More
Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a member of the... Read More
Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Over... Read More
Eating orange mean absorbing vitamin C to our body, is... Read More
The makers of Bumble Bee Tuna generated some buzz today... Read More
Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
I am going to share with you possibly the most... Read More
Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules are a nutritious, all-natural alternative... Read More
Recently, trans fats have risen to the forefront of the... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
First some terminology.Fructose ... a five carbon sugar that occurs... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Nutrition |