The Truth About Omega 3

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Article Title: The Truth About Omega 3

Author: McEvoy

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet

Word Count: 868

Article URL:

http://www.isnare.com/?id=2811 & ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Format: 64cpl

Author's Email Address: omega3@...

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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.

About The Author: Information on Omega 3 and its properties

provided by http://www.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.

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