Focuses on how omega-3 essential fatty acids can improve brain
function. Effects of omega-3 to one's moods; How omega-3 helps boost
immune and nervous systems; Possible links between low levels of
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and depression; Low level of omega-3 as a
factor in the risk of depression.
By
PT Staff, published on March 01, 1998
Fat but happy may not be just a cliche anymore. So called
"goodfats"-especially omega-3 essential fatty acids, found commonly in
fish--are known to prevent coronary disease and boost both the immune and
nervous systems. But the good news gets better than that: these fats
might even improve your brain function and put you in a better mood--and
they might do it permanently.
The brain, which is composed of an astonishing 60% fat, needs
adequate amounts of these fatty acids for mental health. For instance,
the primary building blocks of the brain and the retina is an omega-3
fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, which is found in red
meat, egg yolks, and in oily fish such as sardines and tuna. A growing
number of studies point to possible links between low levels of DHA and
depression, memory loss, visual disorders, and other various neurological
dysfunctions.
For instance, Dr. Ernst Schaefer of the Human Nutrition Center on
Aging at Tufts University has found that a low level of DHA is a risk
factor for dementia (a category that includes Alzheimer's). DHA seems
useful in treating the difficulties that dyslexics often have in
processing visual stimuli. Research from the National Institute of Health
points to the low levels of omega-3 fatty acids as a factor in the risk
of depression. A similar study published in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition shows a link between the marked increase in depression
in North America and the decline in the consumption of DHA during the
same period.
Such evidence supports supplementing your diet with DHA to ensure
optimal function of the brain and transmission of nerve signals. Although
dietary consumption of DHA (from oily fish such as mackerel and herring)
would provide sufficient amounts of the fatty acid, supplements are free
of the toxins and chemical pollutants reported to be found in such fish
oils. Dr. David J. Kyle, senior VP of research and development at Martek,
agrees there's plenty of additional evidence to support its usage. "As a
rule, clinical trials don't take place on healthy people, but there are
studies, like a recent one from Tufts, that show if you have low levels
of DHA, you have a 70 percent higher risk factor of dementia in old age."
He also points to Japanese studies that demonstrate improvement in
short-term memory and night vision of healthy individuals who have been
taking DHA supplements.
And how would you know if you're DHA deficient? "Unless you're
eating broiled mackerel or herring three times a week, you're probably
only getting 50 of the 200 grams of DHA that should be in your daily
diet. So in short, if you're an American, you most probably are." And if
you're on a low-fat diet, you can count on it.
PHOTO (COLOR): "Omega-3 FATTY acids are not just HEART-healthy,
they are brain-HEALTHY too."
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