Some research suggests that Omega-3s may have a positive effect on mental health. These fats "are under investigation for treating depression, bipolar disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease and post-partum depression. This year, the American Psychiatric Association formed a committee to review the findings and to make treatment recommendations for the use of omega-3s." 2
Other studies indicate that the aging brain is well served by omega-3s. For instance, a French study published in the British Medical Journal “suggested a relationship between the consumption of fatty acids and brain health. Researchers believe that fatty acids derived from fish enhance nerve cell regeneration to ensure the integrity of brain cells.” 3 Omega-3s are also very important for pregnant and breastfeeding women. “One omega-3 fatty acid in particular (docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA) is considered essential for the optimal development of an infant’s brain and eyes during pregnancy and after birth.”4
Research shows that Omega-3s may help alleviate inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, help prevent Raynaud’s syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms. 5 There is also mounting evidence that dietary intakes of fish oil can delay or reduce tumour development in breast cancer. 6,7
Fish is good food for people with diabetes because they have a higher risk of problems like heart disease and stroke, which fish may help prevent. A diet plan that includes plenty of lower fat foods, like fish, can also help people with diabetes control the condition.
Sources:
| 1. |
U.C. Berkeley Wellness Letter, March 1999 |
| 2. |
Omega-3s for the Head, Too, Prepared Foods.com
e-newsletter, September 2003 |
| 3. |
“Miracle Nutrient”-Scientists Show Impact on Heart, Brain, www.journaloflongevity.com |
| 4. |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Healthier Babies, Kendall, Pat www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnnn/nn020826.html |
| 5. |
Horstman, J. "Medical Oils." July-August 1999. Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Atlanta, GA 30357-0669. www.arthritis.org. |
| 6. |
Simonsen, Neal, et al. Adipose tissue omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid content and breast cancer in the EURAMIC Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 147, No. 4, 1998, pp. 342-52. |
| 7. |
Cave, W.T. Jr. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fats and breast cancer. Nutrition, Vol. 12 (suppl),
January 1996, pp. S39-42. |
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