Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Mental Health - What’s The Connection?

Science and health have long known now that omega 3 fatty acids are important for both brain development when we are young and vital as we age to keep our cognitive abilities from declining. In fact, the saying "fish is brain food" has almost become something of a cliche'.

Unfortunately, many people still think the connections between omega 3 and mental health is an old wives tale. However, new studies in recent years are shedding real, indisputable, scientific light on validating the omega 3/brain connection.

For example, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's examined over a 100 healthy volunteers have discovered a telling link between omega-3 fatty acids and the participant's overall mood. What was this link?

Simple.

Those participants who had lower blood levels of omega 3 fats reported symptoms of depression, and more rash, impetuous decision making. By contrast, participants in the study who had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a more cheerful and happier attitude, in addition to more stable state of mind.

These connections between omega 3 and mental health uncovered in this study were presented at the 64th annual scientific meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society.

Some health experts now believe that to moderate mood swings and erratic behavior, omega 3 fatty acids should be recommended. Indeed, many health experts with a natural bent (naturopathic doctors, herbalists, etc) have been recommending just that for years now.

We're not saying that omega 3 fatty acids should be prescribed for mental disorders. In many cases, on doubt, patients need a prescription drug.

However, for the rest of us who are feeling down and the underlying reason is dietary, the connections between omega 3 and mental health strongly suggest that we start to include more of these beneficial fats in what we eat. Fatty fish, legumes, eggs, flaxseed, grass fed meats, and purified fish oil supplements are among the best choices.

Dan Ho is editor of http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com . Visit us now to learn how to choose a quality omega 3 fish oil supplement to learn more about the role of omega 3 on brain health.

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