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 of 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 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.

There is no doubt that optimum nutrition is the best way to keep your body healthy and free from illnesses. But when I refer to optimum nutrition, what exactly am I talking about? Well, here’s a look at what constitutes optimum nutrition.

To put it in simple terms, optimum nutrition refers to eating the right foods in the right combination (a balanced diet), and ensuring an adequate daily intake of water. A balanced diet includes various foods which are rich in several nutrients, and in combination with each other, provide you with all the essential nutrients that your body needs. These are:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Proteins
• Fats
• Carbohydrates (starch)
• Co-factors and digestive enzymes
• Fiber
• Phyto-nutrients and
• Good bacteria

Thus, as you can see, you need to eat a wide variety of animal and plant foods in order to ensure a daily intake of all the essential nutrients as mentioned above. And let’s face it; in today’s world where fast food reigns supreme, hardly anyone eats a proper balanced diet. Most people have poor nutritional habits, which is why their bodies are susceptible to more diseases. Thus, in order to ensure optimum nutrition and a fit body, nutritional support through good quality nutritional supplements becomes essential.

“But why should I take nutritional supplements when I eat a perfectly balanced diet?”

Well, even if you are one of those few people who has good nutritional habits and who consumes a perfectly balanced diet, you still need to take nutritional supplements. Why? Read on……

The soil today is not as nutrient rich as it once was, due to which foods too are not as high in nutrients as they used to be. There is also an increased use of chemicals in the food industry, and modern cultivation and farming methods too do not do anything to maintain the quality of food. Due to all these reasons, food is depleted of most of its vital nutrients, which is why it is practically impossible to achieve optimum nutrition through food alone.

Thus, the only way to ensure optimum nutrition is to eat foods in as close to their natural state as possible, avoid unhealthy methods of cooking such as frying, and use an appropriate regimen of nutritional supplements in your daily life. As various nutritional supplements too can have undesirable side effects if used improperly, it is essential to take nutritional supplements under the expert guidance of a natural health care doctor only.

Dr. Nabil Khoury is a medical doctor. He practices integrative medicine combining allopathic medicine and natural health. Visit his website Natural health and longevity bible to learn more about optimum nutrition.