Nutrition Information

Translate this page into:
Spanish TranslationFrench TranslationGerman translationItalian translationPortuguese translationArabic translationJapanese translationKorean translationChinese translationRussian translation

The Truth About Omega 3


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.

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.


MORE RESOURCES:

Your Nutrition: Treat your heart to a healthy diet this Valentine's Day
Herald Times Reporter
The American Heart Association recommends you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods daily. This Valentine's Day, focus on some heart-healthy foods and a few treats, too! Start your special day with oatmeal topped with blueberries and walnuts.

and more »


Department of Defense

First Lady Lauds DOD's New Nutrition Campaign
Department of Defense
10, 2012 – The Defense Department's new obesity and nutrition awareness campaign sets a powerful example for the rest of the nation, First Lady Michelle Obama said yesterday. First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to airmen in a dining facility on Little ...
US military meals redux: More fruit and vegetables, less fatLos Angeles Times
Military food getting nutrition upgradeCBS News
Hold the mystery meat: Military bases to get first nutrition standards upgrade ...Washington Post
Politico (blog) -StandardNet -Pork Magazine
all 344 news articles »


Food Bill and nutrition
City Journal.in
However there is a thinking that we have move on from the narrow objective of providing food to that, which provides nutritional security as well. The present Bill revolves round the segmentation of BPL and APL and thus we have 'priority' and ...

and more »


Nutrition tip: Eating for a healthy heart
Lakenewsonline.com
By Anita Marlay The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that diseases of the heart remain the No. 1 cause of mortality in the United States, causing 600000 deaths a year. Heart protective eating habits can help to lower your risk of ...

and more »


FoodShare cost increase prompts closer look
Green Bay Press Gazette
The FoodShare program, which is part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and helps struggling families purchase nutritious food with a state-issued debit, or QUEST, card, has seen participation more than double and benefit costs ...

and more »


Globe and Mail

Walmart to Label Healthy Foods
New York Times
As part of its promise last year to improve the nutritional quality of the food it sells, Walmart said on Tuesday that it had devised standards to determine what is healthy and would label the foods that meet those standards.
Should shoppers trust Walmart's 'Great for You' nutrition labels?Globe and Mail
Walmart 'Great for You' Healthy Labels: Nutrition Experts Say 'Devil in the ...ABC News
Walmart joins stores labeling healthier food selectionsBoston Herald
Sacramento Bee -FoodNavigator-USA.com -The White House (blog)
all 409 news articles »


NorthJersey.com

Coming soon: Nutrition labels for health insurance
Washington Post (blog)
Think of them as nutrition facts for a health insurance plan that outline a health plan's deductible, out-of-pocket limits and costs for visits to the emergency room or primary care doctor. What you see above is one part of a four-page document that ...
Obama: Health plan briefs must be consumer-friendlyUSA TODAY
Feds require consumer-friendly health plan summariesChicago Sun-Times
More Understandable Health Insurance Info Is On the WayEveryday Health

all 253 news articles »


TIME

Walmart Unveils 'Great For You' Icon
CSPnet.com
Items with the "Great For You" icon must meet rigorous nutrition criteria informed by the latest nutrition science and authoritative guidance from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of ...
How Good Is Walmart's 'Great For You' Nutrition Labeling?TIME
Walmart Knows What's Good for YouTriple Pundit
Walmart's New Healthy Labels: Great for You, or Great for Them?brandchannel.com
DailyFinance -Co.Exist
all 7 news articles »


Nutritional Medicine for Adults Workshop Series at Rush University Medical Center
Newswise (press release)
Newswise — CHICAGO — Rush University Medical Center is sponsoring a Nutritional Medicine workshop March 15 to 16, 2012, that features internationally-renowned faculty who are leaders in research in nutritional medicine. The workshop is part of a ...

and more »


ABC News

First lady talks nutrition in Florida
MiamiHerald.com
AP HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Michelle Obama is assuring kids and parents that hamburgers and chicken nuggets aren't completely off-limits as she chats about healthy eating and exercise during a town hall meeting in Florida. The first lady took part in a WebMD ...
First lady announces expansion of military nutrition program on Arkansas visitArkansas News
UPDATED: First Lady Michelle Obama and Top Chefs put on cooking show in DallasPegasus News
Michelle Obama marks 'Let's Move' milestone with arugula, 'Interlude Dance' (+ ...Christian Science Monitor
Radio Iowa -PBS NewsHour
all 607 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006