Omega 3 and Its Amazing Brain Boosting Powers

Omega 3 fatty acids have many fabulous health benefits. One of the most sought after is the amazing effects it has on the brain. This wonder supplement is beneficial to most people from young children to the elderly and it benefits with the brain in many ways including:

• Reducing depression
• Minimising ADHD symptoms
• Memory improvement
• Boosting concentration
• Decreasing symptoms of Autism
• Help with prevention of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• Promotion of brain development

Brain Development and Omega 3

Studies on Omega 3 are wide and impressive on its ability to enhance brain function and development. In fact, Omega 3 is considered so important to the development of the brain that it is recommended for expectant mothers by several organisations, including the US Department of Agriculture, and the World Health Organisation.

This is because the two most important types of Omega 3 are found in the human brain and eyes. These are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). The developing fetus can get DHA from food and supplements consumed by the mother and also from her fat stores.

But it is not just unborn babies that benefit from Omega 3. Numerous studies have found a huge range of health benefits in all age groups.

Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease

A pilot study by Dr Milan Fiala, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, United States has shown that a combination of Omega 3 and Vitamin D3 can help to prevent and cure Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the acid clears the brain of the amyloid plaques that are associated with the disease. According to researchers the plaque contributes to nerve cell damage in the brain, which then leads to Alzheimer’s symptoms.

The study is a major breakthrough as more than thirteen million people suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. Another study by the Columbia Research University in New York, USA found that 1g Omega 3 per day lowered blood beta-amyloid levels by 20 to 30%.

Omega 3 for ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Memory and Concentration

Many of the symptoms of dyspraxia, dyslexia and ADHD overlap. Causes are believed to include the use of alcohol and cigarettes during pregnancy, watching too much TV, deficiencies in micronutrients food additives, high sugar intake, and too little Omega 3 fatty acid.

There is extensive evidence that Omega 3 supplements can help children’s performance at school and also fight dyspraxia, dyslexia and ADHD. A trial by Dr Alex Richardson, a special educational psychologist in Durham, UK involved 100 children who took Omega 3 supplements for 6 months. Although the complete results of the trial are yet to be published, a significant improvement at school was found in 40% of children involved in the study.

A 2009 study on Canadian primary school children with ADHD also concluded that Omega 3 supplementation helped to maintain and achieve symptom control.

It is clear that Omega 3 is a powerful resource for brain health, as well as to protect the health from many other illnesses and diseases. It is suitable and useful for all ages, from unborn babies, for brain development, to elderly people who are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s. Taking Omega 3 in supplement form is the simplest solution, as opposed to the inconvenience of consuming large quantities of oily fish on a daily basis.

Depression & Mental Illness

One of the largest studies on Omega 3 for patients with depression was conducted by by Dr. François Lespérance of the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier at the Université de Montréal (CRCHUM). The study involved 432 participants over 39 months. Each patient took Omega 3 supplements for 8 weeks and half the group took a placebo containing a small quantity of fish oil. The results showed a significant improvement in the symptoms of those who took the Omega 3 supplements. They were given doses of 1050 mg of EPA and 150 mg of DHA each day. Further research needs to be conducted to establish whether higher doses would show an even bigger improvement.

This is an important breakthrough in mental health, as depression has been historically difficult for the medical profession to treat. If you have suffered from depression yourself you will know that it can be difficult to find a drug that works effectively, without horrible side effects. Omega 3 supplements have no adverse side effects at all.

You should consider Omega 3 supplements for your family if you want to:

• Boost concentration and memory
• Enhance brain development in unborn, or school age children
• You have family members with ADHD, dyspraxia or dyslexia
• If you want to prevent, or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• If you suffer from depression or mental health issues