subject: Fish Oil, EPA, DHA, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Infant Health [print this page] Fish oil has been lauded by many physicians and holistic practitioners as a natural way to help prevent and treat a broad range of diseases and health conditions. In laymen's terms, fish oil is the substance that is derived from the tissues of oily fish. Health experts recommend fish oil because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains.
EPA and DHA are the principal omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. EPA has anti-inflammatory properties and DHA triggers the body's barriers against neurological disorders.
Strong links have been established between EPA and the reduction of coronary disease. DHA is believed to reduce blood triglycerides in humans.
Some of the major benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils include:
Helps prevent and fight heart disease, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's,
arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, hyperactivity and many other health conditions.
Increases energy levels and heightens the ability to concentrate.
Strengthens the immune system to help ward off common illnesses such astheflu and colds.
An Australian study published in the online journal titled Archives of Diseases in Childhood found that women who take high doses of fish oil supplements in the second half of pregnancy give birth to children with greater coordination and increased brainpower later in life.
The researchers concluded that the last three months of pregnancy are a vital time for women to take fish oil supplements, since baby's brain experiences a growth spurt during that time.
The high omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil play an important role in proper development of a child's central nervous system. During pregnancy, omega-3 fatty acids are conveyed from the mother's blood to the developing fetus by way of the placenta.
Pregnancy studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can also benefit the mother during and after pregnancy by lowering high blood pressure and relieving postpartum depression.
Omega-3 may be just as important to the elderly population as it is to newborns, since diminishing levels of omega-3 may be a contributing factor to stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
According to one study, one of the possible causes of Alzheimer's disease is beta-amyloid plaques which are clumps of protein that accumulate in the patient's brain. Experts believe that beta-amyloid may be related to inflammation in the brain's blood vessels.
Since omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation, they could be an important weapon in the fight against this frightening degenerative disease. Studies have shown that DHA supplements sharpen memory in patients with dementia and improve behavior and speech in those with Alzheimer's disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids may also aid in routine memory function in people without Alzheimer's. DHA supplements have been shown to decrease the number of "memory errors" that occur in healthy adults.
Foods rich in omega-3 acids include fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, halibut and tuna. For people who don't eat fish, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in some plant foods, like flaxseed and walnuts, but they are not as potent in these forms.
Because many people do not include enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diets, fish oil supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years. The supplements come in liquid and tablet forms and are well tolerated by most people.
There is even a new prescriptive omega 3 supplement you may have seen advertised on TV. If you listen closely to the disclaimers, it would scare most people away. They even boast that you can't find 'their brand' supplement "in a health food store", but judging from the US pharmaceuticalindustries dismal safety track record in recent years, many may feel "safer" at their local supplement store.
No matter which side of the debate you fall on, it is pretty well unanimously acknowledged that Omega 3 supplementation is useful for many people - and is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Fish Oil, EPA, DHA, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Infant Health
