Aside from benefiting the heart, Omega-3 is beneficial for a person’s optimum brain health. Long-term diet and food choices not only affect the way we look and feel but also the way we think.
Studies have linked emotional, mental, and psychiatric disorders to dietary deficiencies more than genetics.
In fact, people with Alzheimer’s disease, who struggle with memory loss, or who have difficulty in learning new tasks are shown to lack Omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiencies of Omega-3 in adults have been also linked to various disorders affecting mental and emotional state.
Low levels of DHA are linked to bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, autism, schizophrenia, general learning difficulties, and even bad mood.
Known as the docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, Omega-3 fatty acid is an important component for optimum brain health. DHA is found in high concentration in the brain. It plays an important function in the transmission of brain signals and how our cell membranes communicate. Maintaining cell membranes is an important job of the Omega-3 fatty acids for if a cell membrane breaks down, normal flow of communication between cells is interrupted.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are not produced in the body and should therefore be sourced from our diet. Valuable sources of these acids include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood like algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils.
Maintaining brain health should be one of the health goals of every person.
The majority of our brain consists of good fats, also known as fatty acids. Most of these good fats are Omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that diets rich in good fats can result in increased learning capacity, improved skills in problem solving, increased memory, and better communication between cells. How does Omega-3 actually do this for the brain?
The brain is composed of neurons or cells that transmit messages throughout the brain and to other parts of the body. Cells are surrounded by membranes, which are composed of good fat. It is necessary that cell membranes are flexible or fluid in order for the “messages” to pass through each neuron necessary for communication. However, several factors such as age and diets can greatly affect the cell membranes and cause them to become less flexible. When cell membranes become stiff due to lack of fatty acids, it can result to difficulties in learning, recalling information, and other conditions that slow down brain function.
In addition to maintaining health brains, Omega-3 fatty acids also act as blood cleansers by making the blood more fluid so that oxygen can smoothly reach the brain.
Dozens of studies have also shown that Omega-3 helps in maintaining a healthy heart, promote a healthy cardiovascular system, improve joint functions, and helps maintain healthy skin.
In order for the cell membranes to function properly, eating foods rich in Omega-3 is very important.
Supplementing the diet with Omega-3 fish oils can also aid in restoring the flexibility of cell membranes and promote optimum brain health.
If you’re interested in learning more about maintaining optimum brain health with fish oil supplements, please visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.
Jen P. April is a passionate advocate of health and nutrition. To learn more about effective Omega 3′s and supplements she recommends after extensive research, visit http://www.omega3-reviews.com.
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