There is no doubt about it, fish oil for brain health is one of the best natural substances on the planet to keep our brain healthy and improve our mental well-being. The type of oil you select will have a direct bearing on the benefits you receive, so I have also included some tips on getting the very best ones.
The truth is that our brains are composed of over 30% DHA fats and fish oil contains both DHA and EPA fatty acids which makes it so important.
It is the DHA fish oil for brain health that is so essential and has been shown to keep the neural pathways clear and speed up the response times and ease of sending and receiving the messages while maintaining healthy tissue.
DHA fish oils have certainly proved positive against diseases like Alzheimer’s and are thought to reduce the severity of schizophrenia by over 25%. They are also effective at relieving the symptoms of depression and bi-polar disorders as well as helping with ADHD and autism.
Their help is of course not limited to brain health but can also significantly lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes due to their powerful anti-inflammatory powers, lower high cholesterol, treat rheumatoid arthritis and prevent cancer.
The problem today is our declining consumption of fish and the fact that over 90% of us are deficient in these wonderful oils as they have to come from what we eat. With fish being the best source but full of toxins, experts agree that a fish oil supplement is the best solution.
This helps you control the amount and quality of what you take to ensure you receive the maximum benefits.
Most oils available have higher EPA levels but you want to get as much DHA as possible so look to get twice the amount of DHA compared to EPA.
To remove the dangers of contamination that fresh fish have, make certain the oil has been molecularly distilled to remove all the toxins present.
If you want to live a longer and healthier life and avoid many of the mental health diseases that can affect you later in life, then taking fish oil for brain health and mental well-being is the best solution.
If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega 3 supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.
Discover the best today.
Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and the amazing health benefits of high-quality fish oil. Take a moment to visit his site now at and discover the latest DHA omega 3 fish oils he recommends after extensive research.
The facts are out. Medial science has proven that the use of fish oil has many benefits for our health. From heart health to skin health, there is even a fish oil brain connection that isn’t left out.
One of the most astounding finds is that the intake of omega 3 can promote a healthy brain. So if you are currently in a stage of your life where you are thinking about brain health…read on. Discover the fish oil brain connection that may make a difference in your life.
I never thought that I would ever be concerned about my brain. But, as you get older, you start thinking about how to provide your body with the best nutrients possible.
Nutrients found in food sources rich in omega3 like flax oil, various nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews) and seeds (pumpkin and sesame), farm fresh meats and eggs and greens which are found to have higher levels of essential fatty acids.
And then I soon realized, the best and most available sources of omega3 are cold water oily fish. For instance, fish like herring, mackerel, salmon and lake trout.
Because after all, it all starts with a healthy brain. Otherwise how can everything work.
Scientist from around the world are beginning to realize the importance of omega 3 to the brain. And have they ever found out some remarkable facts.
A group of scientists at Louisiana State University have found that fish oil may aid in protecting the brain from cognitive problems. This would include groups of people who have Alzheimer’s disease. With a discovery like that who needs any other motivation.
I found it hard to believe but the omega 3 in fatty fish has many other benefits for the brain. It seems to make people happier. Studies have shown that there is less depression and suicidal tendencies in people who have adequate amounts of omega 3 in their system.
There may not have been a more important medical discovery in our times than the connection between omega 3 and our mental health. The many benefits that DHA has on our brain functions cannot be over stated. You now realize the benefits of the fish oil brain connection so there is no time to lose.
If you are interested in learning more about the fish oil brain connection and searching for a high-quality , visit my website today.
Marcia Kruger is a researcher, editor and believer in a natural healthy lifestyle that includes quality nutritional supplements and skin care. Marcy enjoys introducing people to quality she uses daily.
Visit her latest site today to learn about the benefits of omega3 fish oils.
From personal experience, I can tell you that omega 3 helps depression. That is to say, taking a fish oil supplement providing 560mg per day of DHA has improved my mood, my ability to concentrate and the quality of my sleep. Other members of my family have seen the same benefits. Here’s why the scientists say that it works.
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is a unique long-chained omega-3 fatty acid found almost exclusively in fish and seafood. Certain types of marine algae are being grown as a vegan source of DHA, but the algae does not provide another fatty acid called Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA.
Scientists have said that DHA is necessary for construction of brain cells, while EPA is necessary for their normal function. The only dietary source of both is oily fish. The only dietary supplement that contains them is fish oil, which is available in capsule and liquid forms. Toc get the most accurate dosage, capsules are recommended.
For decades, researchers have known that depressive disorders, as well as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, were accompanied by low blood levels of DHA. With that knowledge, researchers began to look at how omega 3 helps depression.
The research is by no means complete. If it were, fewer doctors would be prescribing anti-depressants, because of all of the unwanted side effects that accompany their use. Right now, researchers are trying to generate enough evidence and interest to come up with the funds necessary to conduct large scale clinical trials.
Now, if it is miracle drugs you are looking for, something that will magically make your symptoms disappear, fish oils are not the answer. They are dietary supplements. They will make you feel better, particularly if you don’t eat fish or seafood on a regular basis.
Supplemental omega 3 helps depression only when it is missing from the diet. Recent studies indicate that supplementation, alone, may not be enough. Researchers have concluded that lower intakes of omega-6s are also important, particularly when the depressive disorder is accompanied by somatic pain or other health problems.
Ideally, a person should consume about the same amount of omega-3s as omega-6s. Surveys suggest that some people, particularly those in the US consume 30 to 40 times more omega6s than omega-3s. That’s one of the reasons that heart disease is so common in the US. There’s no doubt about that.
What the scientists believe is that increased intake of omega 3 helps depression, because a lack of DHA in the diet causes dysfunctional transmission of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemicals. They believe that a lack of EPA in the diet reduces immune system function and increases inflammation throughout the body. So, that’s why depressive disorders are often accompanied by pain and being depressed hurts in more than one way.
If you are depressed, in pain or both, taking a good fish oil supplement is one of the best things that you can do. It is not accompanied by unwanted side effects and is good for your overall health.
Make no mistake about it. There is no evidence that another type of omega 3 helps depression. So, if you can’t take fish oil, you will need another alternative.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
Have you read or heard about DHA recently? Are you asking yourself ‘What is DHA used for?’ Here’s a quick guide to this most important omega 3 fatty acid to help you decide whether you need to include more in your diet.
Good for the brain
What is DHA used for in the brain? Most people don’t realise this but the human brain is made up of 60% fats, and approximately half of that figure is the omega 3 fatty acid, DHA. So it turns out that our brains are designed to run on this fatty acid.
Getting a good supply in the diet can help to reduce depression, anxiety, mood swings and Alzheimer’s disease.
It is particularly necessary for the proper development of the brain in unborn babies.
Good for the heart
What is DHA used for in the heart? It is used for making the platelets in your blood less likely to clump together and cause blockages.
It can also reduce triglycerides (the blood fats related to cholesterol), thereby reducing your your chances of having heart disease.
In fact, the results of many studies showing DHA’s heart benefits have convinced the American Heart Association to suggest that everyone can benefit from taking 100 to 200 mg (1-2 grams) every day as a general preventative against heart problems.
Helps to fight cancer
What is DHA used for in cancer prevention? It can help prevent cancers, such as breast, prostate and testicular cancer, and can slow the progress of cancer if it has already occurred.
Where does it come from?
Omega 3s are found mainly in oily fish. Fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna are all naturally high in omega 3s and there are many recommendations from health authorities that you increase your weekly consumption of fish to increase your intake.
Grass fed beef is another good source of DHA and the other omega 3s. This is because the cattle you eat get the omega 3s through the grass they consume. Grain fed beef has much lower concentrations.
You can also find it in other foods such as walnuts, flaxseed, rapeseed and linseed but the concentration is less.
Unfortunately, our modern diet is usually lacking in DHA. Grain fed beef is often eaten more than grass fed and the Western consumption of oily fish is usually not high enough to get a good dose.
A word of caution
Although it’s a good idea to increase your consumption of fish, you need to be careful about eating too much fish that comes from contaminated waters.
By contaminated, I mean waters that contain high levels of mercury, PCBs and dioxins. These toxic substances become concentrated in the flesh of oily fish and can cause cancers and developmental problems in humans.
This is why fish oil supplements have become popular in recent years. They offer the convenience of a gel capsule, the security of knowing that you are taking the correct dose, and some assurances about the safety and purity of the oil.
But you need to be very careful about the supplements you choose: some are made from fish species caught in contaminated waters and some are less than fresh. You will harm your health, not improve it with such inferior products.
So, now that you know the answer to your question ‘What is DHA used for?’, do yourself a favour and increase your intake for your health’s sake. You’ll look and feel better!
If you would like more answers to the question , take a look at the research and information on my website. You can also learn how to choose a good supplement and find out which ones I take daily myself.
My name is Therese Samson and I promote natural approaches to health and well-being for the whole family at , where you’ll find out about the many ways omega 3 fish oil can improve heart, brain, skin and immune system health.
I have heard that there is quite a bit of animosity when it comes to the subject of children and omega 3 fatty acid supplementation. This is simply because many people don’t understand the many benefits that their children can receive from increasing the DHA and EPA essential fatty acids in their diet. Numerous studies have concluded that these benefits can begin as early as in the womb.
Studies conducted in Europe have proven that high levels of DHA in the blood of a mother-to-be can be passed on to the fetus through the umbilical blood. It is advised in many circles that a woman begin supplementing her diet with DHA omega-3 fish oil supplements as early in the pregnancy as possible, and taking increasingly higher does up through the third trimester of development.
The link between the cognitive development of children and omega 3 fatty acids is solidified in nature. A mother’s breast milk contains high levels of DHA fatty acids, and this is true whether or not a woman has made a conscious effort to increase the presence of DHA in their bodies or not. DHA and to a lesser extent EPA are necessary for proper cognitive development, and visual acuity.
The DHA content of breast milk prompted the producers of infant formulas to begin adding DHA omega fatty acids to the formulas that they sell. The European studies have concluded that cognitive development can be maximized by raising the level of DHA being fed to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Supplementation during pregnancy can help your child to excel in life.
It has been shown that children and omega 3 supplementation leads the child to the ability to score far higher that their DHA deprived peers in intelligence testing; and they develop greater reasoning and problem solving skills. Infants born with high levels of DHA in heir umbilical cord blood have a tendency towards enjoying IQ levels that are up to 10 points higher than those infants whose mother’s did not supplement their diets with omega-3s.
After the child is weaned either from breast milk or supplemented infant formulas he or she can still receive tons of health benefits from the continuation of an omega-3 rich diet. DHA and EPA are also powerful preventatives of cardiovascular disease, and are tremendously effective in the prevention and treatment of the allergies and asthma that so many of are children are afflicted with.
The positives between children and omega 3 supplementation continue on into their teen years, when the incidences of depression and suicidal tendencies seem to rise in our youth. Later on in life they can feel secure in the knowledge that their risk of developing adult onset diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are seriously curtailed because of their ongoing supplementation.
Make no mistake about it. The health and well being of children and omega 3 fatty acid supplements go hand in hand. Don’t continue to let fears or doubts about the safety of giving your children DHA omega-3 fish oil deprive them of something that they need. Giving them DHA omega-3 fish oil is one of the best things you can do for them.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
Let’s face it. Some omega 3 sources are plentiful. Others are limited. You see, there are several different long chained omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and they are present in different foods.
The most abundant is alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. It is found in plant foods, vegetable oils, nuts, olives and edible seeds.
ALA is still listed as the only “essential” omega-3 in some books, because the human body can convert it into the others. But, most scientists, researchers and other experts have come to the conclusion that the conversion process is too limited to be considered efficient.
A person might not suffer from an obvious disease if they consumed only ALA, but they would likely suffer from long-term health problems and minor or major unexplained illnesses, including emotional disorders like depression.
Children are more likely to suffer from attention deficit disorders and learning problems if their only dietary omega-3 is ALA. They are also more likely to suffer from allergies and asthma, if their mother does not have a healthy intake of all of the different sources of omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy.
Research has proven that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the longest of the long-chained polyunsaturated fats, is essential for normal brain development during infancy and early childhood. That’s why most infant formulas and a number of baby foods are fortified with DHA.
It is estimated that the body can convert between 2-5% of ALA consumed into DHA, but that is only an estimate. It is believed that some people may lack the innate ability to convert any ALA to DHA. It is known that supplemental ALA does not correct low blood levels of DHA.
So, relying on the conversion process and consuming only omega 3 sources that provide ALA is a mistake. DHA is not the only important fatty acid. Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA is important, too. Both are necessary for normal brain function and the repair of cellular membranes. So, where do you find EPA and DHA?
The only good source of both is fish. Some types of seafood are good choices, too. But, you’ll need to do a little research when planning your meals, because some species, shrimp for example, contains no omega-3s, at all. Others, such as salmon, tuna, sardines and hoki, will provide enough omega-3s to meet your body’s minimum daily requirements and then some.
In addition to include more of the sources of omega 3 in your diet, researchers recommend reducing your intake of omega-6s and saturated fats. The easiest way to do that is through substitution.
Stay away from corn, peanut, sunflower and grape seed.
Substitute fish and seafood for other kinds of meat
Those are just two suggestions, but they are probably the two most important ones.
Bottom line, if you don’t care for fish or seafood, fish oil supplements are good omega 3 sources. They are tasteless and odorless. Taking one or two capsules per day will insure that your brain gets enough EPA and DHA to function normally and that your heart will stay healthy.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
A lot of people out there still do not know the answer to the question, what is omega 3 good for? It is a shame that so many still do not know what a truly wonderful addition to their diets omega-3 fatty acids can be, because these essential nutrients are extremely beneficial to your health. They are effective in the prevention of many of the inflammatory diseases that afflict a large percentage of the world’s population.
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential to the proper functioning of the immune system, which uses these inflammatory nutrients to treat all manner of illnesses and injuries. Omega-6s however can be as adept at causing illnesses, as they are at healing them. Their incessant inflammatory effects are the cause of inflammatory diseases, which is why you need to ensure that you have equal or better levels of omega-3s.
One answer to what is omega 3 good for is that it is effective in offsetting the negative effects that omega-6s can cause. These fatty acids have a way of significantly reducing the excess inflammation emitted by omega-6 fatty acids, which lowers the risk of the development of chronic ailments. It is extremely difficult to increase the level of omega-3s through diet however, because the only real source of these essential nutrients is filled with toxins.
Fish is the only food that we eat that is rich in the necessary DHA and EPA omega fatty acids that we need in order to maintain our health. Oily fish are for the most part predators, so they collect toxins not only from the water that they live in, but also from the smaller fish that they eat. They have no way to process and eliminate these toxins, so they gradually accumulate over time.
What is omega 3 good for? These fatty acids are excellent for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, as they lower triglycerides, heart rate, and blood pressure. They also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by not letting fatty deposits lodge themselves on artery walls, and they prevent clotting by keeping blood platelets from adhering to one another.
DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids are heavily involved in cognitive development, and pregnant women who supplement with high quality fish oil supplements pass this benefit to their unborn children. They are also important for healthy brain function, and are very effective in treating depression, aggression, and hostility. They deter the development of amyloid plaques in the brain that are thought to be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease as well.
What is omega 3 good for when it comes to the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases? DHA and EPA are effective in inhibiting the development of gout, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, adult onset diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and breast, colon and prostate cancer. They are also being studied to measure their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
So what is omega 3 good for? Just about everything that ails you and your entire family should be taking DHA omega-3 fish oil supplements for your health.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
I don’t know you, but I am willing to bet that if you or a loved one is depressed right now, you’d be willing to take a look at the possible remedies available to you. This topic strikes a personal chord with me as depression runs in my family. Can fish oil for depression work? I absolutely believe it can. However, don’t take my word for it. Read the research and the rest of this article, and you’ll be able to determine if in fact fish oil for depression is a viable option.
It seems like every time we turn our heads, there is some new medication, fad, gimmick or supplement claiming it’s the magic bullet cure for chronic conditions like depression.
The reality is, very few are able to live up to their claims. The good news is that some actually do deserve tremendous praise. Fish oil supplements are one of them.
If you’ve been depressed, you know that it’s one of the worst things you can experience. Getting out of bed in the morning is a chore in itself. Most days it feels like you have to put in three times the effort just to stay on task. You can’t focus, you barely eat (or eat too much), you lose your motivation, your sex drive is nonexistent and life just seems pointless. Not to mention crying spells, anger and isolation. Any hope for brighter days and an exciting future seems to completely diminish. I’ve been there.
It is estimated that 14 million (5%) of America’s population struggles with depression in various forms and severity. It is interesting to note that the incidences of depression have increased over the same time period there has been a decrease in fish and fish oil consumption. Is this just a coincidence? I don’t think it is. It has been well-documented that high doses of long-chain omega-3 fish oil supplements have a boosting effect on the serotonin levels in the brain. This is a known fact. In some older studies involving giving high dosages of fish oil supplements to dogs, it was found that there was an increase in serotonin in the frontal cortex.
The Japan Factor
The number of depressed people in Japan is only a fraction of what we would find in America or other countries with low fish consumption. One key difference to note other than the numbers is the fact that the Japanese eat a tremendous amount of fish daily in comparison to those countries with growing numbers of depressed citizens. Is it that they have better genes? It’s possible, but impossible to conclude at this point. Is it that there has been some nondisclosure of depressive episodes in Japan in comparison to America? This is also possible due to cultural differences. The likely reason is that the Japanese simply have a higher and more continuous intake of omega-3 in their diets. In addition to this, Japanese diets are considerably low in omega-6, which has been shown to have negative effects on mental and physical health when not balanced with omega-3 intake. The Harvard Experiment
You may have heard of Andrew Stoll and his fish oil for depression experiment carried out at Harvard University. The experiment involved giving one group of patients with bipolar depression high doses of fish oil supplements, and giving the other group an olive oil placebo. The experiment was set to last nine months.
The Results
After four short months the experiment was halted because the differences between the group taking the fish oil for depression and the group taking the placebo were so vast it was deemed unethical to continue. From these results it was concluded that the group taking the fish oil supplements experienced an increase in serotonin and an increase in blood flow to the brain which would provide a better distribution of nutrients like oxygen and glucose leading to better mental function and capacity. It was concluded that fish oil for depression was indeed a viable option in this particular scenario.
Were the fish oil supplements to thank for this tremendous success? Although the answer will differ with opinions, it wouldn’t seem ludicrous to think that it was.
In a more recent study conducted over a two year period it was “found that both a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fat and a low level of DHA in the blood predicted suicidal behavior in people with major depression” (Tribole p 100).
In other words, if you’re depressed, your goal is to decrease your omega-6 intake and increase your omega-3 intake. You can do a fast search on the internet for the common sources of omega-6 fats, and you already know that fish oil supplements are hands down the best way to get omega-3.
Now that you’re armed with this information, you should be able to determine if fish oil for depression is a good alternative for you. In my personal experienced with depression, it sure beat the synthetic medication alternatives. Either way, you should consult with your doctor before beginning any treatment or taking fish oil for depression. Even though it is impossible at this point to conclusively determine that fish oil supplements are responsible for decreases in depression, the evidence seems to overwhelmingly point in that direction.
To learn more about the fish oil supplements I take daily to help my depression, visit my website today.
Ken Corley is an avid supporter of using all natural approaches to every facet of life; from the food we eat, the treatments we use, to the way we exercise. Ken enjoys introducing others to the all natural products and supplements he supports and uses daily at:
Visit his site to learn more about the all natural fish oils, supplements and vitamins that he uses at:
Let’s face it. If you go shopping for omega3 oils, you will see that there are a number of choices. Basically, that’s because there are a number of different omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s a look at the different ones, where you’ll find them and the health benefits associated with each.
Alpha-linolenic Acid—ALA
Also known as 18:3 (n-3), because of its 18-carbon chain and three double bonds, it is the shortest of the long chained polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. It is still considered, by some, to be the only “essential” omega-3, because the body can elongate it to form the others.
The problems with relying totally on the elongation process are these:
It is inefficient; only a small percentage is converted
ALA, itself, is needed by the body; conversion to the other fatty acids will only occur after the body’s needs for ALA have been met
Even though they are polyunsaturated, too much fat in the diet contributes to health problems.
Omega3 oils that provide ALA include those derived from vegetables and seeds. Good sources include canola and olive oils. Peanut, sunflower, grape seed and cottonseed contain none or almost none. Corn oil contains too many omega-6s to be considered a good choice, because omega-6s compete for conversion and contribute to inflammation.
Docosapentaenoic acid—DPA
Not too much is known about DPA. It is an intermediary in the conversion of ALA to EPA and then to DHA. It is found in some coldwater fish and other marine life. It is believed to contribute to the overall cardiovascular health seen in the Greenland Eskimos. Alaskan salmon may contain some. A fish called the New Zealand hoki is a good source. Other omega3 oils do not contain DPA.
Eicosapentaenoic acid—EPA
EPA is essential for the formation of various hormones and cellular membranes. It is beneficial in treating depression, both alone and when combined with DHA. It has been recommended for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease. One researcher, Ralph Holman, states that both EPA and DHA are important to the brain. DHA is needed to support the brain’s structure, he says. EPA is needed to support its function.
Other health benefits associated with omega3 oils containing EPA include superior cardiovascular function, a reduction in systematic inflammation and possibly a reduced risk of cancer.
The only dietary sources of EPA are some types of fish and seafood, although a small amount is found in some varieties of edible seaweed or kelp. Dried Wakame kelp, for example, contains about 10mg per tablespoon.
Docosahexaenoic acid—DHA
The benefits of DHA are mentioned above, although research indicates that it may be even more beneficial than EPA for some purposes, particularly for cardiovascular health. The only dietary sources are fish and seafood. Marine algae contain some and are being grown as a vegan source of the important nutrient.
There are other things that you could learn about omega3 oils. What you have read about here is just the tip of the iceberg.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
You’ve probably heard it a hundred times. Fish and seafood are arguably the best omega-3 sources in the world. But, for many reasons, people may be concerned about eating fish and seafood on a regular basis.
That’s probably one of the reasons that so many people take fish oil supplements. It is the biggest selling dietary supplement in the US, according to surveys. It’s more popular than green tea, ginkgo biloba or ginseng. Only standard multi-vitamins are better sellers.
But, are people really getting what they are paying for? Are they getting the best value for their money? Would it make more sense just to eat a little fish every day?
As long as you stay on top of the consumption advisories for fish that are high in mercury or other contaminants, then including seafood in your diet is a good choice. It is usually lower in total fat than other meat choices and it provides a variety of different nutrients. But, if you want to be sure that you are getting enough EPA and DHA to meet your body’s daily needs then a fish oil supplement is the best choice.
The amount of total omega-3s in seafood varies, as does the DHA and EPA content. Although you need both and some ALA, too, the best omega-3 is probably DHA.
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is found in large quantities in the brain and in the back of the eye. Numerous studies have shown that fish oil lowers total blood triglycerides and increases the blood content of HDL (good) cholesterol. At least one study has shown that DHA has a greater effect on those two health factors than EPA.
In studies concerning depression, DHA has been more effective than EPA, but the greatest benefits have been seen when both DHA and EPA are given to depressed individuals. So, the best omega-3 for depression is a fish oil supplement rich in DHA and EPA.
What about other types of supplements? Well, flax seed provides only ALA, which means it is not a “complete” supplement. Marine algae provide only DHA. So, it’s not complete, either.
The better fish oils provide DHA, EPA and the lesser known DPA or Docosapentaenoic acid, which is believed to be important to good cardiovascular health. That’s truly the most complete supplement that you can get. ALA is found in a number of different foods. So, supplementation is really unnecessary.
In terms of getting value for your money, the best omega-3 supplement is one that is rich in DHA. Looking at the grams of DHA per bottle and looking at the cost per bottle will help you determine value for your money.
You’ll also want to be sure that the supplement you choose is free of contaminants, such as mercury or PCBs. The better manufacturers post a copy of an independent laboratory analysis proving the supplement’s purity, freshness and nutritional content.
So, while seafood is the best omega-3 source, a supplement is a better choice for most people. It’s a more affordable and simply an easier option for insuring you are well nourished.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
