Omega-3's Health Benefits

There is a growing pool of evidence that fatty fish can do wonders for badly behaved children.

Why fish? — The answer lies simply with the fact that fatty fish is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been touted as a brain tonic for young and old alike. The omega-3 oils found in fatty fish are vital for proper brain function. The proposed mechanism behind omega-3's action is via its ability to increase blood flow to the brain, improve electrical signals in the brain as well as its ability to affect hormones and the immune system, both of which have a direct effect on brain function. Deficiencies have been linked to poor memory, dyslexia, moodiness, hyperactivity, depression and mental illness.

Clinical trials involving children has shown startling results. In one study 81% of the children who received a daily dose of omega-3's showed improvements in reading, writing and math skills. Other studies have shown similar results with improvements in concentration levels, behavior and school performance of children, from toddlers to teenagers. The new research adds to the growing mass of data for the beneficial effects of omega-3 oils.

Omega-3 fatty acids also seem to have the ability to regulate and lower cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as improving the ratio of good and bad cholesterol. It is this ratio between good and bad cholesterol that is thought to play a key role in heart attack risk, and this is one of the most important effects of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.

Those shopping for omega-3 fatty acid supplements need to be aware that not all such supplements are the same. It is important to buy only those supplements that contain a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, and to choose those that have been manufactured to the highest standards of quality.