Emerging evidence from several types of research supports the wide-ranging benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 has been found to offer protection against heart disease, depression, bipolar disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, alcoholism, postpartum depression and Alzheimer’s disease, and they may be useful for diabetes and arthritis as well.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found naturally in fish, flaxseed, canola oil, nuts and avocados. They are also available in the form of fish oil supplements and some fortified eggs and dairy products.
Washington Post August 19, 2003; Page HE01
Good to see that the media is getting on board with the fact that fish oil is one of the few supplements that nearly each and every one of us should be taking, as fish fat is profoundly useful for brain function.
Most of us don't appreciate that we are all fatheads, as 60 percent of our brain is composed of fat. About half of that fat is DHA (one fatty acid in fish oil). The other major fat is arachidonic acid that is found in raw eggs and raw dairy.
The article expands on the use of fish oil for the treatment of depression. For long-time readers of this newsletter this is no mystery, as I have posted many articles on this before.
When using fish oil it is important to obtain a high-quality reputable brand. In my research--and in my clinical experience with my patients--I have found that:
It is likely not the only brand in the world of such high quality, but up to this point it is the only one of such quality that I can recommend, so I now offer the Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil on Mercola.com; you can also check your local health food store to see if they carry it.
As for fish itself, patients consuming nearly every type of fish these days are showing high levels of mercury in their systems. In short--and sadly, as it would otherwise be one of the healthiest meats on the planet--I now advise against consuming any fish from any source, including fresh water, farm-raised or ocean, because most are contaminated with mercury. If you do consume fish, you should be certain the provider can demonstrate that the fish are free of detectable levels of mercury and other toxins, such as the delicious Vital Choice Salmon, which is the only brand I’ve found that lab-tested to be pure of mercury, PCBs and other toxins.
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Fish Oil Reduces Stroke Fish Oil Cuts Risk of Sudden Death More Evidence That Fish Oil Helps Heart Disease Fish Oil in Pregnancy Can Prevent Diabetes Fish Oil Can Improve Lupus Symptoms Do You Know the Facts About Mercury in Fish?
Fish Oil Reduces Stroke
Fish Oil Cuts Risk of Sudden Death
More Evidence That Fish Oil Helps Heart Disease
Fish Oil in Pregnancy Can Prevent Diabetes
Fish Oil Can Improve Lupus Symptoms
Do You Know the Facts About Mercury in Fish?