Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish such as tuna, salmon, trout, cod, and others. Omega 3 greatly helps control cholesterol levels and contributes to a healthy heart.
Two servings of fish per week can reduce blood pressure, decrease risks associated with heart disease, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increase brain function.
Two of the fatty acids contained in Omega 3 are EPA and DHA, both of which are oils made of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. When combined with ALA found in certain types of fish that have the highest levels of these fats, they help prevent plaque from clogging the arteries. Thus, they help decrease the risk of heart disease.
But the heart isn’t the only organ that benefits from the Omega 3 found in fish. Research suggests that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have low levels of DHA. Since DHA and EPA improve cognitive function, studies have found that individuals with high levels of these fatty acids show significant improvement in memory.
It is important to note that since the brain has high concentrates of these fatty acids, the lack of DHA may contribute to poor memory as well as behavioral problems.
Furthermore, since DHA is an important component for brain development, there is new evidence that asserts that consuming certain types of fish will significantly increases brain growth in fetuses. In addition, it was found that new mothers who ate these types of fish had a significant level of DHA in their blood at the time of delivery and that their babies’ attention span was well advanced.
We all know that high cholesterol and triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies are on-going to determine the full range of effects that Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish have on the brain as well.
There are several studies that have concluded that Omega 3 may help individuals with bipolar disorders and ADHD. However, this is just the beginning in determining what significant role fish and its fatty acids play in reducing the factors associated with these and many other conditions and diseases.
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