Nutrition For The Brain: Omega 3s

Overview

Essential fatty acids are acids that are required for the body to maintain optimal health. There are two different types of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both types of fatty acids are very beneficial to the body. Omega 3-fatty acids are the essential fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Omega-3 can be found in oily fish that live in cold water such as; sardines, salmon, mackerel and tuna.

Health benefits of Omega-3

There are numerous health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help to reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also useful in the management of high blood pressure and can help reduce symptoms of arthritis. Omega-3s are crucial for protecting the brain against damage and enhancing brain function, according to a study conducted by lead author Fernando Gomez-Pinilla and colleagues from the University of California. Scientists discovered that omega-3s positively affect the expression of molecules involved in learning and memory that are found on synapses, a junction that connects neurons. This helps improve both learning and memory, according to research published in the July 2008 issue of the journal "Nature Reviews Neuroscience."

How Omega-3s Work

Although experts are not certain of all of the ways in which omega-3s are able to affect the body in such a positive manner, they have been able to determine why some of the functions of omega-3s have such a powerful effect. Omega-3s help the body to produce certain chemicals that function to reduce inflammation in the joints and tissues of the body. Omega-3s also help to balance the effects of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids help to make blood tacky so that it can clot but if there is too much omega-6 in the blood clots can form. Omega-3s help to maintain a healthy balance.

By: charles morrison

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

If you are interested in reading more about the incredible benefits of following a daily regime of fish oil supplements, feel free to visit maxalife.com, where you can find loads of information about omega 3 fish oil and advanced natural supplements specially formulated to help you address various health conditions and stay healthy. It's really helped me over the past few years.