By Judith Shaw, Head of Nutrition,
Simply Supplements 
Omega 3 fish oils are receiving huge media attention on almost a weekly basis with no apparent limit to their highly acclaimed health benefits. Research has suggested for some time now that omega 3 fish oils can help to boost brain, heart and joint health, but as new studies unfold, the well-known oils are being hailed for their remarkable properties when it comes to eye disease, bone and skin conditions, and even some cancers.
Why are fish oils so good?
The precious fatty acids that are found within fish oil are polyunsaturated fats which are often referred to as ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ fats, which are very different to saturates fats as they do not increase cholesterol levels and are widely thought to offer positive health benefits.
The good fats found in fish oil are separated into two groups of essential fatty acids, which are often referred to as EFAs. These two groups are known as omega 3 and omega 6, which are both thought to be essential in supporting numerous bodily functions including blood pressure and clotting as well as normal body temperature, immune and brain function.
Fish Oil is one of the most efficient sources of the essential omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are widely believed to hold the key to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3 fish oil as they have been found to play a fundamental role in the break-down of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals in the body which can lead to inflammation.
What are the health benefits?
HEART - The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently acknowledged and recommended the outstanding properties of Omega 3 Fish Oil in effectively reducing the risk of heart disease, giving advice to GPs and pharmacists to prescribe Omega 3 fatty acid supplements to heart attack patients to help reduce the risk of repeat attacks.
BRAIN - Omega 3 fatty acids have been of major interest in relation to brain function, and as such their beneficial properties have been linked to helping with brain-related problems including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and even depression. EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids widely referred to as ‘brain food’ are thought to work simultaneously to boost the memory. DHA acids in particular, are essential for the development of the brain, with studies showing that as the levels of DHA in the brain reduce with age, the higher the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. EPA is also thought to be essential for brain health.
JOINTS - Research has found that a dietary supplement of omega 3 fish oil can help with rheumatoid arthritis as it has been found to help reduce inflammation within arthritic joints by attacking inflammatory causing prostaglandins, helping to increase circulation, facilitating mobility and general joint health.
AGEING - Very recent research has found that omega 3 fish oils may help to increase the lifespan of bodily cells, hence breaking news worldwide that omega 3s are the ‘elixir of youth’. The research found that the higher the levels of omega 3 within the body, the slower the process of DNA damage which ultimately results in signs of ageing, offering initial signs that omega 3 may help to keep you looking and feeling youthful.
How much fish oil do I need?
Some of the best supplies of omega 3 within the diet include oily fish including tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout and salmon. Wholegrain cereals and wholegrain bread are also sources of omega 3 fatty acids, however, omega 3s found within oily fish have been found to be easier for the body to use.
Although there is no set recommended daily allowance for omega 3 fish oils, the Food Standard’s Agency and UK government recommend at least two servings of fish should be eaten each week, one of which should be oily fish. However, some people do not like to eat fish or even if they do, may not eat it to such quantities, and some nutritionists have recommended that between 500mg-1000mg daily should help to achieve the highly acclaimed benefits of omega 3 fish oil.
26-01-2012 “B” Smart for Brain Health Read more
