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The omega-3 fatty acid is one of the healthiest oils available for human consumption. It is also a part of the ketogenic diet, which helps reduce brain inflammation.
Although studies have shown the benefits of omega-3 and fish oils on the brain, some are still skeptical. Do omega-3 and fish oils beneficial for brain health? But, first…
Is Omega-3 and Fish Oil The Same?
You might have heard that some people are interchangeably using Omega-3 and Fish oils. Although the first impression, they appear both the same and, to some extent, they are similar.
But here’s the thing, fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. In other words, fish oil is an oil, while Omega-3 is a fatty acid. In terms of structure and components, they are different.
Who Should Be Taking Omega-3
Omega-3 oils, particularly those coming from fatty fishes are immune system and mood boosters. Of course, omega-3 fats are good for the brain and heart health.
When it comes to consumption, as early as the mom’s diet should include omega-3 fats. Here’s why?
In the U.S. alone, omega-3 supplements are trendy. Approximately 19 million or roughly 18% of adult Americans are taking some kind of omega-3 supplements.
Simon Dyall, head of nutrition at Bournemouth University in the UK says;
Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in many different fundamental brain processes.
Omega-3 For Brain Health
Although omega-3 fatty acid is mostly linked with heart health, it also offers significant benefits for brain health. DHA, in particular, is an essential building block for cell membranes of the brain.
It has a positive influence on cerebral blood flow, production of neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, gene expression, etc. However, while there are lots of evidence linking omega-3’s favorable effects on the brain, dietary intakes and supplements are somewhat inconclusive.
However, one study finds that omega-3 from fish oils help boost the effectiveness of antidepressants. On the other hand, the findings are promising. In another study1, researcher Aaron Barbey says that high levels of omega-3 in the blood cause improvement in cognitive function.
Moreover, high omega-3 increases the volume of the brain in specific structures. Although these findings are strictly correlational, it is promising. In a different study2, researchers found that healthy older adults taking 500mg of DHA and 200 mg of EPA did not cause a significant change in cognitive function.
But other studies3 found that adults with depression taking medication experienced a boost in their moods while taking omega-3 supplements. In another study4, researchers found that adults age 55 and older were 60% less like to develop dementia when consuming lots of fish.
Furthermore, these adults were 70% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease with their diet include lots of fish. Hence, it may seem that omega-3 is best consumed with the foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids than supplementation.
Of course, we can’t deny that in some instances, omega-3 supplementation can be effective particularly those adults with depression taking medication.
Also, while omega-3 fats are excellent for brain health, it also provides brain health benefits for eyesight, heart health, bones and joints, helps in fighting depression, fights inflammation, improves sleep, and among others.
Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acid
If you can eat it, do it. Although you can take omega-3 supplements, don’t rely on it alone. Hence, eat a wide variety of foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
You can still take supplements along with a healthy diet. Among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil and krill oil. Eggs mainly the yolk contain omega-3, as well.
Moreover, certain plants are also good sources of omega-3 such as fruits and vegetables.
- Nuts and seeds like walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
- Flaxseeds and chia seeds
- Purslane4 5, which is considered a weed but rich in omega-3
Green leafy vegetables like brussels sprouts and a host of other veggies.
For vegans, there is no need to worry about plant-based sources of omega-3. There are plenty of them.