Omega 3: A Healthy Fat?
If you have followed nutrition and health news, you have likely heard much about the health benefits of omega 3 fats. Fats are generally considered unhealthy, but this kind of fat is an exception. These compounds have been suggested to have positive effects on the rate of heart disease, high cholesterol levels, dementia, and even arthritis. Now, scientists have added attention deficit disorder to this list.
Polyunsaturated fats found naturally in several foods are classified as Omega 3 fats. there are three categories of these fats: alpha-linolenic acid(ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among the three varieties, DHA is found to have beneficial effects on attention deficit disorder.
Researchers at the University of Purdue found that children whose diets lacked sufficient quantities of DHA were more likely to show the classic symptoms of attention deficit disorder, including hyperactivity and behavior issues. Infants, too, are at risk, because DHA is transmitted through breast milk, and many mothers are not getting enough DHA to pass on to their children through lactation. In fact, about 85% of American women are deficient in these fatty acids.
Fat deficiencies in your diet can be remedied by getting more useful fats into your body. Foods rich in nutrients, such as fish, flax, and walnuts can be added to your diet to increase your fat intake. Fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and tuna are all high in the necessary nutrients and can be added to your diet relatively easily.
Fish oil supplements are available for individuals who do not like the foods listed above or who cannot change their diet. These supplements contain omega 3 fats and can provide all the fish oil benefits of foods rich in DHA. An added benefit of the fish oil supplements is the lack of aversive taste and the lack of change in diet.
Thousgh scientists and nutritionists know a great deal about the benefits of Omega 3 fats, the research is only begun. Still there are plenty of exciting new frontiers to be explored. Indeed, a new benefit of Omeg 3 fats comes to light every day. The most recent finding is about their effect on attention deficit disorder, a cause to celebrate
Fat is commonly assumed to be poor for your health, but Omega 3 (including Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) is an exception to this rule. DHA has demonstrated a beneficial effect for attention deficit disorder (ADD). Natural sources for DHA include salmon, tuna, anchovies, walnuts, herring, and mackerel. For those who do not want to alter their diet or do not like the aforementioned foods, supplements of DHA are also available in the form of fish oil supplements. Fish oil benefits include a beneficial effect to the children of breastfeeding mothers.
Published May 16th, 2007
Filed in Family
