Feeding your Head (Fish Oil Article)
This article initially appeared in the Sept 06' Issue of the Zone-Net Newsletter. Zone Net produces ultra refined (aka pharmaceutical grade) fish oil.
Next to water, lipids (aka fats) make up the largest percentage of the brain’s composition, which is about ten percent give or take. Omega-3 fatty acids, composed of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), are among the top brain nutrients by far. Of the two, the most essential asset to the brain is DHA, the chief polyunsaturated fat in the central nervous system. DHA is thought by many to have a direct effect on the brain’s chemistry, development and functioning. The richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids is found in fish and fish oil (especially in the ultra refined or 'pharmaceutical grade' fish oil because of the high concentrations).
There are several ways that the Omega-3's found in fish oil can help maintain the brain. Here are the highlights, based upon recent scientific research …
HELPS MAINTAIN A POSITIVE STATE OF MIND:
DHA helps to regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter considered to be responsible for our "feeling good." Chronically sad people tend to have low levels of serotonin. Research suggests populations that consume large amounts of fish have lower numbers of people that are chronically sad. Also, a recent Australian study confirmed that the most severely depressed participants had imbalances of fatty acids in their cell membranes and in their blood.
The expression of stress-induced aggression has proven to be less likely if your brain is under the influence of fish oil, according to an extensive Japanese study. In a test of 41 adult students, those taking 1.5 – 1.8 grams of DHA (in fish oil) for three months were less likely to become more socially aggressive at a time of severe mental stress: final exams. On the other side of the study, students taking placebos displayed rather explosive moments of social aggression. This may also explain why fish oil is good for heart health. Stress hormones triggered by anger and hostility can constrict the arteries and accelerate the formation of blockages. Fish oil is said to suppress the release of such detrimental hormones.
Next to water, lipids (aka fats) make up the largest percentage of the brain’s composition, which is about ten percent give or take. Omega-3 fatty acids, composed of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), are among the top brain nutrients by far. Of the two, the most essential asset to the brain is DHA, the chief polyunsaturated fat in the central nervous system. DHA is thought by many to have a direct effect on the brain’s chemistry, development and functioning. The richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids is found in fish and fish oil (especially in the ultra refined or 'pharmaceutical grade' fish oil because of the high concentrations).
There are several ways that the Omega-3's found in fish oil can help maintain the brain. Here are the highlights, based upon recent scientific research …
HELPS MAINTAIN A POSITIVE STATE OF MIND:
DHA helps to regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter considered to be responsible for our "feeling good." Chronically sad people tend to have low levels of serotonin. Research suggests populations that consume large amounts of fish have lower numbers of people that are chronically sad. Also, a recent Australian study confirmed that the most severely depressed participants had imbalances of fatty acids in their cell membranes and in their blood.
The expression of stress-induced aggression has proven to be less likely if your brain is under the influence of fish oil, according to an extensive Japanese study. In a test of 41 adult students, those taking 1.5 – 1.8 grams of DHA (in fish oil) for three months were less likely to become more socially aggressive at a time of severe mental stress: final exams. On the other side of the study, students taking placebos displayed rather explosive moments of social aggression. This may also explain why fish oil is good for heart health. Stress hormones triggered by anger and hostility can constrict the arteries and accelerate the formation of blockages. Fish oil is said to suppress the release of such detrimental hormones.
posted by Aelusive at 7:36 PM
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