| The long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, | | | | Even our President and Governer Shwarzenagger |
| found in the greatest abundance in fish and fish oil | | | | take omega-3 supplements. |
| but also in some other foods as well, play a key role | | | | There have been a considerable amount of clinical |
| as components of cellular membranes. During the | | | | research studies conducted related to the benefits of |
| regular aging process, cell membranes become much | | | | omega-3 dietary supplements (especially fish oil) in |
| more rigid. This can adversely effect the function of | | | | certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in |
| tissues throughout the body, including the brain. | | | | people, including but not limited to arthritis, ulcerative |
| Perhaps the top asset to the brain of them all is | | | | colitis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and |
| DHA, the principal polyunsaturated fat in the central | | | | heart disease. |
| nervous system. DHA is appears to have a very | | | | This research goes back to 1970's Greenland and |
| directeffect on brain chemistry, development | | | | beyond. Some if not most of the placebo trials of |
| andfunctioning. DHA is essential for both kidsand | | | | fish oil in inflammatory conditions show substantial |
| adults, but DHA is as vital to a kid'sdiet as sitcoms | | | | benefits such as forexample a lessened disease |
| are to prime time television. The topsource of | | | | activity and a lower overall requirement of various |
| omega-3 fatty acids of them all iscold-water fish and | | | | anti-inflammatory drugs. |
| fish oils, but omega-3 fatty acids can alsobe found in | | | | Because omega-3 fatty acids are a very key |
| varying quantities in other foods such as certain | | | | component of development during the entire course |
| vegetable oils walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, | | | | of a person's life cycle, they should be included in the |
| peanuts, flaxseedand also eggs. | | | | diets of each individual. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty |
| The bottom line is, Omega-3 fatty acids appear to | | | | acids are not interconvertible in the body and are |
| protectthe brain, which is why many physicians | | | | therefore vital components of almost all cell |
| recommend taking an omega-3 supplement, usually | | | | membranes. Cellular proteins are genetically |
| fish oil because of it's highconcentration of readily | | | | determined, however the polyunsaturated fatty acid |
| absorbed dha and epa (flax and other sources have | | | | (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to a large |
| to be converted in the body instead of being directly | | | | degree dependent on dietary consumption. |
| assimilated). | | | | |