There is a direct connection between Omega-3 essential fatty acids and the health of the brain.

Why? Because research is increasingly showing that emotional, mental and psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and possibly schizophrenia may more likely be the result of dietary deficiencies than genetic predispositions.

The research also shows that the lack of Omega-3 fatty acids increases memory loss, makes learning new tasks more difficult, increases blue moods and probably promotes the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a fatty acid that is found in high concentration in the gray matter of the brain and is an important ingredient for optimal brain function.

DHA is instrumental in the function of brain cell membranes, which are important for the transmission of brain signals.

By making cell membranes more fluid, omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, improves the communication between the brain cells. Lack of omega-3 in the body can cause a communication breakdown in the brain.

Low levels of DHA have been linked to memory loss, depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, autism and general learning difficulties or bad moods.

“If you don’t feed brain cell membranes enough of the right type of fat, the messages can be short-circuited and garbled. That may mean a disturbance in mood, concentration, memory, attention, and behavior,” writes Miracle Cures author Jean Carper.

Depression in particular has been frequently linked to low levels of DHA, since omega-3 fatty acids help regulate mood by increasing levels of serotonin, the hormone that relieves depression.

Additional evidence of the vital importance of ingesting sufficient Omega-3 fatty acids was reported by Dr. Michael A. Schmidt who reports in Smart Fats that, according to data collected in the long-term Framingham Heart Study, adults with low levels of DHA have a greater likelihood of developing dementia in their later years.

Other studies have indicated these adults are twice as likely to develop dementia as those with high levels of DHA. And a 1997 study demonstrated that low DHA blood levels are an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Your body cannot make Omega-3 fatty acids nor can it make Omega 6 which is another essential fatty acid that the body must have to function properly. You can only get these essential fatty acids from food.

Omega-3 fatty acids are the long-chain fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring. They are also found in flax, walnuts and chia seeds. Unfortunately the western diet does not include an abundance of these foods.

Omega-6, however, is found in abundance in the western diet in such foods as meat, vegetable oils, soy bean oil, vegetable oil based products such as margarine, shortening, and canola oil.

Whereas Omega-3 fatty acids will build brain cells and improve communication between neurons, excess Omega-6 will cause interference in this process and can lead to impairment of the brain and other illnesses.

The ideal balance for good health between Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 1:1 with a tolerable balance of 5:1. The average western diet runs in the unhealthy range of 20:1 6:3 or higher.

To be brain healthy, westerners need to change their eating habits to eat more fish, take pure fish oil supplements, and cutting back on Omega-6 by eliminating refined vegetable oils, canola and soy bean oils from their diets.

DHA Omega-3 remains the most important brain fat throughout life.

It is a proven fact that in aging, the loss of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may result in a higher risk of stroke, memory problems, or dementia.

Individuals of any age without adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and body may also be at higher risk for depression, bipolar disorder, and possibly other psychiatric problems.

It is no wonder Omega-3 fatty acid is called essential…especially to your brain health!

To your good heath & longevity.

Ira Marxe
“The Good Health & Wellness Guy”

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