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Eating OILY Fish Helps Mental Health Higher intakes of certain nutrients such as good fats may lower the levels of the blood constituent homocysteine and help keep our wits about us, as we age. Eating omega-3 food, which is abundant in fish, is good for health. Consumption of oily fish which is rich in omega 3 good fats,appears to help keep dementia and impaired brain functions at bay. Research linking fish-eating to preservation of our mental faculties has led scientists to look for the component in fish that is good for the brain. Omega-3 fatsResearches have focused on the mega-3 fats - found most abundantly in 'oily' fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardine - for an explanation. These come in two main forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While DHA is important for brain development and structure, EPA seems to have a more important influence on the running of the brain. The fundamental roles these fats appear to play in brain function mean, they have the potential to combat not only dementia, but mental illness too.
Increased Risk Studies show individuals with low levels of mega-3 fats in their bloodstreams generally have an increased risk of depression and schizophrenia. This finding has prompted researches to assess the effect of supplementing omega-3 fats in people suffering from depression of schizophrenia. Partly because of its role in the smooth running of the brain, EPA has been the focus of the bulk of such research. In most of these studies, EPA has been given in addition to conventional medicine. Happily, the majority of this research has shown that EPA has the ability to bring significant reductions in depressive and schizophrenic symptoms. The evidence is strong enough for the supplementation of EPA to be considered in those suffering from depression or schizophrenia, though under medical supervision. Required Dosage The required dose of EPA needed to bring benefits in mental disorder is in the region of 1000 - 2000 mg per day. Although eating oily fish twice a week will have a positive effect, supplementation with EPA provides a practical way to get assured amounts into the body on a regular basis. The potential omega-3 fat has to promote normal mental function gives credence to the opinion that fish is the ultimate brain food. Good fat Omega-3 is also good for heart.
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