What is the Link Between Depression and Omega 3?

Depression and omega 3 are very much related to each other since omega 3 fats prevent and cure many illnesses related to mental health. These illnesses or conditions include prolonged depression, teenage depression, postpartum depression and many other forms of this psychological condition.

DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid which is required for proper development of the brain and the eyes. It is a very essential constituent of all infant nutrition formulas as it has been found that mother's milk contains large amounts of this fat and other fats.

DHA not only acts as a building block of the brain but it also plays a vital role in proper nerve transmission and other activities related to the nervous system. It prevents hyperactivity in growing children which is becoming an alarming condition especially in the Western world.

Doctors and psychiatrists around the globe have recognized the connection between depression and omega 3 fatty acids. They advise patients suffering from anxiety and even bipolar disorder to increase their intake of fats through diet or nutritional supplements. The results of treatment with omega 3 fats were very satisfactory and successful.

It is very important to add at least 3 to 4 sources of omega 3 fats to daily diet. These sources can be fish, flax seeds, soybeans, navy beans, walnuts, tofu, enriched eggs and shrimps. Alternatively fish oil capsules can also be consumed on a regular basis to receive good amounts of omega 3 fats.

Fish oil capsules are actually a good choice for most people out there since we cannot eat fish regularly. Furthermore, some people are unable to digest fish or are allergic to it. Flax seed oil is also an excellent alternative for such people.

But flax seed oil provides a third omega 3 fat known as ALA. ALA is a long-chain fatty acid which is broken down into EPA and DHA inside the body. This metabolic process is a little slow and it's difficult for most people to absorb ALA because their necessary enzymes required for this breaking down into smaller molecules are malfunctioning.

Because of these reasons and many other health advantages offered by fish oil, doctors recommend eating fish and taking fish oil capsules instead of trying other food sources. These capsules are easily available on the market and are good for people of all ages. They can be used for the treatment of depression and other psychological problems.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Natural Dha Fish Oil focuses on omega 3 as a whole, and in particular, a natural product our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Dha Esters

Be sure to check out our Omega 3 Dha Esters of choice, it is the natural supplement we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years.