Boosting Your Brain Power with Omega-3

Believe it or not, your body needs things that it can’t produce itself. Therefore, it’s up to you, and only you, to incorporate them into your daily diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of those things, and the ideal food sources to get them from are fatty fishes, flaxseeds, and nuts. But as you may have noticed browsing the grocery aisles, those foods are some of the most expensive items in the store. Even though these fatty acids promote a variety of heart and brain benefits, most Americans don’t get enough of these foods in their diets. Although pills aren’t always a quick fix, all-natural dietary supplements can pick up the slack in our diets and boost the health of our hearts and brains.

Well-accepted medical journals acknowledge the link between human evolution and a diet of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies of human newborn babies and non-human primates show that a balance in these acids is essential for brain development and even reduce the risks of hostility, violence, and substance abuse. Therefore, it is essential for expecting mothers to supplement their diets with enough omega-3 fatty acids for both themselves and their unborn babies during pregnancy. Most scientists and medical authorities agree that higher intakes of omega-3 oils also decrease inflammation, and help with a number of common ailments.

Fortunately for people who are allergic to fish or simply dislike the taste, there are other ways to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Omega-3 can naturally be found in certain types of eggs, orange juice, walnuts, canola oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed oil. The most common side effects of non-prescription omega-3 fatty acid supplements are simply fishy burps and upset stomach.  Before choosing an omega-3 supplement, you should consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a seafood allergy, or are taking blood-thinner medications.

Whether you’re a child, an adult, or even a monkey, omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of a natural and balanced diet. Very few other supplements have the power to improve the health of our hearts, brains, and moods. And fortunately, it’s never too late to start adding omega-3 into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to actually reverse the effects of age-related decline and pathology, which shattered the accepted beliefs that brain cell and nerve cell death are irreversible. Whether you find your omega-3 through food, oil, or capsules, make sure to get at least 500 mg per day to give your brain the boost it needs for a long and prosperous life.