Fish Oil Helps, Heart, Brain, Joints and Your Mood

Fish and fish oil contain two omega- 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. According to MayoClinic.com, several controlled trials report that consuming oily fish or fish oil supplements may be a secondary approach along with conventional heart drugs to reduce the risk of non-fatal and fatal heart attack. EPA and DHA may also help to improve brain function, ease joint pain and uplift your mood. Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by the body they must be obtained from dietary sources or taken in fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements should be taken with the advice and supervision of your healthcare practitioner.

Sources

Cold-water fish are rich sources of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Salmon, halibut, sardines and tuna as well as mackerel are excellent sources of EPA and DHA. Bluefish, mullet and sturgeon, herring, trout and anchovies along with sea products such as algae and krill are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating broiled or baked fish appears to reduce the risk of heart disease; while fried fish or a fish sandwich may increase the risk of heart disease, according to National Institutes of Health website. Fish oil supplements are available in capsule form. It's important to buy omega-3 fatty acid supplements that are certified by a reputable company to be free of heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

The Brain

EPA and DHA in fish or fish oil supplements may help brain health and aging. According to Alzhemeir'sReadingroom.com, a study published August 17, 2011, led by Lori Daiello, at Rhode Island Hospital Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders Center followed 819 older adults with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease for three years. 117 of them had taken fish oil supplements before entering the study and during the study follow-up. Fish oil supplements users showed better cognitive function during the study than those who did not.

The Joints
EPA and DHA in fish and fish oil may benefit individuals suffering with joint pains. An article by C. Claiborne Ray with New York Times published May 30, 2011 reports that, research with fish oils and patients with inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis showed positive results. According to Dr. Sheldon S. Hendler, co-editor of the Physician Desk Reference for Nutritional Supplements, patients with rheumatoid arthritis taking a daily mixture of EPA and DHA in a dosage of at least there grams for 12 weeks or longer had reduced joint stiffness and tenderness. In addition, these patients were able to reduce or discontinue using their nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The Mood
Omega-3 fatty acid may improve your mood. According to ScienceDaily.com, Dr. Sarah M. Conklin, researcher at the University of Pittsburgh reported in March 2007, that people with higher blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids were found to be more agreeable and less prone to experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Compared to individuals with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids that were more likely to be impulsive and have a negative outlook. Researchers agree that more studies are necessary to substantiate if consuming fish or fish oil supplements cause changes in the brain that affect the mood.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil/DSECTION=evidence

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/993.html

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2011/08/fish-oil-use-associated-with-bigger.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/science/31qna.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070307080827.htm