Boost Your Brain with Fish Oil

What do dodocosahexaenoic acid or DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA have in common? They are the two compounds that make up the famed of omega-3 fatty acids. We have all heard how incredibly healthy these fish oils are for our bodies in helping to lower blood pressure, reduce overall cholesterol, and even reduce the effects of certain types of cancers, but did you know they can also dramatically increase the power of your brain as well?

Studies have concluded that increasing your body's intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help to increase your brain and cognitive function on many levels. This includes reduced risks of many mental and psychological disorders such as attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's, and other forms of dementia. It is even theorized that lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can even lead to disorders such as dyslexia. Other studies indicate the presence of these potent fish oils can give you a head start right from the moment of birth.

The University of Western Australia completed a now popular study that concluded that pregnant women who included DHA in high levels during their pregnancy had a much better chance of delivering babies that had increased hand eye coordination than those born to mothers who did not follow this prescription. In addition, the pregnant women who took DHA had a significantly less chance of delivering their babies prematurely.

Speaking specifically about conditions such as ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, there have been studies that were concluded that after three months of giving children diagnosed with ADHD fish oil supplements, their behavior showed marked improvement and much better focus then prior to taking the supplements. They showed improvements not just in general behavior, but in subjects such as reading and spelling as well. While these effects are amazing indeed, one of the most staggering effects that fish oil has on the brain may be linked to those with depression.

Other studies have indicated that ingesting fish oil capsules can have a similar effect to Prozac for those that have been suffering with the illness of depression. This is an amazing finding and if true, could help treat tens of thousands of individuals who suffer from this horrible illness on a regular basis. This finding has been substantiated by citing countries that include fish as a major part of their diet having fewer incidences of depression as well. Imagine treating individuals with a fish oil supplement versus a strong narcotic like Prozac? While it may turn the medical industry on its head, fish oil supplements may just be the natural cure that many of us have been searching for in our lives.

While the above studies don't necessarily prove that fish oil is a perfect cure in all instances, the information gathered so far has led many to include fish oil supplements as part of their regular daily diet. Make sure to speak with your doctor to obtain the highest level of fish oil supplements if you're looking to include them in yours as well.