The Amazing Benefits of Fish Oil to Mental Health
Fish oil is a substance found in the bodies of several species of fish. It is derived specifically from the livers of tuna, salmon, mackerel, etc., and then processed so that humans can use it in the forms of capsules, tablets liquids and powder.
You can blame most of fish oil’s health benefits to its high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that are needed by virtually all organs in the body to function to the optimum level. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are thought to play significant roles in combating inflammation and offer countless health benefits, including promoting and enhancing mental health.
You can blame most of fish oil’s health benefits to its high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that are needed by virtually all organs in the body to function to the optimum level. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are thought to play significant roles in combating inflammation and offer countless health benefits, including promoting and enhancing mental health.
Reduces Our Risks to Depression and Suicide.Recent studies published in the years 2004 and 2009 have reported that EPA in fish oil may reduce the risks to depression as well as suicide. One study examined blood samples of 100 suicide-attempts patients and compared the results to the control group's blood samples.
They found significant reduced levels of EPA in the red blood cells of patients who had attempted suicide. This relationship may mean that supplementation with EPA through fish oil might enhance our moods, reduce our risks to depression, and eventually our risks to suicide. Another study on the relationship of bipolar disorder and sea food consumption has suggested that the rates of depression in different countries are inversely related to the average person's sea food consumption per year. In countries where sea food consumption is high, there’s a lesser rate of depression.
They found significant reduced levels of EPA in the red blood cells of patients who had attempted suicide. This relationship may mean that supplementation with EPA through fish oil might enhance our moods, reduce our risks to depression, and eventually our risks to suicide. Another study on the relationship of bipolar disorder and sea food consumption has suggested that the rates of depression in different countries are inversely related to the average person's sea food consumption per year. In countries where sea food consumption is high, there’s a lesser rate of depression.
Reduces the Incidence of Bipolar Disorder.Among the two essential fatty acids in fish oil, EPA is more likely to play several roles in stabilizing mental health. Two studies published in the years 1996 and 2003 discovered that the incidence of bipolar disorder as well as the rate of depression have an inverse correlation to seafood consumption in different countries, which means the more seafood consumption there is in a country, the less bipolar disorder. In Japan, the average person eats 150 pounds of sea food per year and it turns out that the country’s rate of depression is 60 times lower than in New Zealand, where the average person consumes only 40 pounds of sea food per year.
Stabilize Mood in Bipolar Disorder. In 1999, a study in Harvard University discovered that people with bipolar disorder who were taking fish oil have a significant reduction in their manic and depressive episodes.
Delays and Prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Fish oil has been used by many people as a weapon to delay and prevent the degenerative Alzheimer’s disease. UCLA scientists have confirmed that fish oil is indeed effective in combating Alzheimer’s, and they have found the reasons behind this. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil appears to be the key component behind this amazing benefit. UCLA scientists have found out that DHA increases the release of a specific protein called LR11, which could destroy the protein that promotes the formation of “toxic plaques” in Alzheimer’s disease.
Low levels of LR11 were found in Alzheimer’s patients, and these were believed to be a predisposing factor of the disease. DHA, even in low doses have been found to increase the levels of LR11 in rat neurons. Human neuronal cell cultures have also shown abundant LR11 with high levels of DHA, which seemingly protects the brain cells against Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, scientists found that low levels of LR11 resulted in the formation of amyloid plaques in neurons.
Low levels of LR11 were found in Alzheimer’s patients, and these were believed to be a predisposing factor of the disease. DHA, even in low doses have been found to increase the levels of LR11 in rat neurons. Human neuronal cell cultures have also shown abundant LR11 with high levels of DHA, which seemingly protects the brain cells against Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, scientists found that low levels of LR11 resulted in the formation of amyloid plaques in neurons.
Creates Intelligent Babies. During pregnancy, both essential fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are involved in the fetus’ brain development. DHA, specifically, accumulates in the fetus’ brain during cortical expansion and maturation. Low levels of the fetus’ cortical DHA during pregnancy are associated with preterm labor, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Recent studies conducted in England also found that children with a daily DHA supplement have a significant increase in their hand-eye coordination, along with improvements in comprehension and verbal skills.
Promotes Cognitive Functions. Fish oil intake has long been proven to improve the brain’s cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning and focus. Taking fish oil helps us to think clearer, focus better, recall memories, and reason more logically. A Healthy and brighter mind definitely leads to a better and happier life.
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