Wendel Abel
Wendel Abel
REMEMBER OUR grandmothers would tell us that fish oil was good for the body? They certainly were not wrong. Research has shown that fatty acids in some fish may in fact facilitate the development of the brain and may protect us from a number of diseases.
These fatty acids are referred to as omega-3-fatty acids. There are two types of omega-3-fatty acids, EPA and DHA (EPA eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA-docoahexaenoic acid).
The brain and the nervous system have higher levels of omega-3-fatty acids compared to the rest of the body. Although the exact role of omega-3-fatty acid in the brain is not known, what is known is that omega-3-fatty acid plays an important role in the development of the brain and the nervous system. In addition to the effects on the brain, omega-3-fatty acids prevent the clotting of the blood and are good for the immune system.
EFFECT ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Infants born to mothers whose diet is rich in omega 3-fatty acid have greater attention span. It is important that pregnant women get adequate amount of these fatty acids. It is suggested that these omega-3-fatty acids may also facilitate reading in children who suffer from a learning condition called dyslexia. They may help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate better and improve the social skills of children with autism.
Fish oils may be beneficial in depression and bipolar disorders. Depression and bipolar disorders are two common mental disorders. Research done in the US, Britain and Israel has shown that an increased intake in omega-3-fatty acids may be useful in the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders. In addition to its possible role in facilitating development of the brain, fish oils may
protect against a number of diseases.
In addition to these conditions high intake of fish oils may decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, research has shown that fish oil may be beneficial to persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
FISH OILS AND CANCER
A report in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004 stated that fish oils may protect against cancer of the prostate. This is so because of the omega-3-fatty acids but also because of the Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Fish oils may prevent weight loss in cancer patients. A major research has suggested that high doses of fish oil may reduce weight loss in patients diagnosed with cancer. It does so by reducing the breakdown of fats.
What is the source of these fatty acids? Human beings cannot make omega-3-fatty acid and therefore must come from the diet. Omega-3-fatty acids are found in oily fish such as herring, mackerel, cod fish, sardines, salmon, fresh tuna, trout and turbot, which we refer to as turbit in Jamaica. In addition to these oils, fatty fish is also rich in vitamins A and D.
How much omega-3-fatty acid do I need? The American Heart Association recommends that we consume about one gram of EPA and DHA omega-3-fatty acids per day. This may be achieved by any of the following:
1. Having at least two fish meals per week.
2. Having other foods high in omega-3-fatty acids, for example, linseed oil.
3. Taking fish oil supplements.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.