Many people inform us of the importance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and the many benefits these supplements can have on our health. However, something which is far more important is the consumption of essential fatty acids and omega-3 sourced from fish oil. Not only do omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on our heart, skin conditions such as eczema and weight loss, but it can improve neural development and growth. With all its beneficial qualities, it is surprising to think that many of us are not consuming enough fish oil in our diets. This is most commonly due to the amount of fish and seafood we eat (or do not eat in some cases). Even more surprising is just how simple it is to supplement fish oil and integrate this into our diets. Online retailers such as Mr Vitamins stock a huge range of products containing fish oil, making it simpler than ever before to incorporate omega-3 into your diet.

Fish oil affects the brain in a positive way and should be something that we all incorporate into our diets no matter how healthy you consider yourself to be. Recent studies have linked the consumption of fish oil to the treatment of disorders such as bipolar and ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In recent times, the oil has also been connected with the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s association, food containing high levels of omega-3 can aid with the treatment of the disease when used in high doses or large quantities and over a long period of time. Using fish oil for medicinal purposes in this way may in fact be a more natural alternative to other forms of drugs and medication (although this is still to be scientifically proven).

The omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil has also been compared to antidepressant medications as regular use has been known to aid with some symptoms of depression such as:

– Sadness

– Anxiety

– Mental fatigue

– Restlessness

– Suicidal thoughts / tendencies

– Lack of sexual desire.

Furthermore, fish oil may help to improve and stabilize your mood. Fish oil is essential for the development of the brain and its proper functioning and can be used to significantly improve other conditions related to brain function such as:

– Dyslexia

– Hyperactivity

– Dyspraxia

– Emotional stability

– Poor Concentration

– Low IQ

– Learning disorders.

As well as being beneficial to the above conditions, fish oil can also aid with more minor problems such as short term memory. But how does this wonder oil provide such amazing benefits to our brain? It is due to the fact that around 60% of our brains are made up of fat and require fatty acids in order to function correctly. When you consume these essential fats, you are providing the cells in your brain (along with many other areas of the body) with everything it needs to develop and even communicate more effectively.

Fish oil is also great for growing brains and thus provides many benefits to pregnant women and their unborn babies. When you are pregnant, it is more important than ever to fuel your body with the right nutrients to allow your baby to grow and be as healthy as possible. In the same way that the baby is forming bones, muscles and other tissue, they are also developing their brain. Fish oil can help many aspects of this initial growth as well as providing continued benefits throughout the life of the child. One study showed that mothers who regularly consumed fish oil throughout their pregnancy gave birth to babies with better hand eye coordination.