Omega 3 once again shows mental health benefits

By Charlotte Fantelli

A study published in the May 2, 2012, online issue of Neurology®, once again shows the mental health benefits of eating Omega 3 rich foods, this time in the fight against Alzheimer's. The new study shows how Omega 3 may be associated with lower levels of a protein (beta-amyloid), related to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems, being found in the blood.

The link between Omega 3 and mental health has been highlighted many times, and this new study is exciting as it goes a step further in revealing the benefits relating to Alzheimer's. Decicively, the study shows that eating just one gram of Omega 3 per day (equivialent to half a salmon fillet per week) is linked to 20 - 30% lower blood beta-amyloid levels.

Shockingly, out of the 1,219 over 65's who participated in this study, the average person was not getting this small amount of Omega 3. This being the case, we have decided to bring you some very useful information to ensure you are getting enough of this essential fatty-acid, and the many mental health benefits it brings.

What is Omega 3

Omega 3, is an essential fatty acid. It is a nutrient necessary to keep our body, and especially our mind, healthy. It is called 'essential' as we have to get it from our diet, the human body cannot produce it or derive it from other sources.

Apart from oily fish, there are other foods that are rich in Omega 3, we have given you a list below that we hope will help you get all you need.