It is very important to make sure you get omega 3s in your diet.  In a world of chemically treated environs, foods and products, omega 3s help protect you from heart disease which is a concern for anyone who eats processed foods and lives in a world with pollutants.  Omega 3s are important for reasons other than protection from disease.  They can also protect you from mental health issues.  It has been well-documented that people whose diets are rich in omega 3s are less prone to depression and anxiety, and have better overall mental health and a more positive outlook on life.

The omega 3s found in fish oils are also helpful in lowering bad cholesterol, or LDL, as well as in lowering triglycerides.  Believe it or not, by consuming the “good” fats found in fish oil, you can actually lose weight and reduce the amount of “bad” fats that travel through your bloodstream.  Again, it is easiest to do this by taking fish oil supplements, because consuming fish as often as would be required to reap the maximum benefits just may not be possible.

Another oil that you have probably heard of by now, which is also very beneficial as a supplement, is flaxseed oil.  Many people enjoy the taste of flaxseed oil and enjoy the flaxseeds themselves.  Flax has a somewhat nutty flavor, far different in taste than the fish oil, and pleasant enough that many people use it as a salad dressing or other flavor-enhancer.  It is important to note that flaxseed oil does spoil fairly rapidly, so you must refrigerate any unused portion after opening.  If you prefer, you can take flaxseed oil in a pill form rather than consuming the oil itself. Read all directions, for some of these supplements do not require refrigeration.

Flax oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which is converted by the body into the two main fatty acids that are also found in fish oil.  Therefore, it is a welcomed alternative to those who do not want to supplement with fish oil.  This is good for vegetarians also.  Flaxseed oils share many of the same benefits and properties as fish oil, but without some of the properties that make it unattractive for some such as the taste, smell, or capsule size.

Another fatty acid that has gained in popularity is gamma-linonenic acid, or GLA.  This fatty acid may also be supplemented in oil form, and is most commonly purchased as evening primrose oil or borage oil.  Many supplement companies do not market it as “GLA”, but that is what you will be getting if you look for borage seed oil or evening primrose oil in your local health food store.  GLA is not actually an omega 3 acid, but rather an Omega 6 fatty acid.  Some health professionals will warn against supplementing with omega 6 or omega 9 fatty acids, and suggest that you ‘keep it simple’ by simply focusing on the omega 3s.  However, this particular fatty acid is an anti-inflammatory and quite beneficial for that reason.  Many people find it helpful in treating various auto-immune disorders, as well as arthritis, PMS, and other conditions that stem from inflammation.  Further, it has recently been studied as an aid to help stop the growth of certain tumors.  If you plan to supplement your omega 6 intake as well as your omega 3s, GLA is your best bet.

Although you probably do not need to supplement your omega 9 fatty acids, it is worth mentioning as a possible supplemental to your diet.  Most people find that they consume this enough without supplementation, but if your diet is not rich in olive oil already than you may want to do so.  Olive oil is the most well-known, and probably the healthiest, natural source of omega 9 fatty acids, but some other oils and prepared salad dressings will contain them also.

It is always recommended that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet in order to get your fish oils and other healthful oils.  However, due to busy lifestyles and the inability to make certain that we eat what is best for us at every meal, supplementing with at least your omega 3 fish oils and other healthy oils is a great idea.

The theory was that a baby would benefit from DHA supplementation in infancy, but not before birth.  The benefits of high levels of DHA on cognitive development were well known, which is why many companies began producing infant formula that contained DHA.  This was a positive step, but more can be done to maximize the development of your child.

Studies conducted on pregnancy and fish oil have concluded that the cognitive development and visual acuity of a fetus can be enhanced.  This enhancement can only be accomplished if the levels of DHA in the mother and the child are as high as possible during the third trimester of the pregnancy.  This is when the most cognitive development takes place.

Children born with high levels of DHA in their system tend to advance more quickly than do children that suffer from DHA deficiencies.  It has been suggested that these infants have IQ’s that are anywhere between six and ten points higher than DHA deficient infants, and that during the first six months of life DHA rich children are on average one to two months ahead of their peers.

Other benefits that studies concerning pregnancy and fish oil supplements have concluded that babies whose mothers had high blood levels of DHA at delivery have attention spans that are greater than average, and that as children generally score much higher than their peers in tests of hand and eye coordination, reasoning, problem solving, and intelligence.

Taking increasingly higher doses through out the duration of the pregnancy has its benefits for the mother as well.  Women receiving DHA supplementation during the third trimester of their pregnancy tended to have a slight increase in the length of gestation, so it is thought that DHA decreases the risk of premature delivery.  There are mental benefits as well.

Women frequently suffer from depression during and after pregnancy and fish oil high in DHA has been proven beneficial in the treatment of depression.  A high intake of DHA rich fish oil can make it five times less likely that you will suffer from postpartum depression.  EPA, which is also present in fish oil, also lowers the incidence of suicidal thoughts from which a third of women going through pregnancy related depression suffer.

You want the very best for your child, and the evidence connecting superior cognitive development achieved during pregnancy and fish oil supplementation cannot be denied.  In order for you to improve your own health, and give your child a head start on life you should truly consider the use of a high quality DHA rich fish oil supplement.  The rewards involved are simply too great to ignore.

Medically proven omega3 or fish oil supplement benefits are enormous; let us discuss top 5 medically proven ones

1. Benefits during pregnancy: Omega 3 fatty acids are important not only for the baby but for the health of mother too. For baby it helps in brain, eye and nervous system development, better hand/eye co-ordination, lesser sleep disturbances, etc. And for mother it reduces the risk of postpartum depression, prevent miscarriages, reduce chances of having cesarean, premature and low weight births. This is the reason, pregnant women are recommended on rich omega 3 diet from first trimester.

2. Neurobehavioral advantages: Studies have proved that a large portion of human brain is made up of DHA omega 3 fat, and lower levels of this essential fat results in various mental an well as emotional ailments like Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, ADD, etc. It is also proven that high levels of these fats increase retaining, concentrating, comprehending skills.

3. Prevention and cure of cancer: Uncontrolled growth of body cells result in cancer. Research have proved that omega 3 fats work in 3 ways to give protection from breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men they stops the unrestrained growth of the cells, inhibits conversion of normal healthy cell to cancerous mass and kills the cancerous cells.

4. Relief from Pain: Because of anti-inflammatory properties of omega3 fats, it is found to be very helpful in reducing pain in situations like Arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). It is also known to reduce morning stiffness in joints.

5. Prevention and cure of Heart issues: Regular intake of omega 3 supplements decreases the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood stream. Their blood thinning properties prevents the plaque to build up on arterial walls thus protects from heart attacks and strokes. It is also proven that they keep blood pressure under control.

Now, that you now know fish oil supplement benefits; your next logical step is to find out an effective supplement and start on it daily. Be aware that like any other industry, here too we have substandard products available in the market. A poor quality product can do more damage than good. You should spend some time on internet to find out the features of an effective one and then make a wise choice. If you need my assistance on how to select an effective product to reap maximum fish oil supplement benefits visit my website Omega 3 Brief today.

Cold water fish, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna, are all sources omega 3s. Omegas 3s are essential fatty acids that cannot be obtained by the body in any other way except through the diet. This would be easy enough to solve, but the problem is that many people refuse to do this for themselves because they do not like the taste of fish.  Even if they personally do not mind the taste and they are willing to consume more fish in their diet, they may not be able to prepare it for dinner if someone in their family refuses to eat fish. A fish oil supplement can provide the proper nutritional value enters the picture.

It is very important that you make sure you get omega 3s in your diet.  In a world of processed foods and chemically treated foods, products and environs, omega 3s help protect you from heart disease, which is a concern for anyone who eats anything other than purely organic, whole foods. Even if you are one of the few people who eat this way, you cannot help but live in a world with pollutants. Taking an omega 3 fish oil supplement will help protect you from these pollutants.

Omega 3s can do more than just protect you from physical manifestations of disease, though; fish oil can help protect you from mental health issues as well. It has been well-documented that people whose diet is rich in omega 3s are less prone to depression and anxiety, and have better overall mental health and a more positive outlook.

Perhaps the most documented and well known reason for taking omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil is that they are helpful in lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol.  They also help lower triglycerides.  It sounds strange, but by consuming the ‘good’ fats found in fish oil, you can reduce the ‘bad’ fats that travel through your bloodstream.  An added benefit to this for some people is that it can help you lose weight.  Again, it is easiest to do this by taking fish oil supplements, because consuming fish as often as would be required to reap the maximum benefits just may not be possible.

Recent studies, of interest especially for women, have shown that increasing omega fatty acids through fish oil supplementation actually helps increase fertility. Also studied is whether it helps the pregnancy remain viable and helps the woman carry to term once she is pregnant.  Because of fish oil’s great effects on the immune system, it is thought to keep a pregnant woman at optimal levels of immunity throughout her pregnancy.

Yet another benefit to fish oil is certain anti-inflammatory properties. By supplementing with fish oil you can reduce joint pain and even help ease arthritis.  Many people that suffer from arthritis have issues such as stiffness in their bones and joints upon rising in the morning, a searing-type pain in their joints, and fatigue.  Fish oil supplements can help with these symptoms by helping with immune function.  It is generally recommended that someone with arthritis take a dose of 750 mg at least twice a day, although some studies have been done with higher doses. Some people have even been able to eliminate pain medication altogether by taking fish oil supplements for an extended period of time, over many months.

It is important to note that there are some additional studies that warn against over-supplementing with fish oils, and also warn of side effects when supplementing with fish oil.  For the most part, the side effects are minor and include such inconveniences like ‘fish-smelling’ burps or mild fishy aftertaste.  More troublesome side effects include diarrhea and nose bleeds.

Some side effects are possible however extremely rare. Always make sure your fish oil is stored properly in a cool dry place if in pill form, and if any supplement indicates that it requires refrigeration make sure to do so.  Fish oil “gone bad” is the most likely culprit of any negative side effects.

It is usually recommended that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet in order to get your fish oils and to follow the advice of your health care practitioner before starting any supplement regimen.  Be sure to tell your doctor of any other medication you are on before inquiring about fish oil supplements, and inform him or her thoroughly.  For the most part, people are happy to learn that they can conveniently supplement their diet and can benefit greatly from the omega 3s found in fish oil supplements.

Let us understand the composition of essential fish oils and their benefits for our health.

Fish is a rich source of DHA and EPA type of omega 3 fatty acids. And so are the supplements containing oil extracted from healthy and oily fish.

Both DHA and EPA are readily absorbed by our body and have significant contribution in maintaining good health. Studies have proved that approx. 40% of human brain (controller of body) is made up of DHA. Deficiency of DHA along with EPA results in various neurobehavioral issues like frequent mood swings, depression, anxiety, etc. If the levels these fats are too in the blood stream it can result in ADHD, ADD, Autism, Bipolar disorder, Dyslexia, etc

Rich DHA and EPA diet helps in keeping heart healthy. Their blood thinning properties inhibits plaque to build on arterial walls thus protects us from strokes. They also reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides; the main reason of clogged arteries and hence reduce the risk to heart attacks. They are very effective in diseases like hypertension and diabetics.

These essential fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties i.e. their consumption can regulate body’s inflammation cycle and can reduce the inflammation and pain. Thus are very helpful in situations like arthritis, psoriasis, cystitis, etc.

These fats are of great help during pregnancy – they reduce the chances of cesarean, miscarriage, premature births and low birth weights. They are also used in weight loss programs, achieving a radiant and acne free skin.

So there you have it, few facts on essential fish oils – its constitution and its benefits. Your next logical step; start on an effective supplement immediately. Word of caution here, not all products available in the market are effective, so first you have to do some research on the internet to select a high quality supplement before you start on it.

If you need my assistance in recommending you on high quality essential fish oils supplement that I and my family are taking since long, visit my website Omega 3 Brief.

1. You can have a smarter kid. Who doesn’t want to have the brightest kid in class? Surely, you dream of pinning ribbons or seeing big stars on your kid’s examination papers. Moreover, whether you like to admit or not, you want him or her to top and beat the other children in terms of academic learning.

Well, you already have a chance, and you don’t even have to spend more money on tutors. You can just take fish oil supplements during pregnancy.

It has been found out that these fish oils are rich in omega3 fatty acids such as DHA, which can boost memory retention and focus.

Children whose mothers consume fish oil supplements tend to have IQs that are 6 to 10 points higher than kids their age.

Furthermore, by the time that they are four years old, they will perform exceptionally well in examinations. They also have very long attention spans, and they are well advanced in years.

You can also count on DHA to take care of your child’s vision. This essential fatty acid is also needed by the retinas of the eyes. You should also not forget that a third of your baby’s brain weight is composed of DHA.

2. You can skip post-natal blues. Though not all moms go through post-partum depression, there are still plenty who do. You can also be one of them, if you don’t take fish oil supplements.

There are a lot of factors that are commonly associated with this type of depression. For one, it could be the hormonal changes. You also have the stress that usually accompanies first-time mothers.

Fish oil supplements can help you recover quickly from your delivery, and you can prevent post-partum blues since DHA and EPA can alleviate the symptoms of depression and mood swings.

These supplements are also better alternatives than eating real fresh water fish. There’s a chance that the water where they came from is already polluted with mercury and lead, and you could ingest and pass these on to your baby.

Fish oil supplements are molecularly distilled to ensure that these toxins are removed completely from the fish oil.

Fish based oil also helps in the development of brain tissues during the fetal stages. During this stage of development, fish oil can also contribute to the health of retina and also reduce muscular degeneration. Fish based oil also prevents serious pregnancy complications such as premature labor and low birth weight and regular intake of fish oil supplements during pregnancy could help prevent port partum depression.

For adults, omega-3 improves memory, focus and reasoning. You could say that one of the benefits of fish oil supplements is it helps keep your mind young and healthy. On the other hand, children suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will also benefit by having their psychiatric disorder reduced thanks to fish based oil.

A number of benefits of fish based oil supplements can be seen by studying Greenland Eskimos, a community known to have a diet consisting mainly of fish. There have never been any significant depression rates reported from Greenland Eskimos. The Japanese are also fond of fish, and they have a very low depression rate, especially when compared to their Western counterparts.

Besides lowering the risk of depression, fish oil based supplements also help prevent other psychological illnesses. According to University of Sheffield’s Psychiatry Department, omega-3 may help alleviate bipolar disorder and even psychosis.

Perhaps the biggest reason why fish based oil supplements have become popular in the Western world is because it is said to reduce heart diseases and heart-related illnesses. Studies have shown a large number of Americans have heart illnesses. The biggest benefits of fish based oil supplements are its ability to reduce triglyceride levels in the body.

Triglyceride is a type of fat commonly attributed to heart disease. Fish based oil reduces triglyceride which helps in the prevention of heart attacks, irregular heart beat and stroke. Taking fish oil based supplements regularly also lowers blood pressure.

Aside from the omega-3 fatty acid, there are two more types of acid found in fish based oil supplements that provides benefits to the body’s health. These acids are: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

EPA is believed to posses anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory agents found in fish oil supplements may reduce painful conditions such as arthritis.

Some studies also suggest that omega-3 can help in the prevention of cancer, particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids stop healthy cells from mutating into cancer cells while causing cancer cells to die.

Of course a lot of people remain skeptic of the benefits of fish oil supplements and chalk it up as another type of alternative medicine. While some studies are still being conducted to either prove or disprove some claims of fish oil’s health boosting properties, many scientific studies have already concluded that a diet rich in fish is good for the body.

In this article we will discuss the top 5 positive effects of fish oil consumption.

Neurobehavioral benefits: Many researches have proved that levels of omega3 fats in blood stream controls the communication between various nerve cells. Lower levels of omega 3 result in various mental/emotional health challenges like dyslexia, autism, ADHD, depression, mood swings etc. Intake of fish gels increases omega3 levels and help you fight as well as prevent these conditions. It also increases your focusing, retaining and concentrating skills.

Cardiovascular and heart benefits: Blood thinning properties of omega3 fatty acids prevents the clogging of plaque on arterial walls, thus protects you from heart attacks and strokes. Studies have confirmed that fishoil consumption keep your cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels under control.

Pain Reliever: Omega-3 has an anti-inflammatory property that controls your body’s inflammation reaction. Clinical studies have proved that fish-oil reduces joint stiffness and is very helpful in relieving ache in painful conditions rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).

Benefits during and after Pregnancy: Starting from the third trimester, pregnant women are recommended to start on omega3 supplements. This not only helps in proper fetal brain development, but also reduces the risk of post partum depression, prevents miscarriages, cesarean and premature births.

Prevention and cure of Cancer: It has been proven that fish-oil is helpful in preventing and curing of 3 most common forms of cancer prostate, breast and colon. Its regular intake works multi folds stops uncontrolled cell growth, inhibit conversion of normal healthy cell to a cancerous mass and eradicate cancerous cells.

Now that you know the effects of fish oil ingestion, your next step should be — start on fish-oil supplement to reap the maximum health benefits.

A word of warning here, since all the supplements available in the market are not of good quality, you should always stay away from a substandard one. Regular consumption of such low quality oil can be more dangerous.

Below is a short and handy list to help you find the best and effective supplement

1. It should be fresh and should not contain any rancid or artificial odor.

2. It should be pure, have less levels of toxins. Should be made from fishes caught from pristine ocean water and should have undergone molecular distillation process to filter out all unwanted and harmful toxins.

3. It should have high levels of DHA as compared to EPA. Most of the fish gels available today have high concentration of EPA. So you need to be extra careful here and choose fish oils with high quantity of DHA.

To learn more on beneficial effects of fish oil and an effective supplement that I and my family are taking since long visit my website Omega 3 Brief.

The fish oils under review are rich in the omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that the body cannot make itself. They must be derived from food, fortified food, or supplements. Generally, it is oily fish like mackerel, sardines, herring and salmon that are the source of these.

Yet, in a survey conducted by Women’s Health Research, based in Washington, only 41% of mothers and expecting mothers were aware of the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids during and after pregnancy. With such statistics, it is not hard to see why so many women are deficient in essential fatty acids during pregnancy. In fact, it is believed that only 2% of pregnant women were getting the right amounts of EPA and DHA – either through diet or supplements.

EPA stands for eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA is docosahexaaenoic acid. Both are the active constituents of fish oil, contributing to the structure and function of a healthy brain and nervous system.

Without these healthy fats, a baby’s brain and nervous system will not grow optimally. DHA is recognized as being so important that it is now added to some infant formulas, as babies need a lot in the first 2 years of life. DHA contributes to the actual structure of the growing brain, and constitutes about 8% of its’ weight!

EPA, on the other hand, is particularly important for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. If a pregnant woman is not getting enough EPA and DHA in her own diet, she can lose as much as 3% of her own brain mass in the last 3 months of pregnancy, as the EPA and DHA stored in her own brain is transferred to her baby. Is this why pregnant women complain of feeling forgetful so much!

An interesting study carried out at the University Of Western Australia provides some clues of the role of fish oils in a child’s fetal development. 83 women completed the study, approximately half of whom were given 4 grams of fish oil from 20 weeks until birth, and the remainder given olive oil supplements. The children’s development was measured when they were two and a half years old, and there was found to be an improvement in comprehension, average phrase length, and vocabulary in those whose mothers had taken fish oil when they were pregnant. The researchers reported that overall language skills were the same for each group. They did find that when babies had higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their cord blood, there was an improvement in hand and eye coordination. Levels of vegetable oils had no impact on hand-eye coordination.

Whilst it can be seen that fish oils are highly beneficial for pregnant women, the potential problem women face is contamination of the oil with mercury, PCB’s and dioxins. Mercury contamination can increase the risk of premature births, although the actual incidence of mercury contamination and premature birth associated with fish consumption is very low. One study conducted at Harvard and Michigan State Universities, that did find a link, reported only 4% of the women in the study actually gave birth prematurely.

These facts, combined with inconsistencies in studies that reported links between fetal development and mercury exposure, have led scientists to continue recommending pregnant women eat oily fish or take fish oil supplements. The benefits in fetal development, from brain and nervous system development, to coordination and improved vocabulary and comprehension as toddlers, all point to the benefits outweighing the risks. Indeed, one scientist involved in a review of various studies, said he was actually surprised by how little harm was reported. The risks to pregnant women are even further reduced if they source their fish oil supplements carefully.

References:

1. Nutraingredients

2. Bellanline

3. Mind1st

The rest fall short. Fish oil during pregnancy should not be taken for granted and should become part of your daily diet, especially when you are carrying a child because of the following reasons:

It helps in the development of your baby. We are talking about the overall growth and development of your unborn child.

DHA and EPA, which are found in fish oils, are essential for brain formation. DHA, for one, makes up one-third of the total brain weight of your baby. It is also necessary for better vision and strong central nervous system. Taking cod liver fish oil can even increase the weight of your baby.

If there is not enough DHA on your baby, there is a huge chance that when he or she comes out, he or she will be underdeveloped. You could even deliver your baby in premature terms.

It improves his learning abilities. Children born from mothers who took fish oil supplements when they were still pregnant perform exceptionally well in class.

They have longer attention span, and they are more focused than other kids their age. They also do not suffer from dyslexia or attention deficit disorder.

They would normally excel in examinations. Most of them have IQ levels that are above average. They also have superb hand-to-eye coordination, not to mention 20/20 vision. They also have improved vocabulary.

It takes you away from post-partum depression. Fish oil is not only good for your child, but is also ideal for you. They tend to regulate hormonal changes and provide calming effects. They also alleviate the signs of depression.

You can strengthen your immune system. When you are pregnant, you definitely need a very strong immune system. After all, you should not get sick, or else, it would have harmful effects on your baby.

Fish oil can help you since its EPA can strengthen your ability to ward off infection. It is also an excellent pain reliever and a much better alternative to medications.

You are encouraged to start taking fish oil while you are still not pregnant to also promote healthier eggs. However, you may have to increase it a bit during the last trimester, as the baby tends to grow rapidly around this time.

DHA which is an abbreviation of Docosahexaenoic acid and it is the most important component of omega 3; the others are EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid). Studies show that the many benefits of omega3 are basically derived form dha and epa; however, dha is more important because it can be turned into epa by your body if the need arises but the reverse is impossible.

what is DHA used for?

Research shows that it is beneficial for brain related conditions such as depression, mood swings, Alzheimer’s, ADD and ADHD; its deficiency has also been linked to these conditions. This is because your brain is 60% fats and half of this fat is dha.

Regular consumption of this fatty acid will help to enhance your learning abilities, concentration and memory; that is why people with dementia and children with autism have found it very helpful in alleviating their conditions. When taken regularly, it also helps to increase IQ in children. If you are always feeling depressed and moody, dha will help to improve your mood and make you a happier person.

If you are a woman asking, what is DHA used for? Listen to this: studies have shown that regular consumption of omega 3 supplements by women during pregnancy helps to reduce their risks of post partum depression.

It is not good for the mother alone, it also enhances the overall development of the fetus especially the brain; it also helps to prevent preterm, miscarriage and stillborn. It is found to help to prevent the baby from developing allergies in the future.

DHA is also used to keep your heart in good health; it helps to reduce bad cholesterol, high blood pressure and triglycerides.

How can you get it?

The best source of dha is fish because plants do not contain it; however eating too much fish is dangerous because of the risk of toxic poisoning. Fish contain toxins such as mercury and other contaminants because of pollutions in the oceans.

Hence, the best way to get dha omega3 is by supplementation; but you have to make sure that the supplements are purified by molecular distillation. This is the only method that removes the toxins for the oil.

Now that you have the answer to the question: what is DHA used for? I hope you will endeavour to take pure fish oil supplements regularly.

Discover the best DHA omega3 fishoil supplements.

Prenatal vitamins do not contain the omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is so vital for your baby’s brain development, retina formation, and nourishment of the nervous system to name a few. Fish oil contains the omega 3 fatty acid DHA along with other essential fatty acids that aid in good health. The placenta utilizes DHA during fetal development, with DHA making up 50% of the retinal structure and 30% of the brain.

There are intervals of concentrated nerve cell development as growth occurs in the womb where the DHA needs actually double. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women add a fish oil supplement during pregnancy to their normal dietary intake in order to ensure healthy growth of their babies since 98% of them aren’t getting enough of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA in the foods they eat.

Along with helping your baby’s development, taking fish oil during pregnancy has proven to be equally healthful for you, the mother. Studies have shown that supplementing with DHA helps reduce the risk of toxemia or pre-eclampsia, a rapid rise in blood pressure that affects 7% of pregnancies. This same research has also shown significantly less cases of postpartum depression.

Since the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have issued warnings for small children and women of childbearing age not to eat more than 12 ounces of seafood per week because of possible contaminants in fish, and have gone on to state that large doses of mercury can damage developing brains, it is no wonder that pregnant women aren’t getting enough of the DHA they need from eating fish.

It is good to know that you can still get the health boost of fish without the threat of contaminants in the process by getting the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in the form of these dietary supplements. It is important to read the manufacturers information on the package to be sure you are getting the omega 3 fatty acid DHA. For example, flax oil capsules contain ALA, which is a different form of omega 3 fatty acid, and isn’t as effective.

The recommended daily intake of <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.omega-3-health.com/”>fish oil </a> during pregnancy is 300-1400 mg of DHA. This is critical during the third trimester and supports the healthy development of the fetus’ brain and nerve cell membranes.

After the baby is born, and while breast feeding it is still crucial to continue to take this same dosage since our bodies don’t produce this essential nutrient and it is easy for the mother to become deficient after giving birth. By being health conscious and pro-active in caring for your body during pregnancy, you can be confident that you have done your part in delivering a full term, healthy baby.

To find out more information about this needed nutritional supplement check out my web site listed below in the bio section.

Postpartum depression happens in women after they give birth, usually in the first few months after giving birth. Warning signs include sadness, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, appetite changes, crying parts, insomnia and reduced libido. This condition is resplendently familiar.

There is some initial confirmation to suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish and fish oil, including Eicosapentanoic acid or EPA and Docosahexanoic acid or DHA, have an antidepressant effect. It has been discovered that during pregnancy, mothers selectively transfer DHA to their baby and through the breast milk to support neurological development in the developing child. Studies show that Omega 3 fatty acid will also improve the growth of the brain and visual system of the fetus. Thus, child-bearing women may become depleted of DHA, and it has been assumed that DHA deficiency may make mothers more susceptible to depression during the postpartum period. So, eating more fish during pregnancy may reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Consuming alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil or other vegetable oils could not be as effective as taking fish oil, because the ability of the body to convert alpha-linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid is limited.

Obtaining appropriate rest, nutrition, and support are very significant, in view of the fact that being exhausted or sleep deprived or feeling stressed can add force to and fuel feelings of depression and sadness.

However, some experts also warned pregnant women about eating too much fish because of mercury contamination. Because of this, it is important for pregnant and those nursing women to use fish oil products that are not high in mercury, so as not to expose the fetus or infant to extreme amounts of this toxic metal. It can be hard to get what you need from your diet. It is better to consult your doctor first if the supplement is right for you. A doctor who is trained to diagnose, treat, and stop postpartum depression will be able to make a precise assessment of fish oil’s efficiency, particular to the needs of the mother or mother-to-be.

That’s why you have to those supplements that can help you nourish your baby even when he or she is still inside your womb. You may want to learn then about the relationship between fish oil and pregnancy.

Why Is Fish Oil Important

There are things about fish oil that makes it valuable especially for pregnant women. These are known as omega3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA. These two can provide you and your baby the following health benefits:

1. You can ward off infection. If there’s something that you should be wary about when you’re pregnant, it’s getting sick.

You are usually not allowed to take any medication to cure your illness, since it can affect your baby. You should also make sure that you don’t fall into any illness, or it may also harm your unborn child.

As mentioned, fish oil contains EPA, which works together with the inflammatory responses of your body. Most of those who take fish oil experience reduction in physical pain. Moreover, they are not only relieved, but their pain and inflammation don’t occur anymore.

2. You can take care of your blood pressure. Pregnancy can also cause the blood pressure to go up. This can be pretty dangerous as you may develop hypertension, which usually leads to complications.

Fish oil can lower down your blood pressure. In fact, it can reduce your triglyceride level by increasing good cholesterol in your body.

3. You are less susceptible to post-partum depression. You may have heard of horror stories involving new mothers and their battle against depression. Some of them would even resort to medications, which only make them more dependent on drugs.

Fish oil’s fatty acids have therapeutic effects that can decrease the signs that are commonly associated with depression. Studies even show that they hold such great promise in treating Alzheimer’s Disease and bipolar disorder.

4. You provide the baby what he or she needs. More than ever, your baby requires as much DHA as he or she can as he or she grows inside your womb. He or she needs it to fully develop his or her brain.

Your baby also needs DHA for better vision. Babies who are born from mothers who took fish oil supplements when they were pregnant are usually advanced learners.

Scientific studies have proven the benefits that infants and even unborn fetuses receive from exposure to an ample supply of omega fatty acids.  Children that have received omega fatty acid supplementation through the mother since the all important third trimester best other children their age in contests of mental skill, and in physical competitions involving hand and eye coordination.

Taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy will enable your child to score higher on intelligence tests, will increase their attention spans through the second year of life, and will put their IQ’s six to ten points higher than those of their peers that have not benefited from maternal supplementation.  During the first six months of life your baby can be up to two months more advanced than other children the same age.

It has also been discovered that supplementing your diet with omega fatty acids can deter postpartum depression.  Both DHA and EPA are effective in combating depression, and although it is not known exactly why this is modulation of neuron signaling pathways and eicosanoid production has been proposed as possible mechanisms.  This antidepressant affect can benefit those suffering from severe depression also.

For those that suffer from severe or chronic depression taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy can offer great benefits.  If you have been prescribed antidepressants for keeping your depression in check omega fatty acid supplementation could be the best solution for you to keep your moods under control.  Prescription antidepressants can cause harm to your child.

The use of antidepressant drugs can cause the baby to have heart abnormalities, respiratory problems, poor muscle tone, and limb malformation.  You have to be able to manage your depression even during pregnancy, but you have to weigh the benefits of taking prescription medication against the risks.  Fish oil supplements offer you all of the benefits without any risk at all.

Some experts still tell women that the best way to obtain DHA is through increasing their consumption of fish, but others recommend taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy to avoid the risk of consuming toxins.  Oily fish collect mercury, lead, and dioxins through the smaller fish that they feed on, and these poisons are then trapped in the meat of the fish.

Taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy is safer for you and your baby, because the companies that produce these formulas have to ensure that toxicity is kept to a bare minimum.  Fish oil is also more affordable that increasing the amount of seafood in your diet.  You can get a 30 day supply of fish oil for about the same price as you would pay for one or two salmon dinners, which is just one more reason to use bottled fish oil.

Of course, DHA and EPA omega fatty acids play a role in the treatment and prevention of many other problems as well.  While the focus of this article is going to be about the way fatty acids affect everything from moods to prenatal cognitive development, you should also be aware of the preventative effects of omega 3 fatty acids when it comes to cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory ailments, including certain types of cancer.

DHA and EPA omega fatty acids have been proven effective in the treatment, and possible prevention of adult onset type 2 diabetes, arthritis, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, asthma, and various skin disorders, along with colon, prostate, and breast cancer.  So the fish oil brain function connection is but one of the ways that supplementing your diet with omega 3s is a fantastic idea.

The effect that omega 3s have on the brain is that they are essential for the healthy formation of nerve cell membranes and membrane fluidity.  It is unhealthy variations in membrane fluidity that cause many of the mental problems that we suffer.  Depression, aggressive behavior, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and dyspraxia are all caused by these variations.

There have been numerous studies conducted over the last few years that concluded that fish oil brain development and function benefits could be enjoyed by your unborn child as well.  A mother-to-be that supplements her diet with increased doses of DHA omega 3 fatty acid is more likely to give birth to a child that is of above average intelligence.  The IQ of this child can reach 6 to 10 points higher than children born with low levels of DHA in their system.

DHA is a substance that is naturally present in breast milk, which shows you just how important it is that your child receives this fatty acid.  It has been so important to the cognitive development and visual acuity of your infant that infant formulas are now supplemented with DHA.  As the child grows there is no reason to end the beneficial supply of the fatty acids either.

The fish oil brain benefits of DHA and EPA omega fatty acids can’t be denied, and as you have read here there are numerous reasons for making fish oil supplements a part of your daily routine.  All you need to do is find a reputable supplier of high quality dietary fish oil supplements, because you want to make sure what you are putting into your body is the purest and most potent fish oil available.

Make no mistake about it.  Fish oil brain benefits are something that everyone can profit from.

Depression and Anxiety

As shocking as it may seem, fish oil actually can make people happier. Studies have shown that itl can be a useful way to treat depression and anxiety in people. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are a promising method of treating anxiety, stress, depression, etc. It also seems to have mood stabilizing properties, which means it can help keep people from becoming sadder. There’s evidence that suggests that countries where certain fish are eaten regularly have a low incidence of depression. There is even a possibility that Omega-3 can lower the homicide and suicide rates! While there isn’t solid evidence yet, these are exciting findings, and there’s no reason you wouldn’t want to take advantage of these benefits.

Cancer

Fish oil can benefit patients with some types of cancer. If you have a history of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, or colon cancer in your family, it can help delay weight loss. In addition, it has been shown to kill cancerous cells and prevent the formation of new ones. While this is still a fairly new development, the possibility of fighting cancer is another of the many surprising benefits.

Pregnancy and Fertility

There is evidence that fish oil can raise the sperm count, and also help sperm resist the effects of lipid peroxidative attacks. This study was conducted on boars, but the possibility of improving fertility rates with it is interesting nonetheless. As far as pregnancy, one of the biggest fears a mother will have is that her baby might be born unhealthy. It can help with those odds by helping improve a child’s development while still in the womb. The DHA in Omega-3 is instrumental in good brain and eye development for children. Even more striking, pregnant women using it have been shown to run fewer risks of having premature births, miscarriages, or babies with low birth weights. These women also have a lower risk of depression, and can continue to support their baby’s health by taking fish oil while still nursing.

Type II Diabetes

Many people suffer from type II diabetes, and fish oil can help. Diabetics are more prone to coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke, and it has been proven to reduce the risks of these chronic problems. It helps break up clots and improves overall cardiovascular health. It also lowers triglycerides. The Omega-3 fats also help by lowering your LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream and raising HDL. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of these surprising benefits.

Depression and Anxiety

No, this oil doesn’t cause depression and anxiety; it actually helps it! As unusual as it might seem at first, your mood can actually be altered for the better if you take it. Honestly, this is a fairly recent development in the field of alternative treatments for depression, but there’s already strong evidence to suggest a correlation between better moods and fish oil.

This is likely because an essential fatty acid called DHA is found in fish oil, and DHA comprises 60% of your brain! Even without delving too deep into the physical and chemical minutiae, having more DHA could mean that your brain has more resources available to produce serotonin and other critical biochemicals in your brain. Studies have shown a distinct drop in depression and suicides (and even homocides) among those who consume a lot of fish rich in Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.

Cancer

Depending on the type of cancer you have or hare hoping to prevent, there are some surprising benefits of this oil in this regard as well. The main thing that scientists have noticed is that this oil actually acts as a fighter against and a deterrent to cancerous cells. It also helps against weight loss in cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Type II Diabetes

There are a number of complications that come with Type II diabetes. Some examples include stroke, heart attack, blindness, amputations, heart disease, etc. While there are different reasons for most of these symptoms, fish oil can actually treat almost all of them because of its unique properties. Blood thickness results from too much blood sugar, and fish oil acts as a blood thinner. It also lowers the risk of heart trouble by lowering triglycerides, improving cholesterol and breaking up clots.

Pregnancy and Fertility

Because fish oil has all of all those critical components that help you, think about the surprising benefits of fish oil that you might be able to give your child, both as a fetus and as a newborn who’s nursing. The DHA in fish oil can help babies with healthy eye and brain development. Pregnant women who are taking pharmaceutical-grade oil supplements also have a lower risk of premature births, miscarriages, etc. Plus, remember how it can help with depression? Pregnant women might avoid or decrease the severity of post-partum depression too.

Conclusion

Now you can see that there quite a few surprising benefits of fish oil. There might be a lot of things that this oil does that people aren’t even aware of yet. It truly is a promising new development in health, and as long as you get the pharmaceutical-grade variety (without all the toxins and contaminants often found in fish), you’ll really benefit your health.

Omega-3s are long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids found primarily in fish and fish oils. Pregnant women are cautioned to consume no more than two servings of fish per week, because of the risk of mercury contamination. Mercury intake during pregnancy leads to numerous birth defects and can cause miscarriage.

If they are tested for mercury and other contaminants, fish oil supplements are the best alternative to insure adequate omega-3 intake. Omega-3s, particularly DHA, are essential to normal fetal development, especially to normal brain and eye development.

DHA is found in human breast milk, but not cow’s milk or infant formulas, unless the formulas are fortified with DHA. About 40% of the nerve cells in the brain are composed of DHA. About 60% of the fatty acids in the retina, an area in the back of the eye responsible for central vision, are DHA.

Early studies showed that children who were breast-fed scored higher on IQ tests, were less likely to have behavioral problems, like ADHD, and had fewer allergies. It took years to for researchers to learn exactly what was missing in the formula-fed infant’s diet that accounted for the difference.

Today, we realize that the difference is DHA. Most infant formulas are now fortified with it, as a result.

Maternal blood levels of DHA drop by about 30% after birth. The drop is believed to be at least partially responsible for post-partum depression. Numerous studies have shown that low DHA levels in the blood are associated with depressive disorders and suicidal behavior. So, not only is DHA important for normal fetal development, it is also important for Mom’s mental health.

Supplementation is recommended for women that are breast-feeding, in order to provide the DHA necessary for healthy brain growth and the development of visual acuity. It also insures that the mother does not suffer from deficiencies.

Flaxseed supplements are promoted by some sources for their omega-3 content. But, like other plant sources, flaxseed does not provide DHA. If the mother is a strict vegan or objects to fish oil supplements for some other reason, marine algae supplements are an alternative. They cost more, but some of them are rich in DHA. That’s what the fishes eat.

Normal fetal development is not the only issue that researchers have looked at concerning omega-3 intake. The average diet is low in omega-3s, but high in omega-6s. Researchers believe that this dietary imbalance may lead to “fatter babies” and increased risk of obesity during childhood.

Omega-6 fatty acids are the primary component of corn oil. Most meats contain more omega-6s than 3s. The only logical way to correct the imbalance, insure normal fetal development, protect Mom’s health and perhaps, reduce the risk of childhood obesity is with fish oil supplementation.

For a fetus brain to develop fully, it requires constant supply of DHA Omega 3 Fatty Acids. And since DHA Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid (meaning the body cannot produce it on its own,) you will need an external source to supply the need for it. Fetus, of course depends on the nutrition of the mother. Whatever the mother eats, or takes, goes straight to the fetus via the umbilical cord. Yes, it is not only the food that goes to fetus, but also everything the mother takes including supplements and drugs (and sadly sometimes, even toxic substances). So bottom line is, to have a good foundation for the brain development of your child, include fish oil capsules which contain DHA Omega 3 Fatty Acids in your endless list of maternal supplements.

So what exactly do fish oil capsules containing DHA and Omega 3 do to the fetus’ brain? First, by taking this supplement, you are lessening the chance that your child may develop microcephaly (small brain), or neural tube defect (incomplete development of undifferentiated brain cells). These two are the worst disorders your child may have, so please do the necessary steps to avert these conditions.

Secondly, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, better known as ADHD, may well be prevented by DHA and Omega 3 supplements. Moreover, higher IQ’s can also be expected if you supply the fetus’ brain with these supplements during its development. In fact, as you may have noticed already, milk producing companies for children have been recently adding DHA to their products.

Don’t worry if you fail to take fish oil capsule during pregnancy because Omega 3 can also be passed through breast milk. It may seem late for lactating mothers, but better late than never! Start taking these supplements now to pass it to your baby during breast feeding to help augment your child?s brain development.

However, despite the good effects of Omega 3 and DHA to pregnant women and lactating mothers, there are still few things to consider. Pollution is everywhere, and the fishes are affected by this pollution too. Fishes are being barraged with contaminations of heavy metals such as mercury and lead, dioxins and even Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s).

A fish oil capsule is derived from the fats of fish, so when a fish is intoxicated with harmful contaminants, the fish oil may as well be toxic too. So in securing that you are only getting the DHA and Omega 3 Fatty Acids from the fish (and not the toxins in it,) make sure that you are getting fish oil capsules that underwent molecular distillation. This process guarantees that the oil is separated from the contaminants, and then sealed into capsules, for safe use by the public.

Your urgent next step? To consider seriously what you have just learned, then visiting my Omega 3 DHA fish oil supplements website so that you can learn to take timely action to ensure that the health protection required for your child starts right from the time of early pregnancy.