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Not all fats are BAD!

When it comes to fat, there are the good ones and there are the bad ones; and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are most definitely one of the good guys!

Since us humans are unable to make Omega-3 fatty acids on our own, we must get them from our daily diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods, such as fish and flaxseed, and in dietary supplements, such as fish oil.

The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood.

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for optimal function of the human body, and they may also provide numerous powerful health benefits.

What's so good about Omega-3?

1) Promote Brain Health During Pregnancy & Early Life

Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy & breastfeeding has shown to be beneficial for infant health & development.

Sufficient Omega-3 intake is associated with:

  • Higher intelligence
  • Better communication and social skills
  • Decrease risk of developmental delay
  • Decreased risk of ADHD, Autism and cerebral palsy

Did you know Omega-3 accounts for 40% of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in your brain and 60% in the retina of your eye? And studies have showed that infants fed with an Omega-3-rich formula have better eyesight too!

2) Reduce symptoms of ADHD in Children

Moreover, Omega-3 supplements can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Several studies have demonstrated Omega-3 helps improve inattention and is able to decrease hyperactivity, impulsiveness, restlessness and aggression.

3) Promotes Sleeping Quality

Low Omega-3 intakes have shown to be associated with sleeping problems in both children and adults.

Studies have revealed that supplementing omega-3 increases the overall quality of sleep.

References:

Bloch, M.H. & Qawasmi, A., 2011. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Children With Symptomatology : Systematic Review and. JAAC, 50(10), pp.991–1000.

Gillies, D. et al., 2012. Polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA ) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) in children and adolescents ( Review ),

Horrocks, L.A. & Yeo, Y.K., 1999. HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID ( DHA ). Pharmacological Research, 40(3).

Ladesich, J.B. et al., 2011. Membrane Level of Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid Is Associated with Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medi, 7(4).

Meharban Singh, 2005. Essential Fatty Acids , DHA and Human Brain. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 72(Table 1), pp.239–242.

Montgomery, P., Burton, J.R. & Sewell, R.P., 2014. Fatty acids in children Fatty acids and sleep in UK children : subjective and pilot objective sleep results from the DOLAB study – a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sleep Research, pp.364–388.

Perera, H. et al., 2012. Combined ω 3 and ω 6 Supplementation in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) Refractory to Methylphenidate Treatment : A Double-Blind , Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Child Neurology, 27(6).