Omega-3 Fish Oil for Boosting Mood
Not everyone realizes that fats, more specifically fatty acids, are essential to good health. Yes, contrary to the popular opinion today that anything with fat in it is bad, you do need fatty acids in your diet in order to be in good health. Additionally, since fats are considered to be essential, the body cannot produce them on its own. These ingredients must be obtained through our food or supplementation. It is also interesting to note that evidence has been emerging showing that these oils can also help to boost our mood.
Omega-‘s and Mood:
We all know that sadness is a serious problem in our society. Those who suffer from poor mood spend lots of time seeking a way to boost mood. Omega-3 shows promise in this area. A British study used EFA, one of the best-known Omega-3s, to help deal with mood. After three months, over two-thirds of the treated group reported at least a 50 percent reduction in their sadness. This improvement was particularly true in the areas of sadness and pessimism, inability to work, sleeplessness, and low libido. If this supplement can work for them, it certainly can help an otherwise healthy person.
Important Role in Brain Health:
Most people have probably never realized but the nervous system is made up of mainly fats. All of the nerve impulses and signals that run across our bodies are sheathed in fat. And Omega-3 essential fatty acids are the basic building blocks of the brain. Neuronal cell membranes are about 20 percent fatty acids. Not only that, but they also appear to be critical at keeping the nerve signals and impulses working.
Although it is difficult to pinpoint exact mechanisms of action, it would appear that these fatty acids also help to maintain proper function of the brain and nervous system. Certainly, this maintenance can help to boost our mood, especially if we have been feeling a little “low” or “off.” Not only that, but it also may help your heart health. Plus, it has the effect of helping to reduce your “bad” cholesterol. As our bodily systems and functions become more efficient, our mood improves.