Hey Fat-Head, Take your Fish Oil!

Hey Fat-Head, Take your Fish Oil!

Yes, I said fat-head!  Our brains are composed of about two-thirds fat. The fatty acids processed by our bodies from the fats in the food that we eat are what our brains use to help us think and feel.  Therefore, our diets affect the brain chemicals that influence our mood and behavior and our thought processes and emotional reactions that ultimately create how we feel and the way we are inclined to behave.

What are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)?  They are building material that our brains need.  “Essential” means that your body needs them for proper function and health, however, your body can not manufacture them.  You must get them from the food you eat.

Which Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) do we need to maintain the brain?

A steady diet of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is crucial to a well-functioning brain. The good news is that your local supermarket has what you need to maintain your brain’s supply of fatty acids.

Good dietary sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are high-fat, cold water fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout.

The Solution:  Change bad fats to good fats in your diet. A steady diet of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is crucial to a well-functioning brain as well as stable moods. The good news is that your local supermarket has what you need to maintain your brain’s supply of fatty acids.

Good dietary sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are high-fat, cold water fish like wild caught salmon, (beware of farm-raised and color injected) sardines, mackerel, and trout. That’s why fish are called “brain food”.

To boost your supply of Omega-6 fatty acids, look for foods and supplements that include evening primrose, borage, and black currant seed oils. Of course meat, eggs, and dairy are also good in moderation.

My all time favorite oil supplement is Carlson’s Norwegian Cod Liver Oil.  Carlson’s Fish Oil is rated among the best fish oils. It is cold processed from the cold, unpolluted waters of Norway and imported to Carlson’s Lab.  We use the lemon flavored oil and pour it into our morning smoothies.

What it does:

·        Omega3 oils promote the optimal function of:

·        Cardiovascular health*

·        Brain and Nerve Function (helps alleviate depression)

·        Healthy Vision *

·        Immune system Health*

·        Healthy Joints and Movement*

·        Radiant and Healthy skin*

Personal Testimony:  We have seen dramatic results in our family in eliminating spring time allergies.  One table spoon gives us about 12 hours relief from sneezing, itching, and that underwater feeling.

I coach high school sports and elementary PE.  I stand, run and jump (mostly standing) for hours.  Taking Carlson’s alleviates joint pain.

My Grandmother used to give my mom Cod liver oil her when she was a child for her asthma.  Now in her 70's Mom has started taking it again.  Mother knows best.

*statements not approved by the Food and Drug Administration