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Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Mood Disorders

By HERWriter
 
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Dr. Joe Hibbeln is fascinated by the effect of omega-3 fatty acids, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on our brains. He is convinced that a nation-wide deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids is contributing to depression and other mood disorders.

The country's diet has gone through some fundamental changes in recent years, with an excess of omega-6 fatty acids and a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids being consumed. Dr. Hibbeln believes that this change is a major reason for an upsurge of mood disorders.

"Today, Americans get 10 to 25 times more omega-6s than omega-3s, partly because we don’t eat as many omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon and sardines (or wild animals, which are also higher in omega-3s), but mostly because our diets now contain processed foods that are packed with omega-6-rich oils, including oils made from soybeans, safflower and corn."

Dr. Hibbeln, age 49, is a captain in the United States Public Health Service. His focus throughout his career has been a study of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100258148

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Jody Smith
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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