Pelagic fish can help those brain cells work – Fishupdate.com

Pelagic fish can help those brain cells work Published:  19 August, 2005

OILY fish has won a new boost as studies in both the US and Northern Ireland have concluded that a deficiency of Omega 3 can be the cause of learning difficulties and dyslexia. Increased supplies of Omega 3 prove to have positive influence on these problems. Sixty percent of our brain consists of fat, and scientists believe that at least 30% of this fat is Omega 3 fatty acids. These Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary to develop the cells in our body. During pregnancy, the baby receives Omega 3 fatty acids from the mother. The foetus will actually “steal” Omega 3 from the mother. In addition, the child takes in Omega 3 fatty acids through the breast milk, and research shows that children who are breast-fed appear to have a better problem-solving ability – and their IQ scores a few points higher than average. Even though we do not produce additional brain cells after the age of two years, the brain cells grow and develop “tendrils” to other cells, which is important for learning. This is particularly important for children who are growing and have to master small and large tasks both at school and at home. Fat is essential in order for the cells to grow and develop. The fish fat – Omega 3 – makes the cell membrane more elastic, absorb nutrients more easily, and develop. Amongst other things, the limited development of these ”tendrils” to the brain cells causes us to become forgetful and have problems learning new things when we become older. We can only take in Omega 3 through the food we eat – our body cannot produce it. Therefore, it is important to ensure that our body gets enough Omega 3. We find Omega 3 primarily in fatty fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring. For more info go to: www.seafood.no