Improve Mental Health with Fish Oil Supplements

Many people are aware that fish oil supplements are helpful in terms of improving heart health, but did you know that taking fish oil supplements may also help to improve your mental health in a variety of ways? Here is a closer look at just a few of the ways that fish oil supplements may help you to live a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Depression

The number of people suffering from depression continues to grow at an alarming rate, with some experts predicting that depression will be the second-largest cause of illness by 2030. Interestingly, research has found that people with major depression frequently have lower blood levels of omega-3s. The good news is that studies have shown that fish oil and omega-3 supplements may improve the symptoms associated with depression. Furthermore, research has shown that oils rich in EPA may be more beneficial than DHA.

Hyperactivity and Attention Deficits

With omega-3s making up a significant proportion of the brain, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that making sure children receive enough omega-3s may help to prevent behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Not only can fish oil supplements help to improve inattention, but they may also help to address issues related to hyperactivity impulsiveness and even aggression in children. 

Other Mental Disorders

It is well-known that omega-3s are essential for normal brain function, as the brain is made of nearly 60 percent fat and much of this fat is omega-3 fatty acids. Some research has shown that people with certain mental disorders have lower omega-3 blood levels, while additional research seems to indicate that taking fish oil supplements can help to prevent the onset or even improve the symptoms of some mental disorders. High doses of fish oil supplements has, for example, been shown to reduce some of the symptoms associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.