Omega-3s help you to stay happy

There is more to the story than just depression and postpartum depression. Omega-3s help cub symptoms of manic depression or bipolar disease, schizophrenia and self-harm disorder, from cutting to suicide. Researchers found that children with low omega-3 levels are most likely to throw tantrums, have sleep problems and battle learning disabilities, while kids who are optimally nourished in these fats are least prone to attention deficit disorders. Even convicts in prison are less aggressive and angry when they take omega-3 supplements.

People who suffer from winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), battle mild to serious depression from late fall to early spring. Typically, SAD has been linked to lack of sunlight. But studies show that even in some northern climates, like Iceland, where the dark days of winter can be pretty grim, depression rates are at an all-planet low. How do people living in gloomy climates stay happy? Icelanders might not see much sunlight, but they eat more omega-3-rich foods, particularly fish (up to 225 pounds of seafood per person per year), than almost any other group of people on the planet. Apparently, a DHA-rich diet can reduce, if not eliminate, winter blues even when the days are long, dark and dreary.

The evidence is so overwhelming in favor of the omega-3s in the prevention and treatment of depression and mood disorders that DHA is often recommended along with anti-depressant medications. The American Psychiatric Association in 2006 released a statement that the omega-3s were important when treating depression, and evidence now suggests that because omega-3s reduce anger and anxiety, they might be useful in drug and alcohol treatments. In fact, many experts suspect that depression and feelings of despair are actually good indicators or symptoms of a DHA deficiency! No wonder this is the most amazing nutrient when it comes to staying happy.