Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Stabilize Mood and Combat Depression?
We all have fat on the brain. Amazingly enough, more than half of the brain’s dry weight comes from fat. Some of these fats are the key building blocks of cell membranes and play essential roles in the brain’s function. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, help form cell membranes, keep those membranes flexible, and regulate the flow of hormones and other chemical messengers, which may affect our mood.
Research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids, or essential fatty acids (EFAs), can help lower triglycerides, slow the hardening of arteries, regulate heartbeat, and lessen the risk of death in people with known heart disease. It’s also possible that the omega-3 group may aid in treating depression, according to neuroscientist Andrew L. Stoll, MD, of Harvard Medical School, who has studied the effects of omega-3s on the illness. A few promising studies suggest that natural sources of omega-3s — especially fish oil — may help bring mood back into balance. Will fish oil ever join the ranks of Prozac as a remedy for depression? Here’s a look at the latest information on omega-3s and the brain.
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