How do fatty acids benefit mental health?

By PYM STORE

How do fatty acids benefit mental health?

Fatty acids are no stranger to the world of health, especially omega-3's.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids are a specific group of polyunsaturated fatty acids known to be integral to a number of different functions in the body that promote good physical health.

 

Some of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include:

 

 

While those things are all great, what we are here to talk about today is the incredible benefit that your brain stands to gain from omega-3 fatty acids.

 

What are fatty acids?

Fatty acids come in three different types.

 

Saturated 

These types of fats typically become solid at room temperature. They include things such as:

 

  • Butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Bacon
  • Beef

 

While these are important to your bodily functions, you don’t want to consume too many saturated fatty acids, as they increase the risk of heart disease. 

 

Monounsaturated

These fatty acids tend to be liquid at room temperature due to their chemical makeup. Foods in this category include:

 

  • Almonds
  • Peanuts
  • Cashews
  • Olive oil
  • Avocados

Polyunsaturated

This category of unsaturated fats is great for your health and helps to lower the risk of heart disease. 

 

Polyunsaturated foods include:

 

  • Fish
  • Soybean oil
  • Flaxseed
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans

 

Fatty acids are necessary for the proper function of all of our body’s systems, and most of the fatty acids it requires, the body can make on its own.

 

However, there are two key fatty acids that the body can’t produce, and those are omega-3 and omega-6. The only way to get these two necessary fatty acids is via diet and/or supplementation. 

 

Omega-3's are especially important to the bodily functions related to the brain. Here’s why. 

 

Why omega-3 fatty acids are important to mental health

Two key omega-3 fatty acids in particular are vital for brain health, and those are EPA and DHA.

 

Studies have shown that both EPA and DHA aid in the development of a baby’s brain both while in its mother’s belly and also during early childhood. 

 

But the importance to brain health doesn’t stop at age 4. Rather, by continuing to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your mental hygiene routine, you help to maintain normal brain function throughout your entire life. Studies show that sufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids aid in neurological conditions including brain fog as well as more severe ones such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

 

In addition to that, studies have found that those who are deficient in omega-3s are at a higher risk of developing mood disorders such as:

 

  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Dementia
  • ADHD
  • Autism

 

It is thought that this is due to the fact that omega-3s are anti-inflammatories for the brain and body. And, scientists have found that inflammation can lead to fatigue and depression. That’s because inflammation poses the risk of oxidative stress which puts the brain and body in a state of danger. When that state of danger remains, the body finds itself feeling anxious, depressed, and at risk of memory loss, too. 

 

In order to get these mental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s important to take the right dose of the supplement. Aim for at least 1,000mg of omega-3s daily to redeem the benefits.

 

Many people complain about the fishy taste of omega-3 supplements, and that’s because they’re opting for supplements that aren’t high quality. 

 

PYM’s Mood Omegas are sustainably sourced from deep sea, cold water fish in Chile and have a citrus flavor that avoids those fish-flavored burps. Our supplements come in doses of 2,000mg, so you know you’re getting an amount that is more than enough to support your mental hygiene. 

 

Summary

Fatty acids are integral to all bodily functions and the three main types of fatty acids are:

 

  • Saturated
  • Monounsaturated
  • Polyunsaturated

 

The body can produce most of the required fatty acids on its own, except omega-6s and omega-3s. And that’s where you turn to supplementation. 

 

By ensuring that you have enough omega-3 fatty acids in your life, you reduce the risk of issues with your mental health. Studies have shown a link between low levels of omega-3s and depression, anxiety, stress, and other mood disorders. 

 

To keep your mental hygiene in top shape, add some omega-3 supplements to your daily routine.

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