Tag Archives: Fish

Fish Food for Thought : Brain Foods

Article by Simon Evans

Have you heard about omega-3s? You may have seen headlines in the New York Times or CNN touting their benefits. Maybe you have seen them highlighted on cereal boxes and other food products. What are they and why is it such a big deal?

The fat brain

Omega-3s are one type of Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acid or PUFA that are incredibly important for your heart and brain. In fact, your brain is about 25% PUFA by weight and about 40% fat overall. Yes, the brain is a big fat organ! This is one reason why low-fat diet fads are not the best option.

Omega-3s are actually important for every cell in the body but they are especially high in brain cells. They help your brain cells signal to each other appropriately and keep things running smoothly.

So what kinds of foods have them? Actually, there are three main kinds of omega-3s. One that comes mostly from plants, like flaxseed and some nuts, and two others that come mostly from fish. They are all important for the body but the omega-3s found in fish appear to be most important for the brain.

Food for your mood

The interesting thing is that societies who eat more fish have lower rates of depression, suicide and violent behavior. Also, omega-3s have been found to be lower in blood samples from suicide victims, schizophrenics and bipolar patients.

These types of studies are called ‘observational’ because you can’t say that low omega-3s caused these conditions. However, one study that took place in a British women’s prison showed that giving inmates omega-3 supplements actually reduced violent behavior. Also, omega-3s have shown promise in small clinical trials treating depression and bipolar illness. Other studies in animals show that omega-3s affect the levels of neuro-chemicals that control mood, like dopamine and serotonin.

This is not to say that if you don’t get enough omega-3s that you will get mentally ill, but there appears to be a real link. Many factors contribute to mental illness, including, genetics, chronic stressful experiences, physical activity and yes, diet. Omega-3s look like they are one piece in the puzzle.

What about Mercury?

So should you just eat more fish? This brings up another problem. Too much fish can lead to problems from mercury and PCBs. In fact, pregnant women are advised not to eat fish at all. This is a big debate in the medical community because omega-3s are incredibly important for development of the fetus and the growing baby will ‘steal’ omega-3s from the mother if she doesn’t get enough in her diet. Some researchers argue that this advice does more harm than good. Still, most doctors today don’t offer their pregnant patients any other alternatives – they just say don’t eat fish.

This is where fish oil supplements can come in. They are becoming very popular and offer a safe alternative – if you are careful. The thing to look for is ‘molecular distillation’ on the back of the bottle. This means that the manufacturer has tried to remove heavy metals and PCBs. Still, I would check with them to make sure they have some kind of quality control since the FDA does not regulate this claim.

Why now?

So why didn’t we have all these problems centuries ago. It’s not like all our ancestors took fish oil pills all the time. Well, there is another major factor that I haven’t mentioned yet – omega-6s.

Omega-6s are another kind of PUFA that are also important in the brain. The balance between omega-6s and omega-3s in the diet is very important. They are like the yin and yang of fats. They compete with each other for many biological functions and keep each other in check.

For example, omega-6s help the immune system by turning on inflammatory processes necessary to fight infections. Omega-3s help to turn it off and keep inflammation low. They are both important but need to be kept in balance.

We think that the ideal ratio between omega-6s and omega-3s is about 1:1 and this is what we probably ate throughout most of our thousands of year history. However, today’s western diet is closer to 10:1 or even as high as 30:1 in favor of omega-6s. We are getting too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s to balance them out.

Why? Omega-6s are high in oils from corn, safflower, canola, peanuts and soy. These are found in high concentrations in many of the foods we eat, especially processed foods. It has really been since the industrial revolution that we started to consume large amounts of omega-6s and lower amounts of omega-3s.

Many researchers, including myself, believe that this is one factor in the rise of many diseases today. Since omega-6s tend to promote inflammatory responses, we are essentially eating a high inflammatory diet. Inflammation is a major suspect underlying many diseases of the brain and body – the big ones being heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

So there it is. Omega-3s are important for many functions and they are a big deal because our dietary intake of omega-3s and omega-6s are out of whack. The best thing you can do is to stop eating many of the processed foods that contain high omega-6s and eat a little more fish. Personally, I take a high quality fish oil supplement daily and so do my wife and kids.

Dr. Simon Evans is a research neuroscientist at the University of Michigan and a nationally licensed youth sports coach. He is concerned about the health of today’s youth and shares information to help parents ensure their own childrens’ health. You can visit Dr. Evans website at http://www.thebraincode.com

Photographic Memory Training Part One : Photographic Memory

Article by Joshua Noerr

I am about to give you some valuable information regarding the reasons why you need to start using photographic memory training, how you can get started today, and some additional resources for you to continue your journey. There is no question that improving your ability to recall numbers, names, faces, places, and the context of all of them can improve your quality of life and success in your chosen field.

There is no group of people of which I can think that would not benefit from this type of enhanced memory recall. It doesn’t matter if you sell real estate, stocks, or cars. It doesn’t matter if you are a college student, grad student, or high school student. It doesn’t even matter if you work from home or are a stay at home mom (maybe the most difficult job of all!), everyone depends on their memory daily!

Deciding to make photographic memory training priority will not turn you into a Rain Man like savant. What it will do is give you the ability to move through life more easily and efficiently.

Here are a few steps you can and should take immediately:

Drink a lot of water. Research proves that hydration improves overall brain function, not to mention will make you a generally healthier person.

Take a fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids have so many benefits it is impossible to list them all, but, when people call fish “brain food” they are absolutely correct.

Decide you can make this happen. Decision followed by action is the basis for all positive change in any area of your life.My dear friend, these simple steps are only the beginning. Part 2 of this article will give you the tools you need to make this happen for you.

Take action and read part 2 of photographic memory training.

You can also visit http://hubpages.com/t/145b9f for more.

I look forward to your future success in this area of your life!

Joshua Noerr is a coach and a writer based in Atlanta, GA. He writes about all areas of personal development at http://www.joshuanoerr.com. You can also follow along on Twitter @joshuanoerr.

Quality Food for Mental Performance : Brain Foods

Article by Carole Gayle

There are foods that definitely nourish the brain and then there are foods that can actually negatively affect brain capability. Do you understand which promote a strong brain and which do not? The following is a list of foods to help you in seeking out positive foods to sharpen concentration, sharpen memory and possibly ward off brain aging – among a great many other health advantages.

The food categories are listed by proteins, carbs and fats and oils. In each grouping we’re going to check out the most important foods and the worst foods. As well, we will check out the most important foods with respect to detox busting attributes. Antioxidants reduce the effects of toxins that can harm the brain. Think about anti-oxidants as the guardian of your brain. Antioxidants defend against the result of toxins by either busting the toxins into benign particles or by keeping toxins from targeting healthy cellular material.

When eating with the brain in mind, make sure you load your eating plan with items from the “Best” section and avoid food outlined as undesirable for brain efficiency.

ProteinsEggs, beans, protein powders and cottage cheese are quality proteins that nourish the brain. Cold-water fish like salmon and sardines are quality brain food. But, there is an imperative word related to consuming sea food. Virtually all fish come with traces of mercury. The fish detailed in this article are looked at as “low-mercury” fish. Tuna is also a great brain-food fish, although it can have increased amounts of mercury. The Food and Drug Administration advises that young children eat at the most 2 low-mercury sea food servings per week.

Processed meats, lamb and other fish don’t have the value that the previously outlined proteins have but are still good for the brain. What you want to stay away from are red meats, pork and other fatty meats, processed and deli meats. These proteins do not assist brain power.

CarbsYou can find a variety of quality fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans that supply nutrients to the brain, while also providing antioxidant defense. The following are the best foods in the carb department;- Fruits: apples, berries, raisins, plums, grapes- Vegetables: spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cilantro, parsley, bell peppers, basil, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes and yams, tomato- Whole grains: barley, brown rice, oats and oatmeal- Dark beans

Foods made with refined sugars and refined flours do more harm compared to good. Unfortunately, a lot of foods on the grocer’s shelves are made out of processed sugar and processed flour. Always try for whole-grain foods as a substitute and your mind will certainly thank you.

Fats and OilsFats have obtained a bad rep however the healthy fats and oils, in particular olive and flax oil, are quality for the brain. So are walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and peanuts. Saturated and trans fats are unhealthy for the brain and the entire body, though these are the fats you find in most refined foods. Corn oil, vegetable oil and other processed cooking oils are not beneficial for the brain either.

Brain-Boosting Antioxidant FoodsRead the list of high antioxidant foods and pick out the foods you will most likely enjoy on a daily basis. A few of these food items have already been outlined, but function in a dual purpose for the brain. You need to put these foods on your grocery list but don’t stop there. Return back to the list and pick foods that you might not eat every day but that you might not mind adding to your eating plan. Check out recipes via the internet that can include those foods. Variety is key simply because each of these foods creates their distinct combination of nutritional value.

Vegetables: Red vegetables including beets, red onion and red cabbage, broccoli, garlic, kale, sweet potato, cilantro, parsley, bell peppers and chili peppers, artichoke, brussels sprouts

Fruits: All types of berries, pomegranate, avocado, apples (especially dark-skinned apples), dark-skinned grapes, prunes, plums, citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple

Nuts, Seeds and Beans: Broad beans, soy, red and black beans, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, flax seed, sesame seed, sunflower seeds

Cereals: Millet, barley, oats

Spices and herbs: Cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, turmeric, ginger, curry, sage, basil

Try to integrate as many of the foods outlined in this area into your daily diet regime. These foods are especially good for brain efficiency.

End ADD and ADHD symptoms immediately using this healthful ADD and ADHD diet solution. For more information and to get your Free copy of “Powerful ADHD Strategies” go to http://www.naturalADHDcure.com.

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from vinzfeller and more videos in the Eating & Meals category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Raise little brainiacs by working these foods into their diet. To complete this How-To you will need: Oatmeal Salmon Nuts Eggs Folate-rich foods Berries Dark chocolate Milk (optional) Bananas (optional) Step 1: Give them oatmeal Serve a hot cereal for breakfast. Children who ate instant oatmeal performed 5 to 12 percent better on spatial memory tests than kids who ate sugary cereal or no breakfast at all. Tip: Make the cereal with milk — protein staves off hunger, which increases concentration. Step 2: Serve salmon Replace tuna sandwiches with salmon. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain growth and function, but salmon has even more. Studies have suggested that children whose diet is high in essential fatty acids do better on reading and spelling tests. Step 3: Go nuts Let them snack on unsalted nuts. Like salmon, they’re high in essential fatty acids, among other brain-boosting nutrients. Cashews are particularly good for developing minds; they’re rich in magnesium, which may improve blood flow to the brain. Step 4: Whip up some eggs Whip up some eggs; they’re loaded with choline, a B vitamin that …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Fish Is Brain Food. Eat Fish for Brain Improvement and Memory Improvement : Brain Foods

Article by Peter Leigh

Many people are aware of the health benefits of increasing your intake of the Omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA. But fewer people are aware of the strong links between Omega 3 and brain function, or in other words how to improve brain function and memory, combat ADD or ADHD or improve emotional disorders like depression.

Many scientists consider that the crucial link between early human beings like the Neanderthal, and modern human beings was the point at which we began to eat seafood.

Seafood, and particularly oily fish, contains the Omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA, DHA being the most important of these.

Your brain is about 60 percent fat, and DHA is the most important of those fats. An adequate supply of DHA is one of the most crucial factors in facilitating the transmission of brain signals. But if your brain doesn’t have enough DHA it won’t work as well.

When the early human beings began eating seafood their brains began to develop because of the increase in intake of DHA. Neanderthals, for example, primarily ate red meat, which supplied very little DHA. But when the early humans began eating seafood their brains began to develop, according to hypotheses, as a result of this intake of DHA from fish.

But if plenty of DHA is important for brain development surely a lack of DHA will inhibit brain function? And evidence showing that this is the case.

Scientific evidence showing that an ample supply of DHA to the brain improves cognitive ability, improves memory, improves mental development in children, helps improve learning difficulties such as ADD and ADHD and can also help improve outcomes with emotional problems such as depression.

In fact many medical professionals are now suggesting that one of the most important things a pregnant woman can do is to maintain an adequate supply of the Omega 3 essential fatty acids in her diet because of the strong links between Omega 3 and brain development in the infant.

(Not to mention the benefits for the mothers own health).

So whilst many people focus on the general health benefits of taking Omega 3 supplements, for example the reduction in your risk of dying from heart attack, the health benefits to your brain may be as significant or even more so.

And it doesn’t just apply to the young. There is also increasing evidence that plenty of Omega 3 in the diet can help the brain function of the elderly by reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

So next time you’re wondering where you put the car keys, try and remember to write a simple notation on your next shopping list.

Buy Omega 3 supplements. And of course remember to take them every day. Your brain will thank you for it.

And to view two fascinating videos about the role of Omega 3 in brain development for children with learning difficulties visit my website.

Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil to find out more about Omega 3 and brain function. Or view 2 fascinating videos about Omega 3 and children

Brain Food For Moms and Babies – Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements : Brain Foods

Article by Henry Pops Hugo

During pregnancy when Mom is eating for two it is essential to eat well. That is healthily rather than excessively.

One of the most important dietary issues is Brain Food for mother and child. By this I mean elements in the diet that will ensure the healthy development of the baby’s brain and the continued health of the mothers brain. Early development of the child’s brain is extremely important and one of the most important sources of Brain Food is Omega 3 fats. Omega 3 fats are essential fatty acids which can be obtained from Omega 3 rich fish oils supplements.

The Omega 3 fats DHA and EPA are essential fats. By this we mean that they are essential in the diet of the mother and child to promote healthy development of the child and the continued health of the mother.

Essential fatty acids are not produced by the human body but must be provided from the diet. That is they must be in the food eaten by the mother. During pregnancy what the mother eats feeds the developing baby. For this reason it is important that the mother eats the foods that will provide the essential nutrients for developing baby. Omega 3 fats are essential brain food for baby.

These fatty acids are very important for the developing baby and the pregnant mother at this time.

During the baby’s growth in the womb these fatty acids are essential for the development of a healthy nervous system. These essential fats must be fed to the baby by the mother through the placenta.

The mothers diet must provide her with the normally required intake of these fatty acids as well as the requirements of the developing baby. If the requirement of essential fats is not met the baby’s development and that of the mother will be affected.

The consequences for the baby can be lowered birth weight and an under developed nervous system and brain.

The mother can suffer from reduced brain mass and early labor. Post partum is also more likely to occur.

Cold water oily fish are the most common dietary source of these essential fats. Fish such as sardines, salmon, and pilchards are common sources. Whole grains and seed such as flaxseed also provide Omega fatty acids. For the good health of mother and baby receive it is recommended to supplement the diet with Omega 3 fatty acids. An excellent source of these Omega 3 supplements are refined fish oil capsules containing the Omega3 oils in a purified form.

These supplements are produced from fish which in their natural habitat have consumed algae to produce these oils in their systems.

Refined fish oil capsules come in varying strengths. Their purity also depends on the manufacturing methods used. You should obtain the best quality supplements available.

Before starting such a program consult your doctor or at least inform him that you are doing so.

Happy Healthy Mothers produce Happy Healthy and Brainy Babies!

Henry “Pops” Hugo recommends natural health supplements for children. Visit Henry’s website ttp://www.absolute-health-site.com/ to get more information about concentrated Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements suitable for your children.

Brain foods like fruits and fish are important for fueling your brain all throughout the day. Learn some tips on eating brain foods and keeping your mind active in this video.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

When it comes to Brain Food, Fish is the Answer! : Brain Foods

Article by Laurel Cohen

When it comes to brain food fish is the big winner. Many people have believed that for years, but only recently was there an explanation. It has to do with the nutrients that it contains, primarily the unique omega-3 fatty acids found in the oils.

You may know that dietary fats are an essential part of any healthy diet, but too much fat is bad for your heart and can cause you to have a weight problem. You might not know that there are good fats and bad ones.

Trans-fatty acids are the worst, apparently. When you see partially hydrogenated oils listed as an ingredient on foods that you eat, you are consuming trans-fatty acids. They are believed to play a role in heart disease and cancer.

Saturated fats are bad choice, too. But, many foods contain a small amount of saturated fat. It’s hard to get them completely out of the diet. Trans-fatty acids, on the other hand, can be easily avoided.

The good fats are the polyunsaturated fats. Those are actually the ones that are essential to human health. They absolutely must be present in the diet or we will suffer from fatty acid deficiency.

There are two types of polyunsaturated fats; omega-6s and omega-3s. As brain food fish is the winner because it is the only dietary source of two distinct omega-3s known as Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid or EPA and DHA.

Omega-6s are found in numerous foods. There is no shortage of an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid, either. It is found in a variety of vegetable oils, including canola and olive oil.

Ideally, to keep the body at its healthiest, we would consume an equal amount of omega-3s and 6s every day. That doesn’t happen very often in the average American diet, because Americans don’t eat enough seafood.

Not only is it brain food fish and seafood are also heart healthy and they fight inflammation. When people consume a great many more omega-6s than omega-3s, it leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation plays a role in heart disease, cancer and most age-related diseases.

So, there are many reasons to include more omega-3s in your diet and reduce your intake of omega-6s. But, when it comes to things like memory, IQ, spatial relationships and learning, regular intake of DHA and EPA are essential.

When it comes to brain food fish that swim in coldwater are the winners, because they contain more DHA and EPA than any other species. DHA is necessary for the construction and repair of damaged brain cells and neurons. EPA is necessary for them to be able to transmit signals from one section to another.

During early childhood development, a lack of DHA and/or EPA in the diet can lead to learning disorders and behavioral problems. As time goes by, a lack of the fatty acids in the diet can lead to attention deficit disorders in both children and adults.

If you want brain food fish should be your choice. If you don’t like it, take a DHA/EPA omega-3 supplement. You should see the same benefits.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.

Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Brain Health And Omega Three Fish Oil : Brain Foods

Article by Larry Jensen

So much has been said about Omega 3 Fatty Acids being good for the heart. And it is true – it is an essential supplement for heart health beyond a doubt. But – do you know what it doe’s for the brain or what it doe’s for the infant of an expectant mother? Read on to learn more about this most essential supplement.Your brain needs adequate levels of DHA to repair and rebuild cells. Fish harbor this particular fatty acid which is essential for brain health. That’s why you hear people refer to fish as Brain Food.

Here are some interesting facts about how this oil affects your brain and some of the benefits you reap from it:

Studies have shown that by increasing the amount of Omega 3 DHA you consume may improve your memory and general IQ Persons that are DHA deficient have been linked to depression, multiple sclerosis and attention deficit disorder. The brain is about 60 percent fat with DHA and other omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain. These oils are important to brain memory, performance and behavior function. If expectant mothers are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids the infant can be at risk for developing nerve and vision problems. Expectant mothers are urged to consume moreDHA. Expectant mothers should talk to their doctors about this. Fatigue, memory problems, mood swings and depression are just a few symptoms of the fatty acid deficiency. Tests have shown that these oils can help the brain heal from injuries along with building protection. It has been shown that people who are participants in contact sports, military personnel, and victims of violence can be benefited by these oils.These are some pretty interesting facts about how our brain is affected. We know that omega 3 /DHA can do so much for our Heart Health and Brain functions. But… you can’t just run to the store and buy the bargain bottle of fish oil and expect to gain all of the benefits. You can’t take the neighbors word for what is the best supplement to take. You must know what you are looking for in a omega 3 supplement.

You want to make sure you get the best product possible. Not all supplements are the same. Some are good and some are bad. You want the BEST.

You want the purest contaminant free supplement you can find. You want to buy it from a company that has been in business for a while and built and good reputation.You want to be able to ask that company questions.

When we are affecting our heart and brain we need answersOnly then will you get the full benefit of this fantastic natural supplement.You will be happy you took the time to investigate.

Larry Jensen does studies and research on Natural Health products. Larry has spent countless hours researching the Omega 3 fish oil/DHA to find the best and purest available. He found Xtend-Life in New Zealand that has by far the Purest and finest Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules available. Visit Larry’s website at http://omega-three-dosage-amount.com

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