Necessary acids. Way to health begins from childhood.
Essential fatty acids are specific fats that are critical to the proper function of your body. The two main essential fatty acids that need to be included in your diet are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Your body is not able to produce these fatty acids on its own, so it is necessary that you eat a diet rich in these crucial building blocks to maintain a healthy body. Fatty acids can be found in fish, seafood, some plants and oils (for example, our Olive Oil).
Essential fatty acids have a ton of benefits on your body and its cells.
1. They help with cellular development and the formation of healthy cell membranes, and they have actually been shown to block tumor formation, as well as block the growth of breast cancer cells.
2. Essential fatty acids assist in the development and function of the brain and nervous system, and they help regulate proper thyroid and adrenal activity. They play a role in thinning your blood, which can prevent blood clots that lead to heart attacks and stroke. They also possess natural anti-inflammatory qualities that can relieve symptoms of both arthritis and other autoimmune system diseases.
3. Essential fatty acids regulate blood pressure, immune responses and liver function, as well as help with blood clotting and breaking down cholesterol. They also help you look good, as a diet low in these fatty acids has been shown to create skin problems, including eczema, dandruff, split nails and brittle hair. Omega Acids play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s why it is important to have the proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 in the diet.
4. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.
Research shows that fatty acids that have been shown to boost a baby's brain development are good for children of all ages.
Here are benefits for children from David Perlmutter, MD, a leading expert in the field and a neurologist in Naples, FL:
- Unborn babies
Benefit: during pregnancy can increase a child's IQ by age 4.
- Newborns to 6 months
Benefit: Better hand-eye coordination at 2 years compared with babies who didn't get enough.
- 6 months to 2 years
Benefit: DHA jump starts the production of a hormone that's crucial for brain development during this time of rapid growth.
- Kids 2 to 5 years
Benefit: Low levels of DHA in children have been linked to an increased risk of ADHD, vision problems, and depression.
For children of all ages Omegas are important for cognitive development and growth. Here's some of the evidence.
• Cognitive development. Studies show that infants products enriched with the omega-3 fatty acid show improvements in hand-eye coordination, attention span, social skills, and intelligence test scores.
• Growth. Omega-3s promotes growth and brain development in premature infants.
Omega Acids could help to fight with serious illnesses:
• ADHD (Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder). Kids with ADHD may have lower levels of omega-3s in their bodies than normal, and studies have looked at oil supplements as a treatment. They found that the supplements might improve behavior, reduce hyperactivity, and boost attention in kids under 12.
• Depression. Oil is often used as a treatment for depression in adults; there have been a few studies in children too. 2006 study of oil in depressed 6 - to 12-year-olds found it helped their symptoms significantly. Usage of oil does seem to boost the effectiveness of some antidepressants.
• Diabetes. One study looked at kids who were at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that those who ate a high omega-3 diet were less likely to develop the condition.
• Asthma. Omega-3s may reduce inflammation in the airways, which could benefit those with asthma. One study of 29 children with asthma found that those taking oil for 10 months had fewer symptoms than those who didn't.
Fatty acids will help to prevent future diseases:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Schizophrenia
- Alzheimer’s
- Skin disorders
- Breast, colon, and prostate cancers
Remember that the way to health begins from childhood. Proper nutrition, containing all necessary substances will help to prevent illnesses as well as to promote growth and development of your child.
