Omega-glees

You know that omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart , but did you know they may also be good for your mood? Numerous studies have suggested that people who don’t get enough omega-3s are at an increased risk for depression. Why? Besides their anti-inflammatory functions, omega-3s are also important components of nerve cell communication, which is essential for mental health. In addition, over the last century in the U.S., rates of depression have increased as omega-3 intake has decreased, and some researchers suspect a correlation.

Over the past few months, I’ve tried saving cash by choosing chicken over fish and have definitely noticed a downturn in my mood. I chalked it up to the cold weather and colder economy, but I noticed I felt happier as soon as I started eating (the very economical) canned salmon for lunch most days. And while food is always the first defense, if you can’t get enough of the essential fatty acid in your diet, try fish capsules. I like Nordic Naturals (nordicnaturals.com ) since the company focuses on purity, and there’s no fishy aftertaste. More research is needed, but since omega-3s seem to work for my mind — and they definitely improve physical health — I make them a dietary priority.

Rachel’s tip: Whether with food or interests, always follow your gut — it might even lead to a career path. Mood is what first got me interested in nutrition. I was a vegetarian in junior high, but didn’t know how to follow the diet properly. I was also grumpy all the time — and not in a teenage angsty kind of way. After I went to see a dietitian for help, I was shocked by how much my mood improved as soon as I started eating right. This was my career epiphany. The same thing happened for Skinny reader Karen Elizaga, today’s Woman We Love . Read about her cool journey from lawyer to life coach on our blog today.

Comments (2)

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Wednesday April 29, 2009 K. Bradunas wrote:

... Wild Salmon has less mercury. I like to order from vitalchoice.com -

Saturday May 2, 2009 kzolady wrote:

... From what I have read, Chilean farm raised salmon has less mercury than the ones from the north atlantic. I tried the wild salmon, but prefer the taste and texture of farm raised fish I get.
Also, ground flaxseed is great in smoothies, cereal, soup, and caserols. It is a good source of plant lignans, soluble and insoluble fiber and for you vegetarians and vegans it is a complete protein. It also tastes pretty good

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