Omega 3

22 January 2007

If the time of year is getting you down and keeping you there, it's worth eating more of that famous oily fish. Salmon has the greatest reputation but it is really worth trying to buy wild or organic farmed salmon. The organic is not so pink but that's because it's not artificially coloured! Mackerel, sardines, and herring are also full of Omega 3. Even the tinned varieties are good because, in most cases, the best quality of oily fish is used . Do watch the salt content of tinned fish; its best to pour away the liquid and discard it. If you just don't eat fish, then take Omega 3 capsules - good quality such as 'Eskimo 3' - about 2 grams a day. Omega 3 has an anti-depressant factor - it elevates mood by naturally improving seratonin levels. Hooray! It also speeds up fat loss if you have any to lose, reduces appetite and cravings, lowers insulin levels so you're less likely to store fat... as well as helping to stabilize blood-sugar levels. It's an immune system enhancer, and an anti-inflammatory. It beautifies the skin and reduces skin symptoms including acne and eczema. Its good for the heart, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And it makes you brainy! At least it improves concentration, attention span, and makes the best of what you've got... are you feeling more positive yet?

Roberta Stimson, m.b.r.c.p., mach.rt

Practitioner of Holistic and Preventative Medicine