All about omega 3s

Average rating:

Many people these days are obsessed with avoiding every trace of fat in their diets. And while it's true that some fats, especially the manufactured sort found in foods like margarine, are incredibly bad for you, there are others that are not just good, but absolutely essential.

In fact, you avoid them at your peril. That's where the omega factor comes in. For good fats are rich in omega 3 and 6 and you need a good balance of each in your diet. However, modern eating habits mean we now consume on average 20 times as much omega 6 as 3, and that's a recipe for disaster.

Do omega 3s improve brain function?

Yes. The human brain needs omega 3 fats to grow and function and you don't produce them naturally in your body. They're essential during pregnancy, breast-feeding and infancy. Omega 3s, found in oily fish are now known to be a vital part of the way the brain transmits messages. Oily fish and seafood used to be a staple part of the diet, even in the poorest communities, but many people now don't eat any fish at all.

What if you don't like oily fish?

Oily fish, like mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna, is the only source of omega 3, so if you don't like eating fish take a supplement. If you're vegetarian or vegan you can get small amounts of omega 3s from flax seed oil or purslane (a green, leafy veg).

By Michael van Straten, complementary health expert, www.michaelvanstraten.com