DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) Levels at All-Time Low

You’ve probably been bombarded to the point of forced learning, that Omega 3’s are good for you.  However, with all the mumbo jumbo sales pitch lingo, it’s hard to get a true understanding of why Omega 3’s are good for you and how to raise those levels without relying soley on supplements.   Omega 3’s can be broken down into 4 main fatty acids – DHA, EPA, DPA and ALA.  Of the 4, DHA is typically the most deficient in the human diet and that’s why we will focus on this particular fatty acid.  DHA can be attained through red meat, animal organs (for the adventurous) and eggs.  Fortunately, for the less adventurous, DHA is also found in oily cold-water fish.  Salmon, sardines (DMAE as well), anchovies (DMAE as well), herring and mackerel lead the pack when it comes to the type of fish you’re targeting to attain the highest DHA density.  Of course, fish oil supplements are a convenient way of making sure you get your daily dose of that good DHA.  Personally, I like eating fish and feel that the oil is a bit too intense to take down.

There are high levels of DHA being fed to the human embryo during the 3rd trimester.  DHA can also be found in human breast milk.  These high levels of DHA are passed onto the infant through breast feeding.  Recent studies are confirming that human breast milk can contribute to a higher IQ as opposed to those who were nursed from baby formula.  I understand that there are circumstances that make breast feeding unsafe or just not possible and I want to emphasize the empirical perspective on this topic.  DHA is obviously crucial to human development from the pre-natal stages through the early developmental years.  I conclude that DHA must be important if nature put it there.

With sufficient amounts of DHA in your diet, you will increase your learning ability, memory, focus and overall brain function.  Getting the proper amount of DHA in your diet also reduces your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, emphysema, asthma, ADHD and depression.  Now, that you are armed with knowledge, go on that DHA hunt and give your brain the essential building blocks she needs to run super efficient.

Look for my super simple Broiled Salmon Recipe in the next post!

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