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Fishing Makes Seniors Happy, So Does Eating the
Catch
Omega-3 in fish influences mood, personality and
behavior
March 4, 2006 – We have all known fishing makes
many a senior citizen a happy fellow. Now there is scientific evidence that
eating fish is not only good for your health but can also make you a
happier, friendlier person.
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By Tucker Sutherland, editor
Jan. 25, 2006 – On the same day an international
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acid foods and supplements, the Journal of the American Medical
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cancer. While I'm still reeling from news that coffee is good for you,
after all my years of guilt as a coffee addict, now I have to question
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Fish Oil Pills Protect from Heart Disease, Says
Consumer Reports
June 19, 2003 - Consumed either from fish
or fish-oil pills, omega-3 fatty acids appear to offer as much
protection against dying from coronary heart diseases as do
cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to a report in the July issue of
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Nutrition & Vitamins |
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Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may influence
mood, personality and behavior, according to results of a study
presented yesterday by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
researchers at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American
Psychosomatic Society in Denver.
In a study of 106 healthy volunteers, researchers
found that participants who had lower blood levels of omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids were more likely to report mild or moderate
symptoms of depression, a more negative outlook and be more impulsive.
Conversely, those with higher blood levels of omega-3s were found to be
more agreeable.
"A number of previous studies have linked low
levels of omega-3 to clinically significant conditions such as major
depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse
and attention deficit disorder," said Sarah Conklin, Ph.D., a
postdoctoral scholar with the Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Program
in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School
of Medicine.
"However, few studies have shown that these
relationships also occur in healthy adults. This study opens the door
for future research looking at what effect increasing omega-3 intake,
whether by eating omega-3 rich foods like salmon, or taking fish-oil
supplements, has on people's mood."
The American Heart Association recommends that all
Americans consume fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, twice per
week. This recommendation is based upon evidence that a diet high in
fish s associated with improved heart health and reduced risk for
heart-related problems. While the cardiovascular benefit of increasing
omega-3 intake is well recognized, relatively little is known of the
potential mental health effects among the general public.
Comparisons were made by analyzing levels of
omega-3 fatty acids in participants' blood and comparing that data to
the participants' scores on three accepted tests for depression,
impulsiveness and personality. The amount of omega-3 circulating in
blood reflects dietary intake of the fatty acid. The study did not
require participants to make changes in their normal diet habits.
About study
In addition to Dr. Conklin, co-authors of the
study, which was funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), include: Jennifer I. Harris,
M.D., psychiatry resident, department of psychiatry, Brown University;
Stephen B. Manuck, Ph.D., University Professor of Health Psychology and
Behavioral Medicine, department of psychology, University of Pittsburgh;
Joseph R. Hibbeln, M.D., chief of outpatient clinic, Lab of Membrane
Biophysics and Biochemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, NIH; and Matthew F. Muldoon, M.D., associate professor,
department of medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
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