| Omega 3 essential fatty acids are a necessity to our | | | | sometimes known as brain food. |
| health, however they cannot be made by the body | | | | Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to |
| itself and therefore needs to be obtained from the | | | | eat a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids as this provides |
| food we eat. There are two main forms or essential | | | | a good start for babies, providing a sound base for |
| fatty acid ALA and LA, the non-essential DHA and | | | | the start of development within the nervous system |
| EPA can be made by the body of a healthy human | | | | and brain development, however when eating oily |
| when ALA is converted into EPA and later into DHA. | | | | fish you should limit the amount to no more than 2 |
| Although DHA is produced by the body naturally, not | | | | portions a week due to levels of mercury in certain |
| enough is produce for optimum biochemical | | | | fish. |
| performance, therefore a diet rich in DHA needs to | | | | Clinical study's have shown that low levels of DHA in |
| be eaten. | | | | children can lead to poor concentration, bad tempers, |
| - LA - Linolecic Acid can be found in most nuts, | | | | sleeping difficulties, ADD and ADHD, stress and |
| pumpkin, sunflower and flax seeds, and oils | | | | depression to name a few. DHA is also required for |
| - ALA - Alpha linolenic Acid this can be found in | | | | the development of the nervous system in babies |
| cruciferous vegetables like brussel sprouts, | | | | and helps the brain to function better in adults. So to |
| cauliflower, and broccoli, wheat germ, flaxseed, | | | | avoid or reduce the chances of the above it is |
| flaxseed oil, nuts, soy beans, tofu and avocado | | | | essential to include some form of essential omega 3 |
| - EPA - Eicosapentaenoic Acid can be found in fish | | | | fatty acid in you and your children's diet. |
| oils, oily fish like salmon, trout and fresh tuna, | | | | Its not difficult to incorporate omega 3 fatty acids |
| mackerel and flaxseed | | | | into your lifestyle try to aim for at least one meal a |
| - DHA - Docosahexaenoic Acid can also be found in | | | | day starting off, gradually building on to that, an |
| fish oils, oily fish and breast milk | | | | example of a meal full of omega 3 fatty acids is |
| It is essential to a kids diet as fatty acids are | | | | steamed oily fish and dark green vegetables, the |
| responsible for aiding the neurological functions and | | | | benefits of a happy healthy lifestyle will be so |
| mental development of infants and children and is | | | | rewarding for you and your family long-term. |