Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “depression” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “depression” and its relation with “Fish oils”. The research attempts to analyze the impact of “Fish oils” in the reduction in “depression”. The research focuses on the “Fish oils” including Omega 3 fatty acids and EPA and attempts to determine as to how these help fight “depression” in humans.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion and Analysis3

Background of Research4

Omega 35

Omega 3 EPA and Fighting Depression6

Conclusion7

References9

MLA Research Paper

Introduction

Bi-polar and uni-polar depression has become a serious incapacitating psychiatric issue in the United States. Bi-polar depression is a much difficult condition to treat as it pulls the patient into a manic condition. This type of depression attributes to about 19% suicide rate and there is only 50% chance of a bi-polar patient to return to normal condition. It has been approximated that a 20 fold increase occurred in the depressive disorders in the past 50 years alone. Although most of the medical researchers have focused on the pharmacological treatment of depressive disorders, it has been evident through various researches that nutrition (omega-3 fatty acids in particular) may greatly benefit people. (Martins, pp 525 - 542)

Discussion and Analysis

The influence of omega-3 oils in reducing depression as well as other psychiatric conditions has become an area of ??scientific research which is very controversial. It is believed that depression can be caused, at least to a certain extent, by excessive activity in the transmission of signals of some brain cells. Apart from that, the Omega-3, which is found in fish oils, can help reduce this hyperactivity.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are richly found in regularly oily fish such as herring, salmon, mackerel or tuna. Even a small 100 gram herring from the Atlantic Ocean contains approximately four grams of Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine and vitamin D. Moreover, it tastes better than eight 500 milligram capsules that are mostly used as the anti-depressant medications.

Omega 3 fatty acids are contained in the fish oils, which are unsaturated long-chained fatty acids. The two most common omega 3 fatty acids are EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which can be ingested through fish and fish oil. Although the human liver can also manufacturers EPAs and DHAs through the conversion of ALA (alpha linolenic acid), a comparatively short-chained omega 3 fatty acid, but this conversion is limited as only 5% to 15% of ALA is converted. (Amminger, pp 146 - 154)

Fish oil naturally contains high quantities of omega 3 fatty acids, whereas flax seed oil is a good source of ALA. Unfortunately, the consumption of both these food items has declined in the United States over the past few decades. The intake of omega 3 fatty acids have declined by 20 times, which is certainly the main cause of the increased cases of depressive disorders.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Brain Activity

The dry weight of a human brain is composed approximately 20% of fatty acids. Thus, it is obvious that ...