Omega-3 fatty acids are produced when certain fats are broken down in the body. They are considered essential to good health, but because they are not directly manufactured by the human body, they need to be obtained in a person's diet or be taken as supplements.
Why is it important to include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet? Numerous studies have shown that they offer a wide variety of benefits to your health, ranging from lowering the risk of heart disease to helping with weight loss to improving bipolar depression.
There have been many studies of the use of omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder, and while the results are not entirely consistent, the general consensus is that they help relieve depression and increase the time between mood swings.
The best sources of omega-3s are fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, albacore (white) tuna, mackerel, trout, herring and sardines. Other good sources include walnuts, flax, and canola and soy oils. Supplements are also available.
Source:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. University of Maryland Medical Center. 2009. 6 Dec 2009.
