Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Over the past few years, there has a strong public push to increase intake of omega 3 fatty acids. But why? Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our bodies because we cannot synthesize them. Our body only has the capability to make fatty acid chains up until the Omega-6 position. But that still doesn't answer why omega 3's are good for us.

Omega-3 fatty acids, otherwise known as alpha-linolenic acid, get broken down into eicosinoids, which further break down into nutrients known as EPA and DHA. DHA is the most prevalent fatty acid is the brain and retina as increased intake can help improve brain and eye function. Dietary DHA may reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that low levels of DHA have been associated with Alzheimer's disease. Some milk manufactuers advertise their products as containing DHA and Omega 3 fatty acids for this reason. The eicosinoids derived from omega-3 fatty acids also act primarily as anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulants. 

The only downside of omega-3's is if you are having surgery. Avoid intake of omega-3's prior to surgery because you will have a decreased ability to clot your blood. But otherwise, look to increase your intake of salmon and other omega-3 rich foods.

Why do we need sleep?

Why do we need so much sleep? We spend 1/3 of our lives asleep, yet we still do not know the primary reason for sleep. What I know is that sleep allows our body to repair and recharge. Think of sleep as our body's daily tune up. Without that daily tune-up, our bodies and minds will begin to malfunction. I came across a great article on bigthink.com that discuss the mysterious topic that is sleep. The article presents an experiment by Columbia neuropsychologist Yaakov Stern. In his experiment, Stern and his crew concluded that the areas of the brain that were affected by sleep deprivation could be stimulated to preform at higher levels when stimulated. Although this does not answer why we need sleep, it certainly provides hope for a mild cure of sleep deprivation. The article continues to discuss dreams and includes a video clip of sleep psychologist, Shelby Harris. Harris concludes that "dreams are the brain's method of sorting memories and experiences from the previous day, deciding which ones to retain and which ones to discard". 


http://bigthink.com/ideas/23035