Omega-3-Fettsäuren – Wundermittel der Natur für ein gesundes Gehirn

Omega-3 fatty acids – nature's miracle cure for a healthy brain

December 31, 2024 Sven Altorfer

Omega-3 fatty acids have attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to their numerous positive effects on the human body. These miracles of nature, which are vital for our organism, should therefore be consumed by everyone in sufficient quantities.

In addition, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can improve memory, cognitive abilities and mood in particular. This is interesting given that modern people often lead lives that require more cognitive work than just “muscle sweat”.

Since the human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids itself, it makes sense for many people to take them as a dietary supplement. In this article, we would like to take a closer look at the effectiveness of unsaturated fatty acids and why it is so important to supply your body with sufficient amounts of them. We will also explain what you should definitely look out for when taking supplements.

What are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they important?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid that is very important for the human body. They belong to the group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Because omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, this means that our body cannot produce them on its own and they must therefore be ingested through food.

The human body is unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own because it lacks certain enzymes to produce these fatty acids. Although our body can basically produce most fatty acids itself by converting simpler fatty acids, such as omega-6 fatty acids, this is not the case with omega-3 fatty acids because they have a more complex chemical structure.

The most common omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids have a variety of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and better cognitive health as we age. Of course, this is only the case if you lead a generally healthy lifestyle, which includes adequate physical activity and a healthy diet.

Which foods contain omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in fatty sea fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are linseed oil, chia seeds and walnuts.

And let’s be honest – how often and regularly do we really consume these foods?

The problem of consuming Omega-3 through diet alone

Unfortunately, it is not always easy for many people to get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their diet. There are several reasons for this:

Insufficient fish consumption: Fatty sea fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, many people do not eat these foods in sufficient quantities for various reasons. This can lead to a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, the quality of fish sold in supermarkets can sometimes be poor - keyword: increased intake of mercury.
Poor food quality: A large proportion of our modern food in the supermarket consists of highly processed foods that often contain hardly any omega-3 fatty acids. This is due to the processing methods, overbreeding and long delivery routes.
Excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oils, meat and sausages, etc.): Our modern foods are very rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are often consumed in excess. This can compromise the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 and lead to a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids.
Environmental factors: Overfishing and pollution have not only decimated fish populations in many parts of the world, but have also caused a qualitative compromise in terms of nutritional content.

The Brain and Omega-3

The positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain function is far-reaching. Firstly, omega-3 fatty acids have an influence on blood flow to the brain: they can improve this, which leads to a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This in turn can contribute to an improvement in cognitive abilities and a strengthening of memory.

Another factor is that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in the production of neurons. Neurons are the cells responsible for transmitting messages in the brain. A higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain can help these neurons function better, which in turn leads to an improvement in cognitive abilities.

Likewise, omega-3 fatty acids can also improve mood. Studies have shown that people with higher levels of omega-3 in their blood are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. It is also believed that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in regulating certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for mood.

Omega-3 as a natural mood enhancer?

These neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, influence both our mood and cognitive thinking. A higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain can therefore contribute to a better mood and a lower susceptibility to depression and anxiety.

There are also studies that point to the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depression. Some of these studies have shown that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the symptoms of depression, especially in people with low serum levels of these fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids can definitely play a supportive role in the treatment of depression, but they should not be fundamentally considered a replacement for antidepressants without first discussing this with your own doctor or psychotherapist.

ADHD and Omega-3

Another study has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can also be helpful in treating ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The study found that children with ADHD who consumed omega-3 fatty acids showed an improvement in their cognitive abilities and a reduction in their hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Does it make sense to take Omega-3 as a dietary supplement?

Given all of these factors, it definitely makes sense to take omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary supplement. However, it is important to choose high-quality omega-3 supplements from a trusted manufacturer to ensure that they are of the highest quality and free from contaminants.

In summary, omega-3 fatty acids play a fundamental role in promoting brain function. They can improve memory, cognitive abilities and mood and are helpful in treating ADHD. Since it is often difficult to ensure adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids through diet alone, it makes sense to take omega-3 as a dietary supplement. Regular intake of omega-3 supplements can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in old age and support the brain in carrying out its most important functions.

It is important to note that omega-3 supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep also help promote brain health.

High-quality and natural omega-3 fatty acids

Our BE THE CHANGE vitamins D3 & K2 & Omega 3 fatty acids are the ideal dietary supplement for anyone who wants to support their immune system and general well-being and who places great value on nutritional supplements of natural origin that contain no preservatives or additives.

Swiss Essentials® 1 is the optimally formulated fatty acid and vitamin preparation for daily needs. Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system. EPA and DHA are essential omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function and the normal function of the heart. Vitamin K2 contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal blood clotting. A positive effect is achieved with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA combined.

Our Omega-3 fatty acids in capsule form are ideal for supporting cognitive abilities and maintaining general well-being. With these capsules, we have developed the perfect combination of vitamins and fatty acids for your daily needs.