Studies show omega-3 benefits

Five studies published in the March issue of Fats of Life and PUFA Newsletters show that omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood and fish oil can enhance infant brain development, reduce hot flashes in menopausal women and increase healthy weight loss in obese dieters.
 
A study in Australia examined the effects on neurodevelopment of giving preterm infants more DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) than usually found in breast milk or preterm formula. When the infants reached 18 months, researchers found that those receiving the DHA-rich breast milk were less likely to develop serious mental delay compared with infants receiving standard breast milk.
 
An Italian study showed that providing DHA to healthy infants throughout the first year of life helps them reach some developmental milestones earlier, such as sitting without support.
 
Quebec researchers found that EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) proved beneficial to women around the time of menopause, decreasing hot flashes by 55 percent after eight weeks of EPA consumption.
 
"Once others confirm these findings, women may have a safe, effective way to ease the distress associated with menopause," said Joyce Nettleton, PUFA Newsletter editor.
 
A Spanish study on animals suggests that increased omega-3 consumption by obese humans may discourage fat gain and promote healthier fat tissue and liver metabolism.
 
Another study from Spain, Ireland and Iceland found that higher omega-3 intakes by obese individuals on a weight-loss diet might help control their appetite and satiety, promote weight loss and reduce the likelihood of developing insulin resistance.

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