If you could give your child a single food that could help them be smarter, healthier, and better behaved, would you do it?
Of course you would! The good news is that you can do just that when you make sure your child is getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids are called “essential” because science has shown that we need them to stay healthy.
We have to consume them in our diets, because our bodies can’t produce them on their own.
Two of the most important essential fatty acids are EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid; these are both considered Omega 3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that children who take Omega 3 supplements can improve their reading and spelling ability, show increased brain activity, and are even less likely to exhibit criminal and antisocial behavior as they get older!
There are also studies that indicate that consuming adequate amounts of essential fatty acids can help prevent certain diseases when children get older, like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
Essential fatty acid supplements also help children’s eyes to be healthy, and helps them hear better. All cognitive functions, including memory, are improved when the diet contains enough essential fatty acids.
Perhaps one of the best arguments for including essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA in your child’s diet is that breast milk, designed by nature to be the perfect food for growing humans, contains these essential fatty acids.
Many prenatal vitamins are beginning to be fortified with essential fatty acids, and formula manufacturers are starting to add essential fatty acids to formula.
The best natural sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are cold water fish, like salmon and mackerel. Unfortunately, these foods most children like or eat enough of. The best supplements are derived from fish oil, and not from plant oils.
When you purchase an Omega 3 or essential fatty acid supplement for your child, look for one that gives a dosage for children of your child’s age. Look for purified fish oil as the fatty acid source.
You can choose from a variety of products, including liquids, chewables, and even soft gel capsules. The product may smell fishy, but should not smell rancid; if the product smells rancid, it is spoiled and should be discarded.
