What’s all the beef about fish these days? Well, fish oil actually. Fish oil and its more recently manufactured supplements have been used for hundreds of years by cultures all over the world to treat everything from skin ailments to high cholesterol. In fact, it’s the third most commonly used supplement in the U.S. today.
Some studies have shown that fish oil can help boost brain function and curb symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention and hyperactivity.
The reason is because of the fatty acids it contains. Fish/fish oil provide two essential omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) not present in any other food source. A third form of the fatty acid (ALA), although not as much of a powerhouse for the brain, is found in plant sources such as walnuts, flaxseeds, canola oil, and pumpkin seeds.
But a vitamin isn’t the only place to get these benefits. Try adding fish to your child’s regular diet such as salmon, tilapia, flounder, haddock, shrimp, scallops, and other types of seafood with low mercury levels. Guidelines recommend 200mg daily of DHA-enriched foods for kids, or up to four, three-ounce servings of fish per week.
Before giving your child a supplement make sure to speak to your physician and that you choose a brand that is as pure and unprocessed as possible.
