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A new study in Nutrition Journal finds that young people with ADHD have a noticeably different amount of fatty acids in their cells.

When you examine the red blood cells of kids with ADHD, there are some striking differences compared with cells from others. In general, you’ll find a higher ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s. The cells of the kids with ADHD are also quite low in DHA, a specific omega-3 fatty acid that is closely linked with healthy brain development. It seems that low omega-3 levels are directly related with behavioral symptoms.

The findings suggest that both groups consumed about the same amount of omega -3 and omega-6 fats. In other words, the difference in the cells doesn’t seem to be due to differences in what was eaten. Instead, it appears that those with ADHD metabolize the fats differently.

Even though diet may not be the cause, it may still play a role in the treatment. A diet that is higher than normal in omega-3 fats might help with the issue. Foods that are naturally high in omega-3 fats (salmon, mackerel, flax seed) may be a hard for the typical teenager to swallow. So try products such as omega-3 fortified eggs, peanut butter, and cereal.

Tagged with: ADHD • behavioral symptoms • diet • fatty acids • Omega-3 • omega-6

Let seafood catch your attention. Seafood provides excellent nutrition, taste, and health benefits that you might have been unaware of before.

Seafood contains protein, vitamins A, D, B 12, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and even glucose. One of the most valuable nutrients in seafood, are Omega-3 fatty acids. The benefits of Omega-3 are quite numerous, beginning with basic cell health, and they have been shown to boost immunity, stimulate brain function, help protect against heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Researchers are studying the connection between Omega-3 fatty acids and the alleviation of symptoms of depression, joint pain, hypertension, skin problems, and even attention deficit disorder.

Seafood allergies are common, but the medical community is working to discover or create a method or medication that would allow people who are allergic to be able to consume seafood safely, because the health benefits are so extreme. Until then however, if you are able to eat seafood, you should. An excellent resource for seafood recipes, is http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections/healthy_seafood_recipes.html

Tagged with: Health Articles • health benefits • Nutrition Facts • Omega-3 • Seafood