If you have followed nutrition and health news, you have likely heard much about the health benefits of omega 3 fats. Fats are generally considered unhealthy, but this kind of fat is an exception. These compounds have been suggested to have positive effects on the rate of heart disease, high cholesterol levels, dementia, and even arthritis. Now, scientists have added attention deficit disorder to this list.

Polyunsaturated fats found naturally in several foods are classified as Omega 3 fats. there are three categories of these fats: alpha-linolenic acid(ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among the three varieties, DHA is found to have beneficial effects on attention deficit disorder.

Children whose diet contains inadaquate amount of DHA are more likely to show the classic symptoms of attention deficit disorders, including hyperactivity and behavior issues, revealed by researchers at the University of Prude. infants too may be at risk, as DHA which is transmitted through breast milk, is not available in sufficient quantity in many mothers, hence cannot be passed to infants through lactation. in fact, about 85% of American women are deficient in these fatty acids.

Fat deficiencies in your diet can be remedied by getting more useful fats into your body. Foods rich in nutrients, such as fish, flax, and walnuts can be added to your diet to increase your fat intake. Fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and tuna are all high in the necessary nutrients and can be added to your diet relatively easily.

Fish oil supplements are available for individuals who do not like the foods listed above or who cannot change their diet. These supplements contain omega 3 fats and can provide all the fish oil benefits of foods rich in DHA. An added benefit of the fish oil supplements is the lack of aversive taste and the lack of change in diet.

The research into omega 3 fats is in the nascent stage however already a lot of information about the benefits of omega 3 fat is available with scientists and nutritionists. There are many new and exciting frontiers to be explored about the benefits of omega 3 fats. With the help of the researchers and the research done new benefits are being discovered every day.