Smart Choice

Next time you reach for a can of sardines, you can know you are making a smart choice. That’s because Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in sardines, are important for your memory as well as overall brain performance.

But not only memory and brain function- the types of fat you eat can also affect your mood! Research has found that Omega-3 fatty acids (primarily found in salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, flaxseed and walnuts) have a strong antidepressant effect. While it may seem strange when you first hear that the fat in your diet can affect your mood, it makes sense when you learn that 60% of the brain is comprised of fat.

The good news is that just two servings per week of omega-3 fish sources can boost omega-3 levels in the brain. Plant sources from flaxseed, purslane, wheat germ, walnuts and dark greens such as spinach and kale also contain omega-3 oils. However, the body uses fish sources of omega-3 the best. Now that is some happy and healthy news.

Thanks and credit to Dr. Connie Guttersen, Author of the Sonoma Diet for the information contained in the article.