Eric Galvante
Prof. Hobratsch
ENG 110
9/27/12
Does Fish Oil Really Improve Your Memory?
In today’s world, people will do anything to improve their memory. Some ways people improve their memories are exercise, sleep, and eating healthy. But one method that sticks out to me is the intake of omega-3 or fish oil. While there is the benefit of improving one’s memory from taking fish oil, there are also potential side effects that can harm one’s body. I think if someone wants to improve their memory, he/she should try an alternative because there are just too many risks with the intake of fish oil.
A few facts about omega-3’s and fish oil are: 1. Omega-3’s are only found in a person’s diet, the body cannot make them. 2. Most of today’s food does not contain them. 3.A significant portion of our brain is made from them. Fish oil is oil acquired from the tissues of fish and can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements. These fish oil supplements vary from soft get capsules to fish oil liquids. According to nutritionist and omega-3 expert, Vin Kutty, he chooses to stay away from fish oil liquid. Kutty says, “The best liquid fish oil brands are traumatizing to gulp down. You can hold your nose all you want, but it goes down like lemon-flavored paint thinner”. (Kutty) Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, and have mental health benefits such as memory improvement, and reduction of the risks of depression and suicide. According to Medical Doctor Charlene Laino, “People 55 and older with age-related memory complaints who took the fatty acid supplements for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory skills, compared with those who took a placebo. (Laino)
Though there are plenty of side effects from the use of fish oil, there are also many benefits to one’s health besides...