New reasons why you should have fish oil in your diet

So we've all heard that we should have more fish in our diets. Studies have shown that it can help to reduce inflammation, regulate cholesterol, treat clinical depression and bipolar disorder, slow cancer growth and increase rates of survival. This week I read an article in a nursing journal that discussed two new studies about the benefits of fish oil. In the first study they gave 13 ICU patients with an inflammatory response fish oil mixed with their tube feedings. 10 similar ICU patients received the standard solution. The patients who received fish oil had improved lab values and shorter hospital stays. The researchers believe that the omega-3 fatty acids reduce the inflammatory response.
The second study involved 81 adolescents and young adults who were at "ultra high risk" of developing a psychotic disorder. Some took fish oils, the others a placebo. After 40 weeks, on 5% who took fish oils developed a psychotic disorder, whereas 28% did from the placebo group. Those who took the fish oil also showed an improvement in symptoms with no adverse reactions. Omega-3's are crucial to brain function. The researchers conclusion was the fish oil is a safe way to prevent progression of psychotic symptoms. Moral of the story: Fish oil can can help you to heal faster and save your sanity. That's reason enough for me to start taking a supplement on a regular basis. (Right now there's a coupon for $2 off the Omega-3 gummy supplements at Costco if you're looking for a way to do this that doesn't give you fish breath.)