A significant portion of our population suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. A recent study conducted at the University of Montreal, McGill University in Montreal, Laval University in Quebec City and Queen’s University in Kingston has shown that omega-3 supplements help patients with major depression (excluding those with anxiety disorders). The double blind study had half of the participants taking three capsules a day of an omega-3 supplement containing fish oil over an eight week period and the other half taking a placebo. According to the CBC:

The study found that the supplement helped about half of the sample of patients — those who had depression without anxiety disorders…The researchers could not say if food with omega-3, such as fish, would have the same effect, because their test involved only the supplement form.

The consumption of omega-3 is already a growing trend amongst those in search of a diet that may help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the nervous system and stop cell aging. Chia seeds are the superior vegetarian source of omega-3 since it contains 18 grams of α-linolenic acid for every 100 grams of seeds. It is also felt that vegetarian sources provide other benefits over fish as a source of this essential fatty acid. Others go further in linking the relief of depression to chia:

The omega-3 fatty acids found in chia seeds has shown some success in the relief of depression symptoms. Research has shown that deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids are contributing factors in many mood disorders, depression among them. Supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids have shown promising results in many who suffer such disorders, decreasing symptoms substantially in some cases.

Chia seeds can easily be added to a variety of food applications such as salads, yogurt, soups, cereal, and even drinks, without altering the original flavor.

By the way, we are not medical professionals. This is simply an interesting study result that we’d like to pass on – yet another potential benefit of chia. People with major depression should discuss the use of omega-3 with their physicians before supplementing their diets with the unsaturated fatty acid.

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Omega-3 eases depression: study

Tags: anxiety disorder, chia, chia seeds, despression, omega-3

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Trends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.