Why your child needs fish oil?
The benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in children are well-known and many doctors are now recommending fish oil for children of all age-groups to ensure their healthy and proper development. If you too are looking for the right nutritional supplement for your child, fish oil is the answer.
Most parents have had to endure the emotionally draining and mentally exhausting process of trying to ensure that their child eats a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Proper nutrition is the backbone for a healthy, active body and a sharp brain, and this is especially true for children.
With the recent scientific research and findings, parents can now breathe a sigh of relief as the answer to all their problems is finally here. Fish oil which is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, has been described in some circles as the ‘Holy Grail of the nutritional world’ – it offers a multitude of health benefits for children as well as adults, and should definitely be a part of everyone’s daily diet.
What exactly then, are the omega3 benefits for children?
1) Omega 3 assists in your child’s brain development, which means that they will be able to assimilate information quickly as well as concentrate for longer periods of time.
2) DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is especially good for pregnant women since it helps in fetal brain and eye development.
3) Omega 3 helps promote and achieve healthy eyes, and prevents a number of eye-related disorder/dysfunctions including cataracts, retina failure and poor eyesight.
4) Omega 3 acts as both a preventative as well as a curative measure against the development, severity and frequency of ADHD (Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder).
Benefit #4 is especially noteworthy because it means that if a child does indeed suffer from ADHD, then Omega 3 can reduce the need for prescription medications such as Ritalin. Described by physicians and parents alike as a chemical cosh, Ritalin has been subject to fierce criticism and scrutiny in recent times due to the long term, adversarial effects it has on the wellbeing of a child.
With all said and done, fish oil does have certain risks associated with it –
- One of the biggest issues is the high level of toxins such as lead, mercury & PCBs present in fatty fishes such as salmon, mackerel, sardines etc.
- Another is the strong smell associated with fish, because of which it might be difficult to get your kids to eat it.
You can combat both these problems by giving your children good quality fish oil supplements either in the form of oil or capsules. If you want your children to be healthy, active and have a sharp mind, ensure that omega 3 supplements are a part of their daily diet.
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