For some wandering minds, Omega 3 works miracles

Why not given him Omega 3 enriched foods?

Irsha, which has already prepared Omega 3 enriched designed eggs, chocolates, mushroom biscuits and even patented indigenous technology fortifying honey with it, has conducted a pilot project among 100 schoolchildren. Within four-and-a-half months of giving them Omega-3 capsules, they have showed improvement, said Dr Shahida Khan, Head of the Health Food Division at IRSHA. Of the 100 children chosen, at least 50 had ADHD. “We found a distinct improvement on the teacher rating scale and the ADHD rating scale,” said Khan. “Their overall health status also improved”.

Irsha is trying to bring Omega 3 back into the food chain. Scientific research has shown that the overall nutrient content of our food has been diminishing, said Prof M V Hegde, scientific advisor to IRSHA. Compared to a century ago, there is an 80 per cent decrease of Omega 3, 80 per cent decrease of B-vitamins and 75-80 per cent decrease in fibre, thanks to food processing and change in agricultural methods. On the other hand, there has been a phenomenal rise in antinutrients—100 per cent saturated fat, 50 per cent cholesterol.

The attempt to introduce Omega 3-enriched food is part of the drive to supplement the nutrients.

Omega 3 fatty acids, known more for their role in keeping the heart healthy, are actually fundamental molecules in the structure and activity of all body cell membranes. They also have highly specialised functions in neurological tissues, especially the brain and retina. Because of their role in cell membranes, Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the formation of new tissue and are hence development and growth, says Dr Ulhas Wagah, Director, IRSHA.

Known to be essential to the brain and vision development during the last three months of pregnancy, the Omega 3 fatty acids continue to play a major health role at every stage of life through the prevention and management of certain diseases and chronic conditions—heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and behavioural problems, including ADHD.

ADHD affects 3-5 per cent of all children. Two to three times more boys are affected compared to girls. Deficiency of Omega 3 and violence, too, has been correlated by scientists abroad and hence the need to tackle the problem on a war footing, said Khan.
NATURAL SOURCES OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
• Sea fish. The fish with the most Omega 3 is Mackerel, which has the highest fat content of any oily fish—with up to 30 gms of fat per 100 gms, of which Omega 3 comprises 5 per cent
• Walnuts
• Green leafy vegetables
• Daals like rajma, urad
• Rye and mustard seeds
• Flaxseed oil can be taken as a supplement