Omega 3-something you can’t do without…

‘Omega’ is the 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet. The word literally means great O’. The ‘3’ is about the three important fatty acids: linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which your body cannot manufacture.

Omega-3 oils, also referred to as ‘the miracle food of the 21st century’, is found in marine life such as algae, some vegetables and nut oils. It’s major source is fish, such as. salmon and even the locally available tuna found in our rivers—as they have lots of cod liver oil. says Dr. Frank Kagema, a gynaecologist. Nile perch, our biggest fish export, has a good amount of cod liver oil and tilapia too (though minimal), he says. And agrees that Omega 3 can as well be taken in food supplements.

According to Dr. Kagema. Omega 3 fatty acids have the following effects on your pregnancy:
o Preventing preterm delivery
o Promoting an easier birth
o Giving your baby better vision and keeping night blindness at bay
o Reducing the chances of your child developing allergies
o Increasing your baby’s brain functions
o Boosting your baby’s immune system.

Dr. Kagema says the benefits to you include:
o Preventing prenatal and postnatal depression,
o Treating heart conditions and problems that contribute to heart disease.
o Maintaining good blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
o Giving almost immediate relief from migraines, depression, joint pain, autoimmune diseases among other conditions.
o Managing gestational diabetes. This is because pregnancy may change your fatty acid profile.

Both you and the baby should continue taking Omega 3 after delivery. You need a good supply of Omega 3. not only to reload your own body’s stock, but to also keep the supply to your baby through breast-feeding running; since your baby’s brain, eyes and his nervous system are still developing. The doctor concurs that babies born to mothers who have higher blood levels of the Omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) have higher attention spans right into when they are two years old.

Omega 3 is also linked to greater focus and longer concentration spans in children with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

END: PG22/42