Eating and depression

I’ve always wondered how people could enjoy fishing so much and this might explain it. Get this:

The higher the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3s in your blood, the more likely you are to suffer from depression.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils used in margarine, baked goods and snack foods. In the western world, consumption of omega-6 oils is 15 to 17 times that of omega-3s, which are found in fish, flaxseed and walnuts.

Ohio State University College of Medicine researchers found that participants suffering from major depression had blood levels of omega-6 that were nearly 18 times as high as their levels of omega-3. Those who didn’t have major depression had blood levels of omega-6 that were about 13 times their levels of omega-3s. The study was published online in Psychosomatic Medicine last month.

For a healthier omega-6/omega-3 balance, eat more flax, walnuts and fatty fish including salmon, mackerel or sardines and eat fewer processed foods made with vegetable oil. Fish oil supplements are also thought to help correct an imbalance.