Is there anything fish oils can't beat?

Now research has shown that fish oils can also help smokers kick the habit. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids. Current medical advice is to eat two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish such as tuna or mackerel. Omega-3s are also found in leafy vegetables, wholewheat bread and walnuts. So what can they do for you – and is a supplement sometimes better? EVE McGOWAN spoke to the experts to find out… A boost for brain powerTHE CLAIMOmega-3 supplements for children – the modern-day alternative to cod liver oil – help their developing brains.THE PROOFNumerous trials have shown that they can improve the behaviour and learning of children with ADHD and learning disabilities. More recently, Dr Alex Richardson, at Oxford’s Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, studied underperforming children aged seven to nine. After taking daily supplements for 16 weeks, their behaviour and reading improved.SUPPLEMENT OR DIET?Dr Richardson says: ‘Almost all the children failed to eat enough fish so supplements are a reasonable option.’Preventing a heart attackTHE CLAIMFish oils can do everything from lowering cholesterol to improving blood pressure and are an essential for heart health among at-risk groups.THE PROOFOmega-3s are known to reduce the inflammation of the arteries which can lead to heart attacks, as well as being an anticoagulant that can improve blood flow. ‘There is also evidence that they can help in normalising irregular heart rhythms,’ says Tom Sanders, professor of nutrition and dietetics at King’s College, London.SUPPLEMENT OR DIET?Supplements are prescribed on the NHS to prevent heart-attack survivors from having a second attack, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.(dailymail.co.uk)Bakudaily.Az