Fish: The good mood food for teenagers

Sydney, Jan 5 (UNI) Scientists believe that eating fish can help ward off depression among teenagers, and are about to put their theory to test.

A group of Australian scientists believe too few omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and seafood, and too many omega-6 fatty acids, found in processed oils and nuts, raises the risk of depression in adolescents.

According to one of the researchers, Dr Ross Grant, the results would be used to give teenagers positive messages about healthy eating.

''Often kids who are physically unhealthy are emotionally unhealthy as well,'' the Age reported him as saying.

Lower seafood consumption has been linked to higher rates of depression in adults. The ''How Food Affects Mood'' study will attempt to prove how it affects teenagers in the same way.

Humans evolved with a diet equal in both essential fatty acids but current Western diets have up to 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3.

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to brain development and function, but because our bodies cannot effectively make them we rely on dietary sources.

American research suggests fish oil capsules and fatty fish do an equally good job of enriching the blood and other body tissues with omega-3 fatty acids.

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