It seems that since time immemorial people have spoken about the benefits of eating fish in terms of increasing brain power. Pregnant women throughout the ages, for example, have been encouraged to increase their intake so that their children are born to be more intelligent. While there might not have been much research to support these claims in the past, however, scientists do now believe that the omega 3 essential fatty acids found in oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna and salmon can provide major health benefits, including in terms of the role that it plays in brain function.

Although essential for normal growth and development, omega 3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body and so the only way that they can be introduced into our systems is through the food that we eat. As well as oily fish, nut oils are one of the most publicized sources of omega 3, but it is also found in certain leafy vegetables. Interestingly, the wild plant known as purslane, which is said to originate from the Greek island of Crete where the local people use wild plants as a major part of their diet, contains higher levels of the essential fatty acid than any other plant, something which may well contribute to the longevity of the island's population. In addition, it is believed that many of the Mediterranean populations whose consumption of fish tends to be higher suffer less from heart disease as a result.

As well as improving brain performance and memory and possibly contributing to a reduction in heart disease and some types of cancer, omega 3 has also been shown to be highly beneficial to those suffering from arthritis. Dry skin, fatigue, poor circulation, mood swings and depression have also been seen to improve with the introduction of higher levels of omega 3 into the diet, or when taken as a supplement in the form of fish oil capsules. Research has shown that high doses of the omega 3 fatty acid have led to considerable improvements in children suffering from ADD and ADHD, helping to make them calmer.