Consuming oily fish 'could treat mental illness'

Consuming oily fish could prove to be an effective treatment in terms of warding off the possibility of a person developing a mental illness such as schizophrenia, new research has revealed.

The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, found that eating food that contains omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids could reduce the risk of a person developing a psychiatric disorder.

Some 81 people who were all thought to be at a high risk of developing a mental illness took part in the study - half were given fish oil supplements, while the rest of the participants were given placebo pills.

When analysed one year later, two of the people who had taken the fish oil supplements were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, compared to 11 of the group that were given the fake pills.

This is the latest in a series of studies that has exposed the virtues of omega-3.

Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring and tuna all contain the fatty acid, which is believed to help prevent depression and improve the brain's memory functions.

A recent study carried out at the University of California found that fish oil also has an anti-ageing effect on the body's internal organs.

Similarly, it was found that consuming foods that contain the product can help those who have suffered for coronary heart disease to enjoy a quicker recovery.

British Nutrition Foundation dietician Sara Stanner recommended that people should include at least one portion of oily fish in their diet each week.

Those who adopt a vegetarian diet would be wise to include leafy green vegetables, flaxseed, soybean oil, walnuts and soybean oil in their meals to enjoy the benefits that omega-3 fatty acids can offer.

Written by Mia Keel