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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Eating fatty fish like salmon may put you in a better mood.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh reveals omega-3 fatty acids can affect the area of the brain commonly associated with mood and behavior.
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Previous research shows people with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to have a negative outlook and be more impulsive, while people with higher blood levels are usually more agreeable and less likely to be depressed.
Researchers in this new study wanted to see if grey matter volume was related to omega-3 intake, especially in areas of the brain related to mood. Researchers interviewed 55 healthy adults and then used an MRI to evaluate their grey matter volume. Researchers found those who had high levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake had higher volumes of grey matter in areas of the brain associated with emotional arousal and regulation.
Researchers say while this study suggests omega-3s may affect the area of the brain associated with mood and behavior, more research is needed to determine whether eating fish actually causes changes in the brain.
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SOURCE: The 65th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Psychosomatic Society in Budapest, Hungary, March 7-10, 2007
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