Is it true that eating fish makes kids smarter?

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, an essential type of fat naturally found in the brain, eyes, and central nervous system. Omega-3s are not one single nutrient. They are a collection of several, including eicosapentaenic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).

Several studies have shown that eating foods rich in these nutrients may reduce the risk of developing certain conditions, like heart disease. Many studies have also directly linked the eating of fish by breastfeeding mothers to increased cognitive development (brain memory and performance) in kids up to the age of 3. Although the studies are not conclusive, since there are other factors that may impact childhood development, they seem to be very promising.

Expecting mothers, and those with newborns, who consume fish in order to benefit from omega-3s should know the number of servings to take in, and the species of fish that are considered safe. To help ensure optimum health for mommy, and to encourage positive development in her baby, here are a few guidelines that will help pump beneficial omega-3s into any diet.

Recommended Servings of Fish Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Up to 12 ounces per week during your pregnancy.

Species of Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon, sardines, herring, cod, roe, shad, herring, and whitefish are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Risks of Eating the Wrong Species of Fish

There is speculation that there are risks in eating fish that are high in mercury contamination, like swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings over the past few years about this. It is claimed that eating these species of fish can lead to neurotoxin poisoning, which can be harmful to anyone, especially infants.

Fish is not the only option, though. There are many other foods that contain omega-3s.

Alternative Omega-3-Rich Foods

• Baby formula and baby food manufacturers have been pretty good at saturating healthy amounts of omega-3 fats into their products. This trend is unlikely to change.

• Walnuts, butternuts, beechnuts, pecans, dried pine nuts, granola, and flaxseed (available as whole seeds, ground seeds, or oil) are great snacks and readily available year-round.

• Dairy products, like mozzarella cheese and whole milk (or 3.25% milk fat), are also good.

• Raw fruits, like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, guava, cherries, cantaloupe, and raw lemons (with peel).

• Vegetables like cauliflower, lettuce, kidney or pinto beans, squash, brussels sprouts, broccoli, pickles (low sodium preferred), radish seeds (sprouted or raw), and spinach.

• Cooked quail and turkey meat and roasted or cured pork (ham) are great meat alternatives.

• Moms can also cook with a variety of spices rich in omega-3s, including fresh basil, dried oregano, ground cloves, canned grape leaves, and canola oil.
  

Dr. Aliza A. Lifshitz, Editor in Chief and Principal of VidaySalud.com, is a renowned physician, author and health reporter. Dr. Lifshitz is the public face of the Univisión television network's Peabody Award-winning health initiative Entérate: Salúd es Vida. She also appears on the network's Primer Impacto, the top rated Spanish-language television news magazine. Her live call-in program, El Consultorio de la Dra. Aliza, airs weekly on the Univisión Radio network. Dr. Lifshitz writes regular monthly columns for People en Español and for Ser Padres. Her weekly column in La Opinión is syndicated in Spanish-language newspapers throughout the country. Her monthly column in the Vista bilingual supplement runs in 29 newspapers nationwide. She also authored the first bilingual guide to pregnancy and childbirth, Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby.