The fatty acid Omega-3 has been the topic of discussion ranging from a treatment for prostate cancer to treatment of mood disorders. Although numerous wide-reaching studies have shown positive and negligible results, grants for studies and participants roll on.

Why? It has been proven that Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly as found in fish like mackerel (highest content/weight ratio) and salmon, prevent and aid those who have cardiovascular disease. When you start throwing the human heart into the fray of what's good for it, and there's a compound isolated proven to help keep it healthy, there will be no shortage of interest. What's good for the heart may good for all the heart supports: the brain, the rest of the vital organs, the health of our blood itself.

The problem with relying on fish for our daily intake of Omega-3 is that today's fish have much higher levels of mercury than those that our ancestors ate. So, where can you get your Omega-3?

Flaxseed oil is one alternative source, as recommended in this UC Berkeley Wellness letter. Walnuts, and grasses are high in Omega-3 as well, but most people don't graze and walnuts are pretty high in calories. Flaxseed and organically farmed salmon supplements are the easiest way to get your O-3s.

Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils, and in the US particularly corn oil. Over-engineering of corn, and pretty much every processed food, has resulted in a skewed balance of O-3s to O-6s. The ideal ratio is 1 to 2:1, O-3s to O-6s. In the US it can be as high as 1:50.

Both these polyunsaturated fats are essential to growth and maintaining proper brain function, as well as cellular health. Learn about the polyunsaturated (PUSF) family and the way our body uses each. We cannot synthesize these fats from our staple foods the way most animals can. The Healthweb has more information.