Why You Need a Plastic Brain and How Omega-3s Can Give You One {Giveaway and a Scholarship}

Once upon a time, the brain was viewed as a static organ. With studies and research, it is now understood that the brain’s circuitry is constantly changing as a function of experience. This is known as brain plasticity. Brain plasticity is something that should be understood because it is related to important functions such as memory and is influenced by factors such as; prenatal and postnatal experiences, hormones, aging, diet and stress...to name a few.

What exactly does it do? Plasticity is the manner in which the nervous system can modify its organization and function throughout a lifetime. For example when a new motor skill is learned, such as playing a musical instrument, there are plastic changes in the structure of the cells in the nervous system. If the plastic changes do not occur, neither does the learning take place. This information is so enlightening considering my daughter and son are learning musical instruments of the bass and cello respectively.

How do we support plasticity in brain-health? Omega-3s make up every cell membrane of your body, considering that plastic changes occur in the structure of the cells in the nervous system, supporting brain health with fish and fish oil supplements, a source of Omega-3s, is a way to do it!
It makes sense then, that studies show links between:
  • Attention and behavior
  • Grades and test scores
  • Learning and literacy
  • Memory and problem solving

You can find in-depth research on how omega-3s enhances brain plasticity at Omega-Research.com.

To support learning and brain health, TheOliveParent is giving away THREE PRIZE PACKS that will include:
  1. Amazing Grades Book
  2. What’s Essential T-Shirt
  3. Ultimate Omega Xtra
  4. Swag

Amazing Grades by Pat Wyman  is a marvelous resource that centers around learning. It offers the advice,Nordic Naturals cover final 6 14 tips, strategies and counsels of 101 experts that include Nordic Naturals’ very own Keri Marshall. With topics like “How to use Google to help you get better grades” to “Brain Matters that make a difference in your brain, you’re sure to find a bit of everything to help the student in your life. The book is interactive! You can use your personal learning style to learn with each chapter.

Here’s an excerpt in Amazing Grades by Dr. Keri Marshall...

“Both omega-3 and omega-6 fats are considered essential fatty acids, or EFAs. As their name implies, EFAs are nutrients that your body depends on for good health and functioning but cannot manufacture itself. Instead, you need to get these fats from diet or through supplementation. Unfortunately, Americans tend to consume too many omega-6 fatty acids -- typically found in the form of vegetable oils like soy and canola--and not nearly enough omega-3s (found in salmon, sardines and other types of fatty fish)”
“...The good news: a growing number of studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can have powerful, positive effects throughout the body, including the brain.”
NORDIC NATURALS’ 2013 WHAT’S ESSENTIALTM ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP

we_scholar_holderPhotosIn keeping with Nordic Naturals’ vision to see that future generations are healthier and happier, the leading omega-3 manufacturer is sponsoring the “Learn. Inspire. Change. 2013 What’s Essential™ Essay Scholarship” for new and returning college students! The winning entrant will receive $5000.00 for college and one year’s supply of award-winning omega oils upon answering this question;


“What are the essential components of the education that your generation needs to make a positive impact on the world?”
Go to www.whatsessential.com to apply for the scholarship.

ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THREE PRIZE PACKS!Fill out the form below to enter the giveaway. The giveaway is open to US residents only, 18+ and will end February 15,  2013 8 PM CST.
.
Disclosure
This is
an OliveParent Media Event sponsored by Nordic Naturals. All statements and products mentioned in the post have not been evaluated by the FDA and should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases. Contact your doctor with medical concerns.

FOR BLOGGERS ONLY
Publishing Opp for Bloggers – Nordic Naturals Publishing Opp

Comments

  1. I am not aware but I would think omega 3 is good or it and also eating things like fish.

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  2. Yes, I am aware of neuro plastisicity and I even read a fantastic book about it right after I had my son. If anyone is interested here is the link.

    http://www.amazon.com/Fragile-Beginnings-Discoveries-Triumphs-Newborn/dp/0807011606/ref=sr_1_17?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357830283&sr=1-17&keywords=nicu

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    1. Thanks for sharing Monique! That looks like a very consuming read!

      Brain plasticity is truly a fascinating process! I had lots of fun reading up on this subject for this post.

      Here's a eye-opening article about a couple who claims fish oil healed their son's traumatic brain injury.

      http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/19/health/fish-oil-brain-injuries/index.html?iref=allsearch

      Some additional interesting facts... Nordic Naturals' product formulation are driven by the latest development in clinical research, with 24 published studies and 40 more underway. You can read more about this on www.nordicnaturals.com

      Delete
  3. Yes, I just learned about this! I'm interested in getting my family on fish oils to help support that.

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    1. Very neat! Nothing better than a timely giveaway. :) Thanks for entering.

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  4. i wasnt aware of "plasticity" till i read in your blog....but i do know that fish oil is the #1 brain supplement...

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  5. eat a healthy diet and also try to learn something new everyday...especially new skills that make the brain work

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  6. Learning all about it now on your blog, thank you for sharing!

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  7. I am not aware, but I think a great diet, Omega 3, and games or activities directed toward keeping your brain and memory sharp are the key. I love using Luminosity to keep my brain going! Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!

    Eloise
    furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net

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  8. I am just learning about this through your blog post. Thank you for the great information!

    Charice Adams
    adamsfam2004@hotmail.com

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  9. I was not aware of this but now am extremely intrigued!

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  10. I had no idea, but I now know that fish oil is the way to go!

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    1. It is! I take Nordic Naturals' Arctic Cod Liver Oil D(with vitamin D) Lemon Flavor. Love, love love it! They have other flavors such as Strawberry, Orange and Peach in family sizes. :)

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  11. I was not aware at all but now I am. Fish oil is the way to go! Thanks for teaching me something.

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  12. never heard of brain plasticity but try to take my multivitamins and supplements

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  13. I was not aware at all with regards brain plasticity? We do however take fish oil supplements to maintain optimum health
    (d schmidt in widget)

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  14. not aware of brain plasticity I would assume increasing you omega intake

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  15. No I am not aware of brain plasticity. Sounds like something I am UP for though... I do take Omegas as they are missing in many of our American diet choices. I do read a lot and engage in any new activity at least give it a shot so to speak.

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  16. Maybe I was vaguely aware of brain plasticity...sometimes I read so much everything sounds familiar. I do use Fermented Cod Liver Oil to support my brain and other body needs.

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  17. LOL! I hear you on that!

    I've read about fermented CLO and gave always wondered the purity levels of fermented CLO. I haven't done any research on that particular topic, but it's the one thing that has prevented me from trying it out. I'm very curious about it though.

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  18. I did not know about Brain Plasticity - eating the right diet and taking supplements can improve it
    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

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  19. I do take some supplements and also engage in brain stimulation exercises.

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  20. I take my anti-seizure medicines.

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  21. Yes and I take Fish oil everyday. Plus I read, read and do more reading to help keep my vocabulary up and play games like Soduko

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  22. I was not aware of brain plasticity. But I do task Omega's everyday and try to eat good food and lead a healthy lifestyle.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

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  23. this is a new topic for me. very interesting! i have tried omega's before but now i know why its so important.

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  24. I have not heard of brain plasticity.

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  25. Yes I am aware! I do sudoku! Thanks!

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  26. Yes, isn't it great?! I try to do the things that we all think about when we think of neuroplasticity like regular brain stimulation, exercise, healthy eating, but I also am focusing this year on starting a meditation routine. Meditation has shown to work the brain in ways previously seemingly undocumented!

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    1. Yes! I'm thrilled you said that. Meditation is so vital! It may invoke a different meaning (meditation) from person to person, but it's really such a necessary "balm" in a fast-paced, multi-tasking society. Everyone should take a "break" and calm the mind on a consistent basis, whether you call it prayer or meditation...it does wonders.

      Wishing you the best!

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  27. I was not aware of this but now am extremely interested!
    peacefulperspective@live.com

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  28. I be sure to do some puzzles daily like suduko

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  29. I take a choline supplement,good for brain function!

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  30. No I was not aware. But now that I am I would eat better and take fish oil.

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  31. well there are lots of claims for lots of devices, web pages and mineral/herbs, but my best brain functions come from thinking for myself without the so called devices, web pages or taking something that may do more harm than good

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  32. Watch the "Brain Series" on Charlie Rose, there's LOT about this topic.

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  33. I don't do anything for myself...I take Krill for high cholesterol but I also give my sons omega's in their vitamins (which I need to change to better quality).

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  34. I was not aware of plasticity,but I do take a fish oil supplement,interesting.Thanks!!

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  35. I was not aware of brain plasticity. To keep my brain active and healthy I play logic games and exercise.

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  36. I was not aware of brain plasticity:) To keep my brain healthy i try to eat healthy and take my omegas and vitamins:)

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  37. I had never heard the term 'plasticity' before reading your post. I now know it helps the brain nerves remember what it has just learned & keep the function. thanks for the giveaway.

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  38. i think i have heard the term before but i am not familiar with it. from the reading , taking omega-3 and other vitamins will help prevent it

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  39. I had no idea and I don't take anything

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  40. I was not aware and had never heard of "Plastic Brain" before. We have started to incorporate vitamin/mineral supplements into our daily food plan to help with whole body health.

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  41. I was awake of brain plasticity and work to keep my brain active on a regular basis.

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  42. I was also not aware of this I do take a fish oil but mostly for my joints Im glad I learned something today

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  43. I hear about it but I do take fish oil pills.

    Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com

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  44. Was not aware how good this is for me

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  45. Thanks for the giveaway...living a healthy lifestyle i.e. regular exercise, no smoking, diet that is fruit / vegetable / whole grain-centric, etc.

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  46. not aware I would think flaxseed oils would be good for brain health.

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  47. i was not aware of it. to take care of my brain health i try to stay active and eat right too!
    susansmoaks at gmail dot com

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  48. I've heard of it. Diet helps the brain a lot such as eating the right kinds of fats.

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