(NC) — The heat can get the better of you during the summer months making you feel sluggish and forgetful. It looks like mom was right about taking fish oils. An omega-3 essential fatty acid supplement can help with mental acuity and staying focused, especially during the lazy summer months.

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids are crucial for brain, skin, muscle, joint and heart health, and taking a supplement is the best way to get these vital oils, as the body cannot produce them on its own.

Naturopath, Dr. Brenda Watson points out that “Over 7,000 studies on omega-3 fatty acids seem to support the fact that virtually everyone should be using fish oils on a daily basis. More information can be obtained at renewlife.ca, but here, from Dr. Watson, are the top ten reasons for taking an omega-3”.

1. Arthritis and Inflammatory Conditions

The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 oils from fish help reduce stiffness in joints and help relieve joint and muscle pain.

2. Attention Deficit Disorder and Memory

Recent research reveals that omega-3's, specifically DHA, help increase focus and memory retention in children and adults.

3. Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Omega-3 oils promote healthy cholesterol levels in the body by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Clinical research also reveals reductions in blood pressure with the intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Depression and Mood Regulation

Regular supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids helps to elevate mood and lessen depression and anxiety. High potency fish oil with added vitamin D is very useful in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder or the “winter blues”.

5. Digestive System Health

Regular omega-3 supplementation helps to soothe and lubricate the bowel, ease elimination and support overall digestive health.

6. Healthy Eyes

Fish oil supplements reduce the risk of age related vision problems including macular degeneration. The DHA found in fish oil is important for the visual development in infants.

7. Diabetes

Fish oil can help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

8. Improved Brain Function in Babies

Pregnant women who took a high quality fish oil supplement had babies with higher IQs and fewer learning disorders, and were less likely to develop mental retardation or cognitive delays.

9. Skin Disorders

The Journal of Lipid Research announced in 2005 that a few benefits of fish oil regarding skin condition are oil production regulation, increased hydration, reduced acne and fewer wrinkles.

10. Weight Loss

Studies show that fat loss benefits of fish oil combined with diet and exercise were significantly greater than diet and exercise alone.

Dr. Brenda Watson is the founder of Renew Life, a New York Times bestselling author, and host of the PBS health show “The Road to Perfect Health”.