Omega-3s, Mood, and the Biochemistry of Depression Several years ago, Spanish researchers followed more than 12,000 European university graduates over a period of 6½ years, tracking diet and mental health outcomes. Their findings were striking: Diets high in trans fats increased depression risk by 50% Diets rich in fish oil were associated with a significantly lower risk of depression This wasn’t a subtle effect—and it points directly to the biochemical role of dietary fats in mental health. Why Omega-3 Deficiency Affects Mood Fish oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) Deficiency in omega-3s has been linked to: Reduced stress resilience Increased anxiety and depression Hostility and aggression Impaired emotional regulation In one randomized controlled trial, medical students who supplemented with EPA/DHA experienced a 20% reduction in anxiety—despite being…