fish pi

Eating fish makes you clever. I know this because I was told it often by school dinner ladies who obviously knew my insecurities well. The thing is I hate fish. I even hate the fish that comes with chips. And that is why when two (obviously fish loving) intellectuals start a conversation about the meaning of life I tend to start day dreaming about what life would be like if I was an expert sportsman.

Unlike most wives tales this fish one has more than a grain of truth in it apparently. Awhile back the BBC did a bit of research and followed some kid called Elliot who was struggling with his school work. He lacked motivation and spent most of his time watching TV:

But over the past year, a dramatic change has taken place in Elliot. He has soared through the Harry Potter books and now heads to the library after the school bell has sounded.

Impressive

“His reading jumped 18 months [over the trial period].

He’s just a lot more interested in everything. He’s even developed an interest in classical music,” says Sheila, Elliot’s mother.

Amazing

His handwriting became better and his teachers said he was joining in more in
class discussions

Astonishing

And what brought about this, nothing short of miraculous, change? Omega 3 fatty acids. Elliot, along with 100 other Durham school kids, was given capsules of the stuff (usually found in fish) every day. And apparently they do more than make you brainy - they make you happy too.

The science behind it all is complicated for non-fish eater like me, but ,as far as I can gather, it involves brain signals having to pass through channels in cell membranes to get to their neurons - these walls are made of, you guessed it, fatty acids. So it seems Omega 3 fatty acids make these walls more flexible and allow the signals to pass through more quickly and efficiently.

So basically its like trying to get your head out from between the park fence rails - its easier once you've rubbed a bit of grease around.

And now Durham Education authorities have decided to take advantage. GCSE pupils in the county will be encouraged to take the pills from now until they sit their exams. In fairness, and not offending anyone from Durham, they could do with all the help they can get. Durham's schools are well below the national average when it comes to GCSE results. I hope this exercise makes the difference - and sure if it doesn't at least it'll help sales of classical music in the area.