Ideally, all nutritionists would recommend eating fresh fish once or twice a week. What if you dislike Fish or cannot source good quality fish? Supplementation is an option, read on to learn more.
Fish oil is the best known source of omega-3 fatty acids, but all fish oil supplements are not the same. Selecting the wrong supplement could mean that you get little or none of the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids. What's worse is that some fish oil supplements contain contaminants that can endanger your health.
In order to choose the best fish oil dietary supplements, there are several things that you, the consumer should consider. First, there are basic considerations that apply to all dietary supplements, no just fish oil supplements.
You should ask:
What are the health benefits?
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well documented.
The brain needs adequate levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in order to maintain and rebuild cells. Fish is often referred to as "brain food". Scientific studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish support optimum brain function. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may improve your memory and your ability to focus on the task at hand, whether it is taking a test, writing a novel or driving your vehicle.
People suffering from conditions, such as depression, multiple sclerosis, attention deficit disorder and similar problems have shown improvement after increasing their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In the studies that support these statements, the participants were given some of the purest and best fish oil dietary supplements.
The heart needs EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) in order to maintain proper circulation. The best fish oil dietary supplements contain both EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends fish oil dietary supplements for people who have suffered a heart attack. It is believed that fish oil supplements may help prevent certain types of heart disease.
The joints function better when there are adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. In research studies, people suffering from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis noticed improvement in flexibility, a reduction in pain, reduced morning stiffness and less dependence on over the counter or prescription pain medications.
Fish oil supplements can improve the moisture content and elasticity of the skin. They can improve the appearance, texture and strength of a person's hair. Omega-3 fatty acids are found to serve a function in practically every system of the human body.
Are there any side effects?
The best fish oil dietary supplements are odourless and tasteless. Capsules are easy to swallow. They are molecularly distilled to remove all impurities and contaminants.
You should choose a fish oil supplement that is manufactured by a reputable company that sells a variety of health supplements and is not new to omega-3 supplement manufacturing. Experienced manufacturers know how to choose the source fish and how to properly remove contaminants.
That brings up other questions that apply specifically to omega-3 supplements.
You, the consumer should ask:
What are the ingredients?
Not all omega-3 supplements are derived from fish oil. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids do not contain EPA and DHA. They contain an omega-3 fatty acid that can be converted to EPA or DHA, but the conversion process is inefficient and only a small amount is actually converted. The only way to be sure that you are getting all of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is to choose a fish oil supplement.
Some fish oil supplements contain artificial flavourings. In some cases, this technique is used to mask the taste and odour of rancid fish oil. The manufacturer should collect and freeze the oil when it is first harvested in order to avoid spoilage, but most do not.
What type of fish and what part of the fish is the oil derived from?
If the manufacturer does not list the type of fish, do not buy that brand of fish oil supplement. Some manufacturers use whatever is cheapest, with little concern for safety. Many fish have been contaminated by pollutants. They contain high levels of mercury and PCB's (poisonous substances that are a bi-product of manufacturing processes).
Fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean are the least safe. Specifically you should avoid Codfish, (which means cod liver oil), Atlantic Salmon, Shark, and Atlantic halibut. You should also choose fish oil that is derived form the flesh of the fish, not the liver, because the liver is the dumping ground for every toxin that the fish has ever been exposed to.
The best choice, according to everything that I have read, is the New Zealand Hoki fish. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice for fish sticks and fillets, because of the lack of toxins found in the fish’s environment. Located of the southern coast of Australia, the ocean waters surrounding the island country of New Zealand are considered the cleanest in the world.
Is the fish oil molecularly distilled?
Molecular distillation removes any remaining contaminants, leaving the purest of fish oil for omega-3 supplements. Some companies advertise “all-natural” fish oil. Those fish oils contain numerous contaminants and the only real reason that companies choose to sell them is because they are cheaper to manufacture.
The Bottom Line:
- Omega 3 fatty acids provide numerous health benefits to people of all ages.
- The best known source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil
- The best fish oil dietary supplements come from fish that swim in clean ocean waters, contain no additives and are molecularly distilled to ensure safety and purity.
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