The Amazing Benefits of Fish Oil
Are you taking a fish oil supplement every day? If you are (and even if you’re not), there are essentials to know about fish oil as a supplement. They relate to benefits, sources, purity, and more.
Why should I take fish oil?
A healthy diet contains a balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, changes in eating habits and the impact of processed foods have caused a significant decrease in average dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. Today, most American diets contain far more Omega-6s than Omega-3s. The average American is estimated to have between 20 to 50 times more Omega-6s than Omega-3s. This serious imbalance can promote a whole host of health problems.
According to experts, our consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids has doubled since 1940. Excess intake of Omega-6s can cause increased water retention, elevated blood pressure, and more likely blood clotting.
For a healthier fatty acid ratio, it’s best to avoid an overload of Omega-6s (which are in fried foods, commercial baked goods, many oils, and some margarines), eat more baked or broiled seafood, and supplement the diet with a safe, high-quality fish oil. The better balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is about 3:1, not our current 20:1 to 50:1.
The health benefits of fish oil are so plentiful that it’s almost difficult to believe that everyone isn’t taking this supplement. The Omega-3 fatty acids from an excellent-quality fish oil support the heart, brain, circulation, immune system, kidneys, joints, and more. Omega-3s are also shown to help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. For more information on scientific studies, see Why Omega-3s.
When it comes to fish oil, is all fish created equal?
Definitely not. High-quality fish oil starts with fish from the safest fisheries on earth. The best fish come from renewable and fully sustainable fisheries. Fish from other sources can have higher concentrations of dangerous contaminants.
Are all processes created equal?
Again, definitely not. Unfortunately, pollution has affected the water quality of our oceans. The contaminants in our oceans include mercury, PCBs, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and more. Consequently, many fish now contain these toxins. That’s why it’s essential to choose a fish oil that is safe and pure.
The best processing method for fish oil is molecular distillation. That process concentrates and purifies the oil while removing contaminants. Relatively few fish oils on the market use molecular distillation because it’s more expensive than other methods. Molecular distillation is the only method that can remove and reduce dangerous metals, PCBs and other toxins to below safe levels for human consumption.
Do fish oils taste fishy?
Unfortunately, many of them do. But one additional benefit of molecular distillation is that the fish taste is removed. So with an excellent-quality fish oil, there should be no fishy taste at all.
In addition, a good family of fish oil products is likely to include both a liquid fish oil and a gel cap product. Even though a high-quality oil may have little or no fish taste, you might feel more comfortable taking the fish oil in gel cap form.
Should the fish oil contain sesamin?
Sesamin is naturally found in sesame seeds, where it is present as lignans. Sesame and sesame lignans are associated with health benefits in people. Sesamin can improve the way the body processes fatty acids. Sesamin can also help the body decrease fat storage.
How can I know that the fish oil supplement is safe?
The best indicator is independent testing by IFOS, the Independent Fish Oil Standards organization. IFOS testing is far preferable to testing done by the manufacturer, because it is done impartially and consistently from product to product. IFOS testing is also preferable to other types of independent testing (such as by CRN, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, and WHO, the World Health Organization). IFOS is better because it includes all the tests required by CRN and WHO, but it sets even higher standards for the results.
Of course, just having IFOS testing done isn’t enough. The fish oil must be IFOS-tested at least once a year, and it should receive the highest five-star rating at each test. You should be able to see those test results before you buy the product. For more information on IFOS testing, with examples of IFOS test results, see IFOS Testing.
Who should take fish oil?
Basically, all adults are likely to need this supplement. Of course, people with a medical condition should always check first with their doctor. Children can also take fish oil and will reap the same benefits as adults. Again, it is best to check first with the child’s doctor.
Fish oil can also be safe and beneficial for dogs and cats. However, it should be given separately from their food. If they are eating a high-quality food, such as Life’s Abundance, combining the food with fish oil will disrupt the balance of the food. It’s better to give the fish oil an hour or two after mealtime. If you have any questions about the benefits of fish oil for your dog or cat, ask your vet.
Where can I get five-star IFOS-rated fish oil?
The best source I know of for five-star IFOS-rated fish oil is Sealogix from Trilogy. To find out more about this family of products, see Sealogix. The Sealogix products include a liquid form as well as two sizes of gel caps that include sesamin, so you can decide exactly which product is best for you.
PawPrintsLife Blog
Monday, August 10, 2009
