Fish oil supplements contain omega-3s fat but omega-3 supplements are not necessarily derived from fish oil. Here’s more on the health benefits of Fish oil supplements.
Omega-3 Health Benefits
Here are the health benefits of Omega-3.
Omega-3 supplements help improve your skin and hair texture.
It can even control the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children, and help them lead better lives. Omega-3 helps calm nerves and increase attention span considerably.
Even adults take omega-3 supplements to improve performance at work. EPA, a component of omega-3 fatty acid, improves the overall functioning of hormones and the immune system in the human body, thus increasing brain activity.
While the benefits of omega -3 are well known; this essential fatty acid is not easily available in our diet (especially if you’re a vegetarian), which is why you need to take it as a supplement. Include salmon fish in your kid’s diet, it’s full of omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oils: Are you getting any?
If your major concern is to stay as healthy as you can, then you should not miss out on any of the important nutrients available today. I have found out that many people, including the health buffs, miss out on some of the most important nutrients needed by the body: essential fatty acids (most especially omega 3, 6 and 9).
The misconception that all forms of oil are harmful to the body has existed for the longest time. I grew up believing this, and you probably have, too.
In the past few decades, however, the idea that essential fatty acids are major contributors to better health has been discovered. Boy, what a difference that made! It was also found that the best source of these essential fatty acids is fish oils.
Benefits of fish oil
What benefits do fish oils offer? Let me concentrate my discussion to Omega 3, which is ultimately the main nutrient that we get out of fish oils.
Omega 3 fatty acids are one form of polyunsaturated fat and are one of the so-called essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Our bodies do not have the ability to make EFA’s. It is thus important that we obtain them from outside sources, mainly through supplements.
Only a few people can really understand what omega is and what it is that they exactly do. Simply put, omega 3 has been found to promote over-all health and prevent disease. It has significant positive effects on cardiovascular and heart health.
It has also been seen to help alleviate allergies and skin disorders, and promote skin health in general. Omega 3 helps relieve arthritis and gout, improve visual function and helps boost the immune system.
These benefits of omega 3 are not merely anecdotal, but have been backed up by strong clinical evidence.
Omega 3 Sources: Where to get Fish Oil
It is worth noting that there are two general categories of omega 3 fatty acids. The first two types called DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are both present in cold water fish, and while the third type called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) are present in vegetables and flaxseed.
DHA and EPA are two forms that are readily absorbable by the body. ALA on the other hand would need to be converted to DHA or EPA first. This conversion can only happen given healthy conditions, and a normal healthy body can only convert a maximum of 20%.
Therefore, taking omega 3 directly from fish oils is the only way for you to take advantage of the benefits of these EFA’s. Better yet, taking supplements seems to be a much better alternative.
Ingredients that the fish oil vitamins should contain:
- Omega 3 fatty acids which includes three types: DHA, EPA and DPA.
- Other nutrients such as Vitamin E.
The Risks in Taking Fish Oils: Be wary!
While the health benefits of omega 3 seems ideal, there are notable risks associated with intake of fish oil supplements. Most oceans, especially those located in the Northern Hemisphere, contain high levels of poisons. These poisonous substances include mercury, dioxins, chemical solvents and organochlorine contaminants – all of which are harmful to the body.
Salmon, a very good source of omega 3, store these toxins in their fatty tissues. This is quite alarming, if you ask me. I figure this is also one of the reasons why people have stopped supporting these products in the recent years.
Fortunately, you now have the chance to safely take these components through supplementation and enjoy the amazing benefits that they offer. This is because of the fairly recent discovery of the molecular distillation of fish oil to remove dangerous contaminants.
DHA Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA omega-3 is important for the efficient functioning of the brain, eyes, heart and other parts of the nervous system. Its naturally found in the body and is most abundant in the brain, eyes and heart.
DHA makes up approximately 30% of the structural fats in the gray matter of the brain and 97% of the total omega-3s in the brain.
DHA is a major structural fat in the retina of the eye and it plays an important role in both infant visual development and visual function throughout life. Studies have shown that DHA plays a role in Infant visual function and visual development, and overall eye health in adults.
DHA is a key component of heart health, in large part because it is found in abundant levels in heart tissue. As a result, DHA is important for heart health throughout life. Studies have shown that DHA plays a role in maintaining normal triglyceride levels, heart rate, and blood pressure.
DHA vs. EFA
You may already have an idea of how DHA is important to health and overall development. They are all over in advertisements of milk and products for pregnant mothers and babies. They are the building blocks of the brain.
All my research on DHA and EPA point to one thing: DHA has more significant health benefits than EPA. The scientific and clinical evidence on fish oils mostly involve DHA.
Thus, when choosing among the many fish oil supplements today, it is important that you consider the DHA content. The higher the DHA content, the better health benefits you can enjoy.
Most fish oil products usually contain 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA. Note that DHA is more expensive to produce than EPA, so most health brands put in less of them.
Ester vs. Triglyceride Form
On the other hand, if you have tried shopping around for fish oils, you may notice how they come as esterified or triglyceride form.
Esterified fish oils are readily absorbable by the body. Triglyceride forms still need to be converted into esters. The conversion in the body is usually not as efficient.
Therefore, it is but sensible to go for fish oil products which are in its esterified form.
Fish Oil Products: Not Created Equal!
You should know that the amazing benefits of Omega 3 do not apply to all fish oil products. The next time you shop around, try looking at the labels. Check its DHA content, its form as well as its manufacturing method.
While there are a few good brands out there which produce quality fish oils, most of them compromise either one or the other. These brands are usually cheaper than those with excellent quality. You get what you pay for, in the first place.
Buying Fish Oil Supplements in India
There are many in India who already take it (cod liver oil). Here’s more on selecting the best fish oil supplement from the several brands available.
While many in India consume Fish oil supplements, not many give thought to the quality of the supplements.
For example, is it possible that the fish source is contaminated with toxins such as mercury, PCBs, and other harmful chemicals? The danger of environmental contamination is very likely.
So before buying fish oil, make sure it’s free of toxins.
Reputable companies source their fish from good waters, especially from the deep sea where the fish are less likely to ingest pollutants. Besides, they also use further purification methods to remove harmful toxins from the fish.
Closing Thoughts
As in all health products, it is very important that you get to know your brand first before deciding to take them. This is especially true for fish oil supplements where a wrong choice can be detrimental to your health. A cheaper brand can potentially contain toxins, and I am pretty sure you value your health to never put it at risk.
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