Fish Oils Explained, Plus Top 3 Rated!
Millions of people regularly take fish oil supplements as a source for the two omega 3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are made in our bodies from the omega 3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA and LA are two important essential fatty acids. EFA’s are called essential because they must be obtained from the diet as our bodies don’t make them.
Omega 3 fatty acids have a great deal to do with the production in the body of chemical elements called prostaglandins which control inflammation.
Omega-6 linoleic acid is used by the body to make other acids which produce pro-inflammatory P2 prostaglandins in response to injury, stress and other issues
Since the American diet is low in omega 3 ALA and high in the omega 6 LA, many Americans have way too much omega 6 LA and not enough omega 3 ALA.
Typically, Americans have body tissue ratios of from 10:1 to 20:1 omega 6 over omega 3. If you are regularly consuming products containing oils from safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts or corn, you may be getting more than is necessary of omega 6 linoleic acid. An additional source of omega 6 is found in the meat we eat from animals raised on grain rather than green vegetation.
Dietary sources of EPA and DHA include anchovies, black cod, albacore tuna cod, salmon, mackerel, sardines. In fact, fish don’t actually make these fatty acids but obtain them from eating phytoplankton, which are single celled algae rich in these fatty acids, or by eating krill who live on phytoplankton.
EPA and DHA can be obtained by taking fish oil supplements. The marketplace is currently flooded with such products with there being a wide range of difference in quality. Once oil is removed from the fish it must be quickly processed. In some cases oil is shipped long distances before it is processed into capsules or bottled. When this occurs there is a good chance deterioration of the fatty acids have taken place.
There also is the problem of contamination. Heavy metals, PCB’s and other contaminants may be present in the oil depending on from what waters the fish were obtained. Molecular distillation is often used to remove contaminants. If the temperature used in such distillation is too high, there can be damage to the molecular structure of the fatty acids.
Companies providing high quality fish oils will always provide documentation of where their oil comes from, how it is processed and test results as to contaminants. At Milk ‘N Honey we carry several brands of high quality fish oils including some with unique processing.
Overall Health and Function.
In terms of the overall health and function of the human body, fish oil’s list of benefits is even bigger.
Specifically, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been shown to:
Reduce the risk of heart attack.
Reduce the risk of stroke.
Lower blood triglyceride levels.
Reduce the risk of dangerous abnormal heart rhythms.
Lower blood pressure.
Decrease inflammation.
Reduce joint stiffness.
Lower cholesterol levels.
Slow the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques.
In addition, fish oil has been shown to help improve or prevent the following:
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Depression
Heart Disease
Cancer
Arthritis
Diabetes
Hyperactivity
ADHD
Fish oil may also help improve and enhance mental clarity, concentration and memory. Better skin and hair is another common effect that’s often heard.
And if you dig deep enough, you’ll find people who will tell you that taking fish oil supplements lessened their back pain, improved their vision, helped their .
I’m sure you can clearly see why fish oil is the closest thing there is to a “must have” supplement.
My top 3 Recommendation For The Best Fish Oil
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