subject: Finding The Right Fish Oil Supplement For Better Health [print this page] Do you know what to look for when purchasing a fish oil supplement? Learn why some supplements are healthier than others and how to find the right fish oil supplement for optimal results.
Taking a fish oil supplement can improve your health in a variety of ways, including improving your heart health and brain function. They provide our bodies with crucial Omega-3s, powerful fatty acids that are good for a variety of reasons. Taken in sufficient amounts, these acids can improve heart health, improve brain function, help keep your eyes healthy, and even reduce the symptoms of several moods or cognitive disorders, including ADHD and depression. Many doctors suggest taking a daily fish oil supplement to minimize joint pain as well.
What Should A Fish Oil Supplement Contain?
When you take Omega-3s, you're ensuring that you're getting plenty of the "good" fats that your body needs and can't produce on its own. While there are many different types of supplements available, it's crucial that you choose one that contains both EPA and DHA. These two fatty acids work together to reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and increase the brain's ability to make neural connections. Both of these are vital nutrients that should be taken daily for optimal results.
You should also look for a supplement that is derived from cold water sources, including tuna, sardines, anchovies or Atlantic salmon. While you can get some Omega-3s from eating these a few times a week, most people don't eat enough of them to alleviate the need for a supplement. Fortunately, improvements in the way these oils are processed and packaged make them easy to take each day.
Be Sure It's Pure
There are several brands of supplements on the market that contain fish oils. Some of these are clearly labeled as such, while others use the more technical term "Omega-3s." These are essentially the same thing, although not all of them contain both DHA and EPA. Once you've found a source that has both DHA and EPA, take a few moments to read the label. Not all brands use the purest sources for their oils. This is extremely important; using fish from certain regions or ones that aren't recognized as safe could mean you're ingesting oil that has mercury in it.
The distillation of fish oil for human consumption is a complex, scientific procedure that removes any contaminants before the supplements are processed. Look for a triple distillation process for the purest possible Omega-3 supplement. Triple distilling removes any traces of heavy metals or toxins from your fish oil supplement.
Where Are Your Omega-3 Supplements Manufactured?
Not all supplement manufacturing facilities are equal. Some produce a number of different products that may contain fillers, by-products, gluten, nuts or some form of dairy food. Some individuals get an allergic reaction or unpleasant side effects when they take Omega-3s. Unfortunately, they often assume they are reacting to the fish oil, when they are actually suffering from cross-contamination at the manufacturing facility. Supplements that are exposed to even tiny traces of dairy, nuts, or gluten can trigger allergic reactions or irritation when ingested. Be sure you get your supplements from a source that is dairy, gluten and nut free.
