Fish is the best food source of Omega-3 fatty acids. But due to concerns about toxins such as mercury in certain types of fish; a purified fish oil supplement is the safest way to get your Omega-3s.Omega-3s are part of the essential fatty acids (or EFA’s) your body must have for good health. Our bodies don’t produce EFA’s naturally, so they must come from outside sources like the food you eat and the supplements you take.The most powerful Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are EPA and DHA. These two fatty acids work together, however each fatty acid has unique benefits. EPA reduces inflammation, improves cardiovascular and circulatory health, and is beneficial for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. DHA is crucial for brain, nerve, and eye cells, and benefits cognition, fetal and infant development, pregnancy, and depression. (Whoa, that is a lot of stuff that these Omega-3s do).
Most Americans do not consume the minimum amounts of EPA and DHA, and without adequate intake, the highly active and delicate cells found within the brain and nervous system cannot function properly.
Facts You Should Know
- It is unlikely that one can consume the amount of high quality fish (no farm raised) required to get the recommended dose of EPA and DHA which is 2-4g per day.
- The odor of fish oil can be minimized by buying a pharmaceutical grade, and by keeping your fish oil in the refrigerator.
- Omega-3 supplementation is safe and effective for many inflammation-related conditions and has a low incidence of side effects.
- Omega-3 fish oil supplements appear to be a safer alternative to NSAIDs for treatment of some neck and back pain.
- Tuna has almost no omega-3 fatty acids.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are critical, preventative and curative