Get the Most Benefit From Your Fish Oil

 

By now almost everyone has heard of the many health benefits fish oil, or an omega 3 supplement has to offer.  However, to get the most benefit there are a few things to consider.  

First, the quality of the product.  Quality in any nutritional supplement is extremely important.  Since the FDA does not regulate the supplement industry like the pharmaceutical industry it is much easier to package a product and sell it.  That being said, the quality of products on the market varies dramatically.  Fish oil in particular really varies.  You want to consider the source.  What type of fish?  Were they cold water fish? Were they farm raised? How were the toxins removed?  The best source is fish found in cold water like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring.  Next, you want to be sure these fish are not farm raised.

Second, you will want to consider the ratio of EPA to DHA.  Both are different types of omega 3 fatty acids and each offer a unique set of benefits.  EPA is great to prevent inflammation and helps control aches, pains, and swelling.  However DHA is ideal for brain health.  It has been shown to reduce brain degeneration and improve memory and brain function.  DHA is especially important for young children as their brain are developing.

As previously stated, fish oil is an omega 3 fatty acid.  Ideally, your ratio of omega 3 intake should equal that of the omega 6 intake.  However most Americans consume 20 times more omega 6 than they do omega 3.  Omega 6 containing foods include fried foods, partially hydrogenated fats and processed vegetable oils.  Instead, try to add healthy fats to your diet through foods like cold water fish, olive oil, avocados, and raw nuts and seeds.

All things considered, to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to fish oil, you want to use a premium source, make sure you have the correct ratio of EPA to DHA for your particular case, and reduce the amount of omega 6 containing foods that you consume!