There are benefits of fish oil to the brain, joints, skin, immune system, eyes and digestive system. This article touches briefly on those, but focuses primarily on the benefit to the heart. Numerous studies have been conducted over the years. Each one provides a little more information. Here’s what researchers have seen.
Blood Pressure Reduction
Exactly how or why fish oil benefits blood pressure is unknown. But, several studies have shown that increased intake of omega3 fatty acids, which are abundant in the oils of fatty fish, has a positive effect on hypertension.
For many years, the benefits of fish oil have been ascribed to the omega3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. But, recent research indicates that it is not just the omega3s that provide the benefits seen in older people that commonly eat fish and their oils. One thing that researchers have looked at recently is the increased blood levels of the antioxidant selenium in people that eat a great deal of fish.
The natural triglycerides would contain selenium, but the distilled esters would not. The antioxidant would be destroyed by the heat.
Triglyceride Reduction
How fish oil benefits blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels is better understood. Omega3s are good fats. They are of a higher density that floats through the bloodstream and picks up very low density particles of cholesterol.
The low density particles “sink”. They become oxidized by free radical molecules and build up inside the arterial walls. So, the fish oil benefits include a reduced risk of hardening of the arteries, the most common form of age-related heart disease. Several studies indicate that DHA has a greater triglyceride reduction capacity than EPA.
Anticoagulant Activity
Many of the benefits of fish oil are ascribed to its anticoagulant activity. Anticoagulants “thin” the blood and prevent the formation of clots. This reduces the risk of both heart attack and stroke. The fish oil benefits have not always been obvious in clinical studies, but most researchers agree that increasing your omega3 intake may help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Other Possible Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
Nutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity have been shown to reduce the risk of several forms of cancer. Omega3 fatty acids and the natural triglycerides from fatty fish have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Benefit has been seen in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s. But, basically, all of the cells of the body would be benefitted, because inflammation and oxidation are two of the causes of cellular aging.
Research has shown that fish oil benefits the brain, may relieve depression and improve conditions like ADHD. Studies in Canada are currently ongoing concerning the protective benefits for the brain. Hopefully, this supplement will reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related dementia.
There is a wide range of quality among the supplements on the market. It is worth your while to do a little research about the manufacturer, before you buy. In order to safely get the benefits of fish oil, you need to shop for freshness and purity, as well as a high percentage of omega3 fatty acids.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all fish oil supplements are safe. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/3-simple-benefits-of-fish-oil-for-healthy-living-and-disease-prevention-939589.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
Before you buy fish oil, take a few minutes to read this article. If you are not careful about the quality of your supplements, then you could be wasting your money or even damaging your health. You need to be sure that the supplement is free of contaminants, has low oxidation levels, has high omega3 content and has good anti-inflammatory activity. This article covers how to determine those things.
Checking For Contaminants
It is simply not good enough for a company to “say” that their products are free of mercury and other contaminants. They should be able to “prove” it. In order to do that, they can have testing conducted by an independent laboratory to obtain an official certificate of analysis or COA.
A copy of the COA should be posted on the manufacturer’s website. If you don’t see it, don’t place the order. It just doesn’t make sense to buy fish oil that costs as much as $60 per bottle, when there is no guarantee of purity.
The COA will list mercury, PCBs, dioxins, lead, arsenic and a variety of other toxins that are known to pollute our waters and our fish. On the line next to each contaminant, it should say “not detected”. Molecular distillation can insure low contaminant levels, but some naturally occurring oils are safe enough to take “as is”. No distillation is required.
Finding Out About Oxidation
Oxidation will also be listed on a COA. You should not buy fish oil that has a high level of oxidation. It has to do with how fresh the oils were when they were encapsulated. If the total oxidation level is over 17 MEQ/KG, then you will get fishy tasting burps and there is a risk to your long-term health, because oxidized oils contain free radicals.
If you currently have some supplements in your home, you can check for oxidation by cutting one open and “sniffing”. It should not smell like rotten fish or an artificial flavor like lemon. Companies often add lemon, lime or another flavoring to mask the taste and smell of rancid oils.
Determining Omega3 Content
The omega3 content will also be listed on the COA. Some manufacturers list it on the label, as well. Others list only the amount of oils that are in each capsule. Not all of those oils are omega3 fats. You want to be sure to buy fish oil that provides at least 500mg of omega3s per 1000mg of oil.
The manufacturer should also list the amount of individual fatty acids (DHA, EPA and DPA) that are in each capsule. DHA is the most important to the brain and has more triglyceride reduction activity than EPA.
Judging Anti-inflammatory Activity
The manufacturer can pay to have their supplements scientifically tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Most companies, particularly those in the US, don’t bother. Companies in the US are not allowed to mention the anti-inflammatory activity of the supplement, because that would be a medicinal benefit.
If you buy fish oil that has been proven to have a high degree of anti-inflammatory activity, there will be benefits to your joints and every cell of your body, because inflammation is one of the causes of cellular aging.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But don’t buy fish oil without some due diligence. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/4-quality-control-checks-before-buying-fish-oil-supplements-939573.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
The best fish oil supplements provide a minimum of 500mg of omega3 fatty acids per capsule. Omega3s are a group of polyunsaturated fats that are good for our health. They include DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid) and (ALA) α-Linolenic acid, as well as five other less significant ones. DHA is believed to be the most important in several ways.
ALA is found primarily in vegetable oils. Until recently, it was believed that ALA supplementation would raise blood levels of DHA, but research has shown that it has little, if any, effect. For vegans and other vegetarians, marine algae supplements are being recommended, because they provide DHA.
DHA is the most abundant fatty acid found in the brain and inside of the eye. Its necessity for proper brain development in children has been well established. It is present in breast milk and most infant formulas are fortified with it.
The benefit for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disease, is currently being studied, as is the benefit for reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The macula is a small spot in the back of the eye, responsible for central vision. Degeneration of this area is the major cause of blindness among the elderly. Although some peripheral vision is usually retained, central vision is lost. One of the risk factors for macular degeneration is high blood triglycerides.
The best fish oil contains a large amount of DHA, because it is so important to the brain and because it has proven to be most effective at reducing blood triglyceride levels. One clinical trial compared the effectiveness of DHA to that of EPA. DHA had a significantly greater effect.
High triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease among older people, specifically with atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. The best fish oil can help reduce our risks of age-related heart diseases. Not only because it lowers triglyceride levels, but also because it has anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory activity.
An anti-coagulant is any compound that prevents clotting and “thins” the blood. The most well known anti-coagulant is aspirin. Doctors often recommend a low-dose aspirin regimen for patients that are at risk for or have had a history of heart attacks. Now, many doctors recommend omega3 supplementation, as well.
The biggest complaint that people have when taking these supplements is that they cause fishy tasting burps. The best fish oil supplements are guaranteed to be “burp-free”. You can get your money back if they cause that problem.
The reason that the manufacturers are sure that there will be “no burps” is because the oxidation level is so low. Oxidized oils are not fresh when they are encapsulated. The smell is hidden by the capsule, but the stomach has a negative reaction to them, anyway.
There are many other benefits of increasing your omega3 intake. Many different doctors recommend it. Books have been written about it. But, in order to get all of those benefits, you need to be sure to buy the best fish oil on the market.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But it is important to know that the best fish oil contains more DHA omega 3. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/are-you-taking-the-best-fish-oil-what-to-look-for-939538.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
All fish oil capsules have some amount of anti-inflammatory activity, because of the essential fatty acids they contain. But, recent studies have shown that a fish oil capsule containing 500mg of natural triglycerides from the New Zealand hoki fish has anti-inflammatory activity equivalent to that of aspirin, which is more than double what is seen with a “regular” supplement.
Manufacturers have choices when they decide to sell fish oil capsules. They can choose what species of fish to use and decide whether or not to distill and concentrate it. If it is distilled the result is called an ester. If it is not distilled, it is called a natural triglyceride.
For many years, the use of molecular distillation was the best choice, because it concentrated the omega3 fatty acids and removed impurities like mercury. Now, it seems that the natural form has more anti-inflammatory activity, but since the concentration of omega3s would be lower, other health benefits would be lost.
There is a third choice. A fish oil capsule can contain 500mg of natural triglycerides and 500mg of concentrated esters. In that way, the omega3 content is higher than what is found in most supplements, but the anti-inflammatory activity is left intact.
Why a fish oil capsule containing the natural triglycerides would have a higher level of anti-inflammatory activity is unknown. Sometimes, it is impossible to isolate a single component of a naturally occurring substance that is responsible for its medicinal activity. Sometimes, it is a combination of all of the naturally occurring nutrients that is responsible.
For example, researchers have tried to find the compound that is responsible for the health benefits of red wine. When they identified resveratrol, they believed that had it. But, later studies showed that it could not possibly be resveratrol, alone, that was responsible for the health benefits, because the amount in the wine was far too low.
It has been difficult to explain the anti-inflammatory activity of fish oil capsules, too. Researchers have tried to identify what biological pathways are affected by omega3 fatty acids. It is known that bio-chemicals produced from omega3s have less inflammatory activity than those produced from omega6s. But, that would increasing omega3s in the diet would only have the affect of modulating inflammation.
If it has a high degree of anti-inflammatory activity, a fish oil capsule can relieve aching joints and protect the cells of the body from the negative affects of chronic inflammation. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel are improved through the use of fish oil capsules.
There are benefits to the heart, as well, because inflammation is involved in atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis improve when a person takes a fish oil capsule. But, all of these benefits are dependent on the anti-inflammatory activity.
Manufacturers can have their fish oil capsules tested for anti-inflammatory activity. The better manufacturers publish the results on their websites. Of course, testing costs money and most manufacturers are not willing to pay the price. So, this is not something that you will commonly see. If you want the best, it pays to look for it.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all fish oil capsules are safe. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/some-fish-oil-capsules-are-better-than-others-find-out-why-939611.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
Omega3 fish oil should contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid). The amount of each of those fatty acids should be listed on the label. Each one is beneficial, but the most important is DHA.
DHA is a 22 carbon bond long chained essential fatty acid. It is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants and is required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream have been associated with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression and aggressive behavior.
Increased intake of DHA has been shown to improve learning ability, ability to concentrate and reduces feelings of depression. Studies concerning the benefit for protecting the brain from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease are currently ongoing. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes memory loss, dementia and eventually kills.
DHA omega3 fish oil has a positive effect on diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), type II or adult-onset diabetes and some types of cancer. It reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
DHA has good anti-inflammatory activity and helps to modulate immune system function. There are benefits for people that suffer from eczema, psoriasis, acne, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel diseases and any condition in which inflammation plays a role. Since inflammation is one of the causes of cellular aging, you might say that DHA-rich omega3 fish oil has anti-aging activity.
Both DHA and EPA have proven benefits for improving levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering total triglyceride levels. One study compared the benefits of DHA to that of EPA. The DHA group had a 26% decrease in blood triglycerides while the EPA group showed a decrease of 21%.
The human body can easily convert DHA to EPA, by removing two carbon bonds. The reverse is not true. In order to convert from EPA to DHA, the body would need to “add” two carbon bonds. That is not easily accomplished.
DPA is a lesser known omega3, although research is being conducted. Currently, we believe that it contributes to overall cardiovascular health, because it is present in high quantities in seal oil, a favored food of native Inuit peoples, who have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease, despite a diet high in fat.
Once you verify that the omega3 fish oil you are about to buy contains all of the essential fatty acids, find out what steps the manufacturer takes to insure purity and freshness. Molecular distillation is a popular choice, but it may also reduce the anti-inflammatory activity. Some recent evidence indicates that.
Some oils are naturally free of contaminants like mercury and PCBs. The manufacturer can verify that and prove it to consumers by posting an independent laboratory analysis on the company website.
With the popularity of omega3 fish oil as a dietary supplement, there has been an influx of new brand names. Your best bet is to buy online. The department store brands simply cannot be trusted.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of taking fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all omega3 fish oil is safe. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/omega3-fish-oil-and-the-importance-of-dha-939600.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
Before you buy a fish oil concentrate, it is important to learn what steps the manufacturer takes to insure purity and freshness. It is not possible to be “too” careful. Some of the supplements on the market are simply a waste of money, but others could actually be bad for your health.
In an independent laboratory analysis, traces of the banned pesticide DDT and the banned chemicals PCBs were found in a popular supplement known as Omega-Pure. Obviously, it isn’t that pure. Both of those chemicals are listed by the US EPA as probable human carcinogens.
From a strictly environmental standpoint, the fishing practices used by the company are hazardous to the ecosystem. They use vacuums to bring in thousands of tons of a species known as menhaden. It is a filter fish, crucial to places like the Chesapeake Bay. In 2007, at the time that the laboratory analysis was conducted, the company was the largest producer of omega3 fish oil concentrate in the United States.
The Environmental Defense Fund has created a list of the best choices for supplementation and the worst ones. While these supplements are generally recognized as safe, there are few regulations concerning contamination or oxidation. Adherence to standards for purity and freshness is strictly voluntary. In most cases, it is the less expensive supplements that are on the “worst” list.
Of the 75 companies surveyed by the Environmental Defense Fund, more than a third of them returned incomplete data or failed to adhere to the standards set by the Council for Responsible Nutrition. The standards set by the council are not as high as those set by individual companies, but at least, it is a starting point.
You can usually identify the best quality fish oil concentrate by visiting the manufacturer’s website. They should post a copy of a certificate of analysis, conducted by an independent laboratory. They should list the name of the laboratory that conducted the analysis and when it comes to impurities the report should say “not detected”.
There will be some level of oxidation in any supplement, but the level should be as low as possible. Oxidized oils contain free radicals and cause fishy-tasting burps. Basically, the oils are spoiled when they are encapsulated.
The supplements that are a simple waste of money are those that do not provide large amounts of omega3 fatty acids. A fish oil concentrate might contain a lot or a little. The manufacturers are not required to list the amount of omega3s that are present in the product. Nor are they required to list individual omega3s like DHA.
DHA is one of the most studied omega3 fatty acids. It is important for the health of the brain and the eyes. It has the highest degree of triglyceride reduction, which is beneficial to the heart. It has the most anti-inflammatory activity and it may reduce the risk of many age-related diseases.
You can only be confident about taking a fish oil concentrate if you take the time to do a little research about the manufacturer. The best companies proudly display their standards for purity, freshness and omega3 content. The worst ones appeal to you with a low price.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of taking fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all fish oil concentrates are safely distilled. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/fish-oil-concentrate–939595.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
When you are shopping for ultra refined fish oil, you will see that supplements come in a variety of forms and concentrations. Some manufacturers add other ingredients to “enhance” the health benefits. They might even offer a free sample. But, before you fall for the advertising gimmicks, take a moment to learn about the things that are really important. First, let’s talk about those “free” samples.
In order to get a free sample, you must sign up for auto-ship programs. The manufacturers say that you can cancel at any time, but customers have found it difficult to contact the company.
The discounts that the manufacturers offer are not really significant. The supplements are overpriced in the first place. You will see that if you shop around.
One of the more expensive supplements contains the highly touted acai berry, even though the benefits of that ingredient are questionable, at best. The best ultra refined fish oil supplements stand alone, meaning that they are beneficial when taken alone or in combination with a good multi-nutritional supplement. There is no real need to add other ingredients.
Most all of the liquid supplements contain added flavors. This manufacturer says that the added flavor improves the taste and makes it easier to take. The problem is that the fragrance can mask the smell of rancid oils.
Fish oils have a very short shelf-life. They can quickly become rancid. If there are no added flavorings, then you can easily identify this, because they start to smell like rotten fish.
Taking rancid oils can make you sick, but there are other risks as well. Rancid oils are oxidized, which means they contain free radicals.
Ideally, ultra refined fish oil would neutralize some free radicals, because it has some antioxidant activity. There is reason to believe that the natural triglycerides have a higher degree of antioxidant activity, because they may provide some selenium or other antioxidants.
However, the natural triglycerides are prone to contain contaminants. If a manufacturer provides the natural triglyceride form, they should be able to prove that the oils have been tested for and are free of mercury, lead and cancer-causing dioxins.
There is also reason to believe that the natural triglyceride form has more anti-inflammatory activity than ultra refined fish oil that has been molecularly distilled. Again, this may be due to the presence of selenium or some other factor that the heat of molecular distillation removes.
The only disadvantage of the natural triglycerides is lower omega3 concentration. Some manufacturers have found a solution to that problem. They add the natural triglyceride form to a concentrated ester. That way, each capsule still provides at least 500mg of omega3 fatty acids.
You need to look carefully at what the supplement facts on the label are actually saying. Some labels list the amount of omega3s that are provided in two capsules. That’s misleading.
Now that you have the facts about ultra refined fish oil, it should be easy to tell the difference between the advertising gimmicks and a valid health claim. Take your time and don’t be misled.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all refined fish oil capsules are safe. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/ultra-refined-fish-oils–939649.html
Posted in Health | No Comments »
« Previous Entries