|
 |
|
Fish Oil Supplements For A Healthy HeartFish Oil supplements contain essential fatty acids required by the body for certain processes. Omega 3 and Omega 6 are fatty acids that cannot be made be made by the body, and need to be obtained from the diet. With so many branded products flooding the market, here are some tips on how to choose the right supplement for you.
What are Essential Fatty Acids?Essential fatty acids are fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, that are used in the synthesis of phospholipids and cannot be manufactured by our own body. A key function of EFA's is the production of prostaglandins which among other things regulates heart rate, blood pressure and inflammation in the body.
Omega-3 OilsOmega-3 oils are naturally found in fish, flaxseed, canola oil, nuts and avocados as well as some fortified eggs and dairy products. The Omega 3 group of essential fatty acids promotes a healthy heart and is used in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease, high cholesterol. Further, research has shown that they may also be useful in treating or preventing Parkinson's, depression, bipolar disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alcoholism, postpartum depression, Alzheimer's, diabetes and arthritis.The American Heart Association recommends 2-4 servings of fatty fish per week in order for us to maintain the correct amount of Omega-3 levels in our bodies. Fish oil supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids are useful since most people do not obtain the required level of Omega-3 through their diet. The majority of supplements in the market contain two out of the eight Omega-3 elements, eicosapentonoeic acid (EPA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA). Very few supplements do contain all eight elements, however the benefits of this combination have not been researched extensively. The recommended dose of Omega-3 supplements in patients with Coronary Artery Disease is 1 g of DHA and EPA. Patients who need to lower triglycerides should take 2-4 g of EPA and DHA per day. Omega-6 OilsOmega-6 is found in cereals, whole grain bread, baked goods, fried food and margarine. Since all of these foods form a large part of our diets, we do not require supplementation with Omega 6. On the contrary, we need to increase the levels of Omega 3 in the body to normalize the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 to a healthy level. Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, clotting and tumor growth.
Omega-9 OilsOmega-9 is a non-essential fatty acid that is manufactured by our body and is also found in small amounts in nuts, seeds and avocados. It is not normally required as a supplement in most individuals.
What is the Best Supplement for Me?Many manufacturers promote their products using marketing techniques. It is important to look for the ingredients, the source of the ingredients as well as the purity of the ingredients. The product label containing a good source of fish oil will normally indicate the source. A label that states "fish oil" or "marine oil" could mean that the oil is coming from an inferior species.Ultra refined oils have the lowest possible level of pollutants and almost no fish taste. Concentrates do not provide as much EPA and DHA as the ultra refined and contain some pollutants. The basic oils have the least amount of EPA and DHA supplements. Since fish oils are a natural products, there are no side effects of fish oil supplementation. However, patients on certain medications such as blood thinners should consult their physician before taking fish oil supplements.
Fish Oil and Cod Liver OilIt is important to note that fish oil supplements do not contain the same ingredients as cod liver oil. Fish supplements are extracted from the flesh of fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tune and salmon and are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of the cod fish and is rich in Vitamins A and D but does not contain omega-3 fatty acids.Fish oil supplementation is therefore a safe and effective solution for overall health and particularly a healthy heart.
Return to Health Supplements from Fish Oil Supplements
|
Best Selling Book Now Available!
|
|
|
|
||
|
| Homepage | Eating Guidelines | Food Pyramid |
Healthy Foods | Lose Weight | Meal Plans |
Easy Recipes
| Health Supplements | Healthy Diets | Terms and Conditions |Feedback |Subscribe | Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for reference purposes only, and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before commencing a diet or exercise program |
||
|
| ||