Fish Oil Health Benefits
All three categories are essential for health and vitality. Any diet plan that excludes any one of these categories will eventually lead to failure and deficiencies.
When considering fats, the omega-3 essential fatty acids are the "good fats" that we lack in our available foods, and therefore need to supplement.
We have an abundance of omega-6 and omega-9 fats in our diets. The balance of the omega-6 to omega-3 fats is very important.
Since we get such a high amount of omega-6 fats from refined vegetable oils, processed foods, and meats, this balance is severely "out of wack", leading to chronic inflammation and many other diseases.
The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is 3:1, in the US, the average ratio is 15:1.
Our bodies can not make these essential fats, however when they are not available our health suffers dramatically.
This website is not intended to diagnosis, treat, cure or mitigate any disease, so I am focusing on the health benefits of intelligent supplementation, instead of the diagnosis that occurs when the deficiencies are not addressed.
Of course, if you look at the top causes of mortality in the US alone, it is obvious what disease processes we need to be aware of.
The fish oil health benefits from the omega-3 essential fatty acid is important for every single cell in our entire body!
Our cells have a plasma membrane, or a shell, that keeps what needs to be inside the cell in and what needs to be extra- cellular out.
The fat, or oil, in the membrane combines to form this barrier.
You know the saying, oil and water don't mix, well it was never more important than when considering what makes up our individual cells.
In addition, the essential fats form the basic structures of eicosanoids which influence inflammation, blood pressure, pain, and circulation.
Other fish oil health benefits include proper nerve function, cell membrane fluidity,
and memory.
Memory is interesting if you think about it. Most of our brain is fat. It is crucial for maintaining desirable cognitive function to have the essential fats in our diets.
Mood, pregnancy, and lactation are a few more situations where fish oil has a major effect.
In Naturopathy, when considering whether to take plant source omega-3 (ALA) or fish source (EPA and DHA), the evidence is now indicating that EPA and DHA are most desirable for positive health benefits. ALA is not as likely to be converted into the longer chain EPA or DHA.
Many people complain that the fish oil supplement they take has a terrible taste, or they "burp" the essence of the oil, if you will, after they take the supplement. This dees not occur with a fresh product. That fishy repeat is a result of lipid peroxidation, or when the delicate oils have gone rancid.
Additionally, these fats are incredible delicate. If they are old or have not been handled with the greatest of care, they are most likely rancid and taste fishy. That my friend, does nothing good for our health situation.
I, as a Naturopathic Physician, personally take Nordic Natural fish oil! They have third party testing for freshness and purity, their oil is in the natural triglyceride form, is molecularly distilled, and guaranteed to be free of environmental contaminants (heavy metals).
Fish oil health benefits are a fundamendal part of a healthy supplement rountine. I have included a link to Nordic Natural's website if you would like to learn more or use their fantastic products.
To learn more about Nordic Naturals products or to order, click here.
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