Omeg 3 fatty acids, Decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) present in fish oil provide multiple health benefits. These substances when taken in the right quantities either through fish meals or by means of fish oil capsules reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, arterial blockage, abnormal heart rhythms, stroke, hypertension and mood disorders.
The US National Institutes of Health for there conditions, namely, Hypertriglyceridemia, Secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and High blood pressure has highly and strongly recommended these acids. Although the evidence in following cases is not of the highest level, still it has also listed 27 other condition where fish oil could be of big benefit.
The benefits of fish oil not only effect health, but can also effect personal behavior. In select studies, violent prisoners in England and Finland have been shown to have below normal levels of the fatty acids found in fish oil. Although an intake of more than 3 grams daily could lead to bleeding, posing some safety concerns.
So how do the fish produce omega 3 fatty acids? They do not produce it. They accumulate it. At the start of the chain are the micro algae which produce these fatty acids. Fish eat these micro algae. And then they also eat other fish which have already accumulated these fatty acids. Here is where the danger lurks.
Toxic substances like mercury can accumulate in fish due to their place at the top of the food chain. The FDA acknowledges this with a warning on too much consumption of fish. To combat the fear of toxic substances and to still serve the need for the numerous benefits of fish and their nutrients, fish oil supplements may be the answer for a large sector of the population.
Omega 3 supplements are now available in the fish oil capsules form. Be cautious when choosing your family’s fish oil capsules. Look for products specifically drawn from a single series. Brands that process fish species graded for human consumption and certified toxin free are your best choice. Companies that press their fish oil only from healthy fish flesh help to minimize the risk of contaminants and hidden Vitamin A and D.
Certain fatty acids, including perhaps the most important omega 3, are found in fish and provide multiple health benefits by reducing the risk of hypertension, Secondary Cardiovascular Disease and arterial blockage. The US National Institute of Health recommends consumption of these fatty acids. However, fish also accumulate mercury and other toxins. To derive the benefits without ingesting toxic substances, fish oil supplements in capsule form are the ideal solution. Consumers should buy fish oil capsules from companies that use a single species, that purify the oil for human consumption and certify the product to be toxin free are preferable.
- Michael Byrd