If you haven’t heard about the incredible benefits of fish oil, then it’s time to perk up your ears.
Fish oil is possibly the most important supplement for your health, and here’s why:
Most of the benefits of fish oil come from its rich omega-3 fatty acid content.
In fact, omega-3’s are so essential that omega-3 deficiency is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States.
The good news is that mainstream medicine is finally starting to get the memo about fish oil.
This should come as a huge relief because many of these deaths are preventable.
In the rest of this article, we cover the major health benefits of fish oil and how to choose the best supplements.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil comes from the fatty tissues of fish.
In general, the fattier the fish, the higher the omega-3 content.
Cold-water, fatty fish are the best sources.
For this reason, you should always buy fish oil that comes from wild-caught, cold-water fish…but more on this later…
EPA and DHA are the most important types of omega-3’s.
Without getting too scientific, the body uses EPA and DHA to strengthen cell walls.
You can get plenty of EPA and DHA from eating wild-caught fish like…
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Herring
- Anchovies
However, the most efficient way to increase omega-3’s is by taking a fish oil supplement.
Are We In an Omega-3 Crisis?
Researchers have done over 10,000 scientific studies about fish oil over the last decade.
By and large, the results point to fish oil as the ticket to better health.
In fact, omega-3’s are more important now than ever.
As it turns out, the modern western diet is way too high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Ideally, you should have between a 1:1 and 4:1 ratio of omega-6’s to omega-3’s.
Unfortunately, the average person on the western diet gets between 15:1 and 20:1.
YIKES!
The next time you reach for greasy, deep-fried food, you might want to think twice.
Junk food cooked with pro-inflammatory oils are high in omega-6’s…
So the next time you’re hungry, instead of swinging by McDonald’s, grill some salmon.
The bottom line is, fish oil promotes a healthy inflammatory response, and it can have a domino effect on your overall health.
9 Major Health Benefits of Fish Oil
Fish oil has too many health benefits to cover in this short article, so today we’re just focusing on a few of the biggest ones.
Interestingly, most of fish oil’s benefits come back to reducing inflammation:
1. Reduced Risk of Cancer
Many studies have found that fish oil can prevent and treat various cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate.
For example, fish oil injections significantly reduce the inflammation associated with tumor growth. (2)
2. Heart health
Omega-3’s help maintain healthy lipid and CRP levels in the body.
These substances are markers of overall heart health.
On top of this, the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil treat several cardiovascular diseases. (3)
3. Joint health
Do you want pain-free, healthier joints?
Well, you’re in luck!
Omega-3 fish oil supports joint health by reducing inflammation.
4. Diabetes
Fish oil may help with a variety of diabetes complications.
For instance, studies show that omega-3’s improve memory, circulation, and eyesight.
5. Immune support
Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy immune response.
Specifically, fish oil controls inflammation and helps the immune system calm down at the right time.
6. Weight loss
When combined with diet and exercise, fish oil supplementation can help you lose weight faster.
7. Mental Health
Fish oil supports mood and treats anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few…
The evidence is especially strong that omega-3’s improve the brain function of Alzheimer’s patients. (6)
8. Eye disorders
A diet that’s high in omega-3’s is connected to lower rates of age-related eyesight problems.
When it comes down to it, this is just one of many reasons to take fish oil as you get older.
9. Healthier Hair
Fish oil can rejuvenate the skin.
In fact, fish oil supplements can increase skin elasticity, prevent wrinkles, and slow the aging process.
One of the main reasons fish oil is incredible for skin is that it reduces skin inflammation.
HEALTH TIP: the next time you get a sunburn, take fish oil supplements — it can help your skin heal faster.
Can Fish Oil Be Toxic?
BUYER BEWARE: quality control is a big issue with fish oil.
Supplements easily go rancid in the manufacturing process, so it’s important to buy from trusted brands.
In fact, quality should be your #1 concern.
Lower-priced fish oil may contain higher levels of pollutants and toxins like…
- Pesticides
- TOTOX
- Dioxins
- PCD’s
- PCB’s
- Heavy metals
This is why it’s best to learn as much as you can before you buy their supplements.
Best Fish Oil Supplements
Here’s what to look for to get the best fish oil possible:
1. Bioavailability
As you just learned, not all fish oil supplements are created equal.
You’ll also want to make sure that it’s in the bioavailable “triglyceride” form.
This structure makes it easy for the cells to absorb.
2. Potency
Cheaper fish oils often contain way less EPA and DHA per capsule.
Believe it or not, cheaper brands can contain up to 50% less omega-3’s.
3. Format
Marine-based omega-3 supplements are the easiest for the body to absorb.
Vegetarian sources, on the other hand, don’t have the same benefits.
In fact, you may have to take up to 20-25 times the amount of flax, chia, and hemp seed oil to get the same amount of EPA and DHA that’s in fish oil.
When it comes down to it, fish oil is the best option if you want to get the most bang for your buck.
Go with a high-quality fish oil that checks all the boxes:
- Bioavailable triglyceride form
- Tested for purity by the GOED (Global Organization of EPA and DHA Omega-3’s)
- Non-GMO certified
- Wild-caught, cold-water fish
With the right fish oil, you can reduce inflammation and improve your health.
If you have any further questions, our providers at Complete Care Health Centers are happy to help.
Feel free to contact us today for help finding the best fish oil supplements.