Something Fishy Going On

Did you know that fish oil has recently been approved as a prescription drug? In a way this is commendable, yet it enables drug companies to charge an exorbitant price to unwitting consumers who are not aware of the alternatives on the market. Who knew that fish oil, spoon fed to Depression-era kids for its vitamin D content, would emerge as such a great support for boosting overall health?

In the last 30 years research has focused on a family of essential fatty acids (EFAs), fats that your body needs daily but can't make itself. The healthiest of all dietary fats, called omega-3s. Omega-3s have been shown to ease joint pain, protect the heart, sharpen memory, help balance mood swings and even help keep your skin looking younger!

Years ago people got omega-3s from game meats, grass-fed beef, leafy greens, and especially fish. But today's fast and processed foods have nearly squeezed omega-3s out of the diet. They've been replaced by large amounts of omega-6s, another family of EFAs found in, for example, corn and safflower oil, grain fed beef and poultry, partially hydrogenated oils and fried foods. Too many omega-6s promote free radical damage, inflammation and disease.

The best and easiest way to restore a balance between these fats is to replace some of the omega-6s in your diet, partially hydrogenated fats especially, with omega-3s and take a fish-oil supplement. Be sure you get a quality supplement that you know is third party tested for purity and freshness. This ensures that no mercury, PCBs, or heavy metals are involved in the process.

I recommend and carry Nordic Naturals for their high quality and commitment to ongoing research, another plus, no fishy after taste!