We’ll be posting fresh content on the latest research, findings and comments on fish oil.
Here’s an article from the www.catholic.org site
We are hearing a lot about Omega 3 fatty acids these days. Are you confused, like many people, about Omega 3 (‘Fish Oil’)? Read on…
First, let’s start with a little history. In the end, this will begin to help clear up the confusion.
What triggered the current interest in Omega 3 fatty acids? In the 1970′s a group of Greenland Eskimos were found to have low triglycerides (fats), normal blood pressure, reduced cardiovascular disease, and yet they ate large volumes of fat! This was clearly counter culture to what was being said in the medical community. Interestingly, the fat was from seafood and was largely Omega 3 fatty acids.
Since the 1970′s discovery, millions of dollars of research has to be spent publicly and privately to determine the cause of such unusual findings. Most early researchers assumed this was a genetic aberration in the Eskimo population and; therefore, dismissed the findings.
Fortunately, with the continued push by private enterprise and creative public researchers the truth is very clear. The right types of Omega 3 are good for all human beings. They are essential for brain development and health.
As for genetics, these fatty acids are probably even more essential to those with a family heritage coming from sea faring communities of the extreme North where seafood has been a stable for centuries.
The three commonly mentioned Omega 3 fatty acids are: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Á-linolenic acid (ALA). These fatty acids are considered polyunsaturated.
Confused? Just remember that Omega 3 = the trinity of EPA, DHA, ALA.
P.S. Even on talk radio I can’t pronounce these names correctly without slowing waaaaay down!
Back to the facts- In 2004, the FDA released a statement that the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Interestingly, the Canadian Government stated, DHA, an Omega 3 fatty acid, supports the normal development of the brain, eyes, and nerves.
Researchers have not found ALA to be as beneficial as its two counterparts EPA and DHA. Many products on the market claim to have Omega 3 in them, but these products only possess ALA. Plant oils are the typical source of ALA, and these can be converted to DHA by your body. Long-term studies may prove this to be a reasonable option, but if you have the choice, pick products with EPA and DHA.
Interestingly, EPA and DHA come from micro algae found in saltwater. Typically, cold water fish eat these micro algae and accumulate high concentrations of EPA and DHA in their bodies. Like Vitamin D and Vitamin A, which can come from animal sources, Omega 3 from fish is efficiently used by the human body without the need for conversion to a more active form.
Remember, if you are a vegetarian a good source of DHA can come from the micro algae, so look at the source of your Omega 3 capsules before you buy.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish two times per week, like salmon, anchovies, bluefish, halibut, lake trout, striped sea bass, albacore tuna, pompano, mackerel, whitefish, and herring. Even carp and catfish have been recommended¡ . are you serious? I guess, it is true that eating fish in general is healthy, but remember cold water ocean fish eat the micro algae with the highest concentration of good Omega 3 fatty acids.
The World Health Organization recommends a diet or supplement consuming 0.3 – 0.5 grams of EPA and DHA and 0.8 – 1.1 grams of ALA daily. These recommendations are great, but how do we make this simple? First I am not claiming to be smarter than the great minds of the World Health Organization, but why recommend a higher concentration of ALA when all the research indicates that EPA and DHA are proven to be heart healthy?
I have to take a common sense approach on this one and make recommendations based of the research I know and understanding of health today. Here is my counsel regarding Omega 3:
– Look for ultra-refined fish oil (I like the Zone products but many stores, including GNC, will have what you’re looking for in terms of fish oil). Be sure to get the fish oil with the highest concentration of EPA and DHA.
Click here to see what I take and to get a FREE Fish Oil Buyer’s Guide.