Fish Oil supplies omega-3 fatty acids ALA, EPA and DHA. It also promotes cardiovascular wellness, immune system health, as well as:**
- Optimizing brain health, memory and mood.**
- Supporting peak bone mineral density.**
- Helping to support joint comfort and flexibility.**
What are Fish Oils?
Fish oils are a concentrated source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These “good fats” are some of the most important nutrients for overall well-being. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil include ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fish oils are often sourced from cold-water fish like salmon and cod (especially cod liver oil), although krill oil has also become a popular marine source of Omega-3s.**
According to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination, only 25% of Americans reported any daily intake of fish oil’s Omega-3s EPA or DHA. Americans’ nutritional shortfall is especially troubling because Omega-3s are some of the most powerful health-promoting nutrients known to science. Fish oil optimizes joint health, eye health, brain health, immune response, and much more.**
Of all the fish oil benefits, heart health and cardiovascular performance are the most studied. Research suggests that fish oil Omega-3s – staying true to their “multi-tasker” form – help to promote overall cardiovascular health through a variety of actions:**
- Omega-3s found in fish oil help to support stable heart rhythm.
- Modulates inflammation in the heart and arteries.
- Helps to relax the arteries and maintain arteries’ flexibility.
- Supports healthy, free-flowing circulation.
- Helps maintain triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in a healthy range.
- May help to support blood pressure that is already in a normal range.
In 2004 The FDA allowed the following qualified health claim: “Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” The American Heart Association, National Academy of Sciences, and Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee have all made dietary recommendations on achieving better heart health through consumption of omega-3-rich fish and supplements.**
Other than heart health, what is fish oil good for? Omega-3s play a critical role in cell formation and performance, promoting cell membranes that are flexible, fluid and healthy. Supple cell membranes are believed to function optimally, making fish oil important for cellular health and overall well-being.**
The best fish oil also modulates the body’s inflammatory responses. As precursors to hormone-like substances known as eicosanoids, fish oil omega-3s optimize immune performance and support normal inflammatory responses.**
Fish oil plays a key role in our development in the womb, with DHA serving as a building block for the nervous system, brain cells and eye cells. Fish oil’s fundamental role in brain health is seen later in life, too: fish intake has been linked with better cognitive performance, memory, focus, and mood.**
Omega-3s’ influence on inflammation, cell performance, and nervous system formation appear to unleash an expansive range of additional fish oil benefits:**
- Optimizes bone health, peak bone mineral density and skeletal strength.
- Supports comfortable joints, full range-of-motion and easy mobility.
- Have been associated with eye health and lasting vision performance.
- Helps to promote metabolic health and healthy weight management.
Fish Oil Directions for Use
Always consult with your health care professional before beginning any nutritional supplement or vitamin regimen. The World Health Organization suggests consuming 0.3-0.5 grams of EPA plus DHA and 0.8-1.1 grams of alpha-linolenic acid daily. The best fish oil supplement will be purified to remove mercury.**
