The Best Fish Oil Capsules Contain DHA Omega 3’s
Filed Under Anti Aging Supplement, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Cholesterol, DHA and EPA, Fish Oil Supplements, Heart Disease, Main Content, Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Comments Off
Finding the best fish oil capsules is simple, if you know what to look for. The factors that are most important include purity and freshness, omega-3 content, DHA content and anti-inflammatory activity.
Some of those things will be listed on the label. You may have to do a little digging to learn about the others, but you should be able to find the information that you need on the manufacturer’s website. If they don’t make the information easy to find, then choose a different brand. There are lots of different brands on the market. So, there is no reason to settle for second-best.
The omega-3 and the DHA content should be clearly listed on the label. Simply stating that the capsule contains 1000mg of fish oils is not sufficient. Only a portion of the oils found in fatty fish are omega-3s.
DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is the longest-chained fatty acid. Within the body, it can be easily converted into any of the other omega-3s, such as Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, but the reverse does not hold true. The best fish oil capsules provide a minimum of 28% or 280mg of DHA per cap.
DHA deficits are associated with learning and behavioral disorders, as well as depression and dementia. There’s a lot of fat in the human brain and about 40% of it is DHA. There’s a reason that fish is called brain food. There are no other natural dietary sources of DHA. Small amounts of omega-3s are found in plants and in grass-fed livestock, but DHA is only present in fatty fish.
Information concerning purity and freshness should be available at the manufacturer’s website. The best fish oil capsules are free of contaminants and have very low levels of oxidation (spoilage). The manufacturer should have had testing conducted by an independent laboratory to prove that the oils are fresh and pure. You cannot take the company’s word for it. You should look for a COA or certificate of analysis.
Oxidized oils cause fishy aftertastes and burping. When oxidation levels are very low, then the product will be burp-free. The better manufacturers guarantee it.
Fishy burps are annoying, but the worst part is that oxidized oils contain free radicals. We should make every effort to reduce the body’s free radical burden. The best fish oil capsules help us do that, because they have anti-oxidant activity. Antioxidants neutralize free radical molecules before they can damage the cells.
Laboratories can examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the oils inside of a capsule. Researchers have seen that some oils have more anti-inflammatory activity than others.
Some manufacturers have had their supplements tested for anti-inflammatory activity. But, if the supplement is manufactured in the US, there’s no reason to have the testing done. The FDA does not allow manufacturers to make specific claims concerning anti-inflammatory activity, because that would make it a drug.
But, whether the FDA wants us to know or not, the best fish oil capsules do have a high degree of anti-inflammatory activity and the manufacturer can prove it.
Valerie Rosenbaum thinks taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Rosenbaum
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Fish-Oil-Capsules-Contain-DHA-Omega-3s&id=2418422
Omega3 Fish Oil and the Importance of DHA
Filed Under Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol, DHA and EPA, Fish Oil Supplements, Heart Disease, Main Content, Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Leave a Comment
Omega3 fish oil should contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid). The amount of each of those fatty acids should be listed on the label. Each one is beneficial, but the most important is DHA.
DHA is a 22 carbon bond long chained essential fatty acid. It is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants and is required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream have been associated with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression and aggressive behavior.
Increased intake of DHA has been shown to improve learning ability, ability to concentrate and reduces feelings of depression. Studies concerning the benefit for protecting the brain from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease are currently ongoing. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes memory loss, dementia and eventually kills.
DHA omega3 fish oil has a positive effect on diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), type II or adult-onset diabetes and some types of cancer. It reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
DHA has good anti-inflammatory activity and helps to modulate immune system function. There are benefits for people that suffer from eczema, psoriasis, acne, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel diseases and any condition in which inflammation plays a role. Since inflammation is one of the causes of cellular aging, you might say that DHA-rich omega3 fish oil has anti-aging activity.
Both DHA and EPA have proven benefits for improving levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering total triglyceride levels. One study compared the benefits of DHA to that of EPA. The DHA group had a 26% decrease in blood triglycerides while the EPA group showed a decrease of 21%.
The human body can easily convert DHA to EPA, by removing two carbon bonds. The reverse is not true. In order to convert from EPA to DHA, the body would need to “add” two carbon bonds. That is not easily accomplished.
DPA is a lesser known omega3, although research is being conducted. Currently, we believe that it contributes to overall cardiovascular health, because it is present in high quantities in seal oil, a favored food of native Inuit peoples, who have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease, despite a diet high in fat.
Once you verify that the omega3 fish oil you are about to buy contains all of the essential fatty acids, find out what steps the manufacturer takes to insure purity and freshness. Molecular distillation is a popular choice, but it may also reduce the anti-inflammatory activity. Some recent evidence indicates that.
Some oils are naturally free of contaminants like mercury and PCBs. The manufacturer can verify that and prove it to consumers by posting an independent laboratory analysis on the company website.
With the popularity of omega3 fish oil as a dietary supplement, there has been an influx of new brand names. Your best bet is to buy online. The department store brands simply cannot be trusted.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
Are You Taking the Right Fish Oil Dosage For Your Particular Health Condition?
Filed Under Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, DHA and EPA, Fish Oil Supplements, Heart Disease, Main Content, Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Leave a Comment
Suggestions for the proper fish oil dosage vary from 1000-3000mg per day. But, the thing that is really important is not the amount of oil that is present. It is the amount of omega3 fatty acids in each capsule. The omega3 content is not equivalent to the amount of oils. It is only a percentage of it. Reputable manufacturers include this information on their labels.
There are some highly concentrated varieties that provide as much as 800mg of omega3s per 1000mg capsule. But, a recent study showed that there are some extra anti-inflammatory benefits to the natural triglycerides, which have a lower concentration.
Researchers compared the anti-inflammatory activity of two different supplements. One contained 800mg of omega3 fatty acids in the concentrated ester form that most manufacturers use. The other one contained only 500mg of the ester and 500mg of the natural triglyceride. The omega3 content was lower, providing only 500mg total, but the anti-inflammatory activity was higher, twice that of the concentrated ester.
So, basically, your best fish oil dosage is 1000mg total, 500 of a concentrated ester and 500 of natural triglycerides. Total omega3 content would be 500mg and total content of DHA would be at least 260mg.
DHA is the most studied of all of the omega3 fatty acids. It is abundant in brain cells and nerve endings. It accounts for 60% of the free fatty acids in the retina of the eye, the light gathering apparatus that transmits signals to the brain, allowing us to see.
DHA and another important omega3 called EPA have a significant impact on unhealthy blood triglyceride levels. They improve the concentration of “good” HDL cholesterol, which in turn reduces the negative effects of LDL or bad cholesterol.
A good fish oil dosage may help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and blood clots. It has anti-coagulant activity, similar to that of aspirin, and helps lower blood pressure.
The benefits to the digestive system and the joints have been recognized for hundreds of years. Nordic fisherman took a dose every day, to reduce the negative impact that the cold had on their joints.
Recent studies have shown that there is benefit for people that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, eczema, psoriasis, acne and lupus.
A good fish oil dosage may help improve your mood, reduce depressive feelings and improve your ability to concentrate. Researchers are evaluating the benefits for people that suffer from Alzheimer’s and have suggested that it may be beneficial for reducing the risk of that degenerative brain disease.
So, there are benefits to the skin, the immune system, the joints, the digestive system, the heart, the brain and basically every cell of the body. But, these benefits may be accompanied by risks, if the supplement is not evaluated for purity.
Manufacturers are not required to test each batch for contaminants, but the better manufacturers do conduct that sort of testing. They are able to prove that their recommended fish oil dosage is free of mercury and other contaminants. Ask for the proof, before you buy.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
Taking Fish Oil Supplements? - Which Are the Best?
Filed Under Antioxidant, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, DHA and EPA, Fish Oil Supplements, Main Content, Natural Supplements, Nutritional Supplements, Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Leave a Comment
Fish oil supplements provide polyunsaturated fatty acids known as omega3s, which are essential to human health. But, not every fish oil supplement provides the same amount of omega3s. The label does not always reflect the amount that is in each capsule. Consumers can easily become confused.
This article should help clear up some of that confusion. Think of it is a shopping guide. It should help you find the safest and most effective fish oil supplements on the market. Either the label or the information on the manufacturer’s website should answer these questions.
What is the Omega3 Content?
The typical fish oil supplement contains 1000mg of oil in a gelatin capsule. The percent of omega3s that is present varies greatly, depending upon the species of fish that the oils are derived from and even the season of the year, during which the catch was made.
The manufacturer should list the minimum amount that will be present in each capsule. The better ones provide at least 500mg of omega3 fatty acids per capsule. You need to look at the label carefully, because some manufacturers list the amount that is provided by 2 capsules, a commonly recommended dosage.
What is the DHA Content?
Of all of the omega3s, we know the most about DHA. A fish oil supplement should provide a minimum of 260mg of DHA per capsule or 520mg per daily dose.
Studies have shown that DHA lowers triglycerides more effectively than EPA, the other well known omega3. It has a high degree of anti-inflammatory activity and is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain.
Fish oil supplements that provide a high dose of DHA can help relieve depression, improve ADHD and possibly protect the brain from age-related Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies concerning that are currently being conducted in Canada.
What Are the Company’s Standards for Purity and Freshness?
A fish oil supplement may contain mercury and cancer-causing PCBs. There are no world-wide regulations concerning the amount of contaminants that may be present in a capsule. The better companies voluntarily adhere to the standards set by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the International Fish Oil Standards or their own higher standards.
Manufacturers that adhere to the highest standards have their each batch of fish oil supplements tested for impurities and publish that information on their websites. Freshness can be measured by measuring the amount of oxidation that has occurred. Oils with a high degree of oxidation will cause fishy tasting burps and increase your intake of free radicals, a cause of cellular aging.
What is the Anti-inflammatory Activity?
A fish oil supplement that contains a combination of natural triglycerides and concentrated esters has more anti-inflammatory activity, according to recent studies. So, if you are hoping to reduce pain and stiffness in your joints or simply reduce the effects that chronic inflammation has on the cells of our bodies, you want to look for that winning combination.
The best fish oil supplements provide numerous health benefits to the heart, brain and all of the systems of the body. Now, you know how to do your comparative shopping.
The Best Fish Oil Supplements - What to Look For
Filed Under Anti-Inflammatory, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, DHA and EPA, Fish Oil Supplements, Heart Disease, Main Content, Omega 3 Fatty Acids | 1 Comment
Identifying the best fish oil supplements does not need to be difficult. Some manufacturers provide the necessary information. It is all included in the Certificate of Analysis.
The Certificate of Analysis or COA is an evaluation conducted by an independent laboratory to check for contaminants, oxidation and omega3 content. If all manufacturers posted the result of that analysis on their websites, it would be easy to compare. But, most manufacturers fear what you would learn.
Mercury, dioxins and PCBs are some of the things that they don’t want you to know about. Oxidized or rancid oils are another.
Oxidation or spoilage begins as soon as the fish are pulled out of the water. If they are not properly stored or if they are left on the dock to rot in the sun, the level of oxidation becomes extremely high. Oxidation is responsible for those fishy tasting burps that you get. The best fish oil supplements don’t cause them. The manufacturer guarantees it.
Some manufacturers believe that a little bit of heavy metals like mercury and cancer-causing dioxins won’t hurt you. But, in the purest oils, there are no detectable levels of those contaminants. The COA proves it.
When it comes to the omega3 content, the COA will show how much total omega3s are present in each capsule, as well as individual amounts of DHA, EPA and DPA. DHA is essential for the growth and functional development of the human brain. It is required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. Its absence in the diet leads to learning deficits and depression.
DHA deficiencies are also associated with Attention Deficit Disorder, cystic fibrosis, aggressive behavior, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. It has a positive effect on high blood pressure, arthritis, type II diabetes and some types of cancer. So, obviously, the best fish oil supplements contain large amounts of DHA.
EPA has proven benefits in heart disease and inflammatory disorders. DPA is believed to contribute to overall cardiovascular health. Research is currently ongoing concerning these other two essential fatty acids. But, the benefits of DHA have been well understood for quite some time.
The best fish oil supplements provide at least 280mg of DHA per capsule, at least 120mg of EPA and at least 50mg of DPA. The total omega 3 content in 1000mg of oil is 500mg. Some manufacturers do not list the omega 3 content and most do not break it down into individual omega3s. Of those that do, only a few have an independent COA to back up their statements.
The benefits to your health will be numerous if you select an excellent supplement. One of the first things that you should notice is an improved ability to concentrate. If you’ve been feeling a little depressed, you should notice an improvement in your mood. If your joints feel a little achy, you should notice greater flexibility.
Those are just some of the things that people have noticed when they buy and take the best fish oil supplements. Now, you know how to find yours.
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends after extensive research: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
