Omega 3 Review

What You Should Know

Recently there has been a lot of talk about the possible positive benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as Polyunsaturated Acids. Scientists have found a link between Omega-3’s and the prevention of certain diseases. Omega-3’s have also been shown in scientific studies to “lower blood pressure, prevent strokes, and to even treat depression”. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to certain natural foods which would include sources such as “fish, various seafood, certain fruits, flax seed, and some meat sources”.

List of Ingredients

Omega-3’s are found naturally in foods such as fish and other seafood such as salmon, cod, mackerel, anchovies, tuna, mussels, sardines and clams. Sadly, many fish and seafood products have been contaminated with high levels of mercury so caution must be used when eating fresh fish. Omega-3’s can also be found in flax seed that, by the way, are claimed to contain in excess of “six times the amount” of oil compared to what can be found in fish and seafood. Other sources include nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, butternuts, eggs, milk, cheese and animals that are grass fed.

Product Features

Let’s face the facts, we do not all eat the way we should all the time. Hence the reason why there are so many vitamins and supplements on the market. Most people can’t afford to eat from the recommended food sources or they simply do not have access to the foods. You can still get omega-3’s into your diet by making a point of taking a fish oil supplement. Fish oil supplements are inexpensive, available at many online and local retailers, and are easy to swallow since they come in a softgel capsule form. However not all fish oil supplements are of the same quality. Just like fresh fish sources, certain fish oil supplement products on the market were found to contain unacceptable levels of mercury while others have been found to be too old for consumption due to sitting on store shelves too long. The oil can become rancid if not used in a reasonable period of time. Consumers should only consider buying fish oil supplements from a reputable source to avoid contamination issues. It is also highly recommended that consumers taking fish oil supplements follow the dosage instructions on the package. There have been reports of overdosing on omega-3 fish oils, which can result in internal bleeding, stroke, a compromised immune system, inflammation and an increase of the bad cholesterol LDL.

Advantages

• Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven in scientific studies and clinical trials to lower the risks associated with heart disease, stroke and blood pressure.
• Readily found in natural food sources and supplements.

Disadvantages

• Natural sources may not be available to all consumers, based on location or expendable income.
• Certain sources of fish were found to have high levels of mercury.
• Fish oil supplements, which are a very popular source of Omega 3 fatty acids, can become rancid if left sitting for extremely long periods of time, which was found to be the case with some brands.

Conclusion

When it comes to Omega-3 fatty acids, the benefits have been shown to outweigh any risks associated with contamination. Omega-3’s have been found to be a great solution to preventing heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Adding Omega-3 fatty acids to our diets is definitely a move in the right direction towards overall health and vitality.