Frequently Asked Questions on Fish Oil Supplements

With radical diets and questionable quality of foods that we consume, a growing number of doctors are recommending the use of supplements to meet with the body’s dietary requirements. Fish Oil Supplements contain Omega 3 fatty acids and are found to be beneficial for strengthening of bones, managing the heart and some time even to solve minor infertility problems in men.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about fish oil answered.

Where do we find Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Nature?

Typically, Omega-3 Fatty acids can be found in the green leaves of plants such as algae, phytoplankton, grass a seaweed. This is food that we as humans aren’t typically designed to eat. However, this makes grass-fed beef, certain types of fish and pastured organic eggs a great source for Omega-3’s. Unfortunately, poor meat quality and over-consumption of fast and processed foods result in the lack of these essential fatty acids in our diet.

Why Can’t we Eat Seaweed or Grass?

The human body is not designed to digest grass properly. The parent molecule of Omega-3 is known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This molecule is converted from plants by animals or fish into the potent and anti-inflammatory omega-3 known as EPA and DHA through a long conversion process. Fish and to a certain extent, land animals, perform some metabolic work that helps convert the plant based ALA into concentrated DHA and EPA. Since Fish Oil comes with such concentrated sources of EPA and DHA, it is considered to have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Why isn’t it possible to get Omega-3’s from Flax?

There are a number of problems when it comes to getting your omega-3’s from a plant source. Doing so requires a rather inefficient conversion process. This means that you body is compelled to do a lot of work just so that you get the DHA and EPA out of the fat that you find in flax. This process is full of difficulties that most often lead to more inflammation. Even if the conversion process is successful, the amount of EPA and DHA that the human body is able to convert from flax is rather miniscule.

Why does by body need DHA and EPA?

Fish Oil Supplements that are rich in DHA and EPA come with a number of well proven benefits for a range of lifestyle diseases and conditions. These two molecules are essentially specific types of polyunsatured Omega-3 fatty acids. Since your body is not capable of producing them, you need to acquire them through your diet or through supplements. These natural anti-inflammatory agents are great for the health of your brain and heart. In addition to this, they also provide sufficient protection against depression, Alzheimer’s and cancer. This supplement is often recommended for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, fetal brain development, bowel disorders and arthritis.

When purchasing fish oil make it a point to buy from a brand that is free of diary, wheat, soy, sweeteners or any other artificial ingredients. Also look at the EPA and DHA amounts per serving to purchase on that is most effective.