Small fish oil is the best choice, because it is derived from species that are low on the food chain, less likely to contain contaminants like mercury and more likely to contain high levels of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Research indicates that DHA is the most important of all of the omega 3 fatty acids.
The DHA concentration would be higher in small fish oil, because smaller species eat more marine algae. When people cannot or don’t want to consume fish or their oils, it is recommended that they take a marine algae supplement to prevent DHA deficits. Low levels in the bloodstream are associated with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and depression.
There are researchers who believe that the increased incidence of depression that is seen in today’s society is actually caused by a shortage of DHA in the diet. Fatty fish are the only natural sources of DHA. Although manufacturers are starting to fortify other foods, they would not naturally provide DHA.
Many people don’t want to eat fish every day. Some can’t afford to. Still others are afraid to, because of mercury warnings. The only seafood that is known to be free of mercury is shrimp and clams, but those are not good sources of omega 3 fats. The only species that has no mercury advisory is wild Alaskan salmon, which can be expensive.
So, the solution to this dietary dilemma is small fish oil. Anchovies and sardines are good choices, depending on which ocean they come from, a hard thing to determine. Menhaden is a bad choice, because it is known to contain PCBs and dioxins.
The Omega Protein company, makers of Omega Pure and one of the biggest suppliers of omega 3 fatty acids in the US uses menhaden. They vacuum it out of the Chesapeake Bay, which damages the ecosystem. Independent laboratory analysis has shown that their oils contain cancer causing PCBs and dioxins.
One of the best choices is a species called the New Zealand Hoki. The waters south of New Zealand are pristine, far from industry and shipping lanes. The water is particularly cold. In order to survive their, the Hoki have a long strip of fat running through each filet. That fat is rich in DHA.
If it comes from the hoki, you can be sure that the small fish oil is free of contaminants and that you are getting a large amount of DHA. For those of you that have problems with depression, it’s definitely worth a try. I have seen it work wonders for people in my own family.
For the rest of the world, increasing your intake of omega 3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Omega 3s have been shown to reduce total triglycerides and increase good HDL levels. One study showed that DHA was more effective than its cousin EPA for that purpose.
Most brands contain more EPA than DHA. The reverse should be true. Taking a dose of small fish oil every day can do great things for your health. Just remember to compare content and purity, before you buy.
Author Resource:
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the single 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
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