What does fish oil do is what more and more consumers are asking nowadays. People are concerned about nutritional deficiencies and this is why the number of fish oil supplements has been expanding so much. A little known fact is that, when asked in surveys, most shoppers did not really understand the reason they were getting the product.
Let us say your family goes to a seafood restaurant. When tuna or mackerel is on the menu, you are getting fish oil. Great, because in that oil are omega 3 fatty acids. We will come back to those.
Back to dinner. As an extra bonus, you are also getting pollutants that the tuna or mackerel have absorbed in the ocean - heavy metals, PCBs etc. The problem is that to get any real benefits, you have to eat a lot of seafood. The FDA, AHA and other organizations are not happy with that plan. Two servings a week is what they have in mind and that is not enough.
This is why consumers are turning to supplements. However, the question of what does fish oil do just got expanded. Not all products are created equal.
The two important omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are the source of all the benefits. They are called DHA and EPA. Other omega 3s like ALA [from flax] convert to DHA/EPA but only about at a 20% rate.
You will see all sorts of combinations out there - omega 3 6 9, DHA or EPA by themselves or a heavily weighted EPA product.
A recent study of Alaskan Eskimos found very little heart disease, arthritis, visual problems or depression. What they did find was heavy concentrations of both DHA and EPA in their blood. There was also twice as much DHA. There was no flax or ALA in their diets.
What does fish oil do? Ask the Alaskan Eskimos, because that was their main diet. Numerous studies have confirmed that it makes you healthier in many ways. However, there are some areas that are still debatable. Kidney problems, diabetes, accelerating certain types of surgery recovery and weight loss are research areas that show promise but these should not be your main reasons for a supplement.
What does fish oil do? Remember the Eskimos. Your supplement should look like their diet - twice as much DHA as EPA and no chemical additives. However, there are a couple of differences.
Do not forget the purity issue. A process called molecular distillation will eliminate the pollutants. Regarding doses, start small with 1/2 gram per day and slowly increase to your comfort level. Mine is two grams daily. Once you get there, be consistent. The body appreciates dependability.
My website can help further your research.
Author Resource:
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