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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Do you have any aces?..No? 'Go Fish'!


Go Fish!  What a great card game; probably one of the first card games that my mother taught me.  Well, 'going fish' is now an even more important part of my life!

The importance of omega fatty acids: The body has many ways of self preservation, along with self-sustainability through supplementation and healthy habits.  One healthy habit that we can put into practice is the supplementation of fish oil.  Vast studies over the past few decades have shown us the variety of health benefits, most attributed to the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.  These two fatty acids have been shown to provide support for both cardiovascular and brain health.

On the market today are numerous omega-3 fish oil products.  These products differ in two major areas:  The source (cod liver oil, salmon oil, sardines, etc.) and the content of EPA and DHA within the product.

It is important to know how to read the product ingredient label:

Commonly found on the manufacturer's label is the listing of the total amount of omega-3 fish oil. However, one must look carefully to confirm the amounts of the two key omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA, contained in each serving. See below for an example:

What to look for in your fish oil:

Important factors to consider when choosing an omega-3 fish oil are the purity and potency of the product. Certainly keep an eye out for purity - one that has been "molecularly distilled" to remove environmental contaminants such as pcb's and mercury.

Don't be distracted by what appears to be a "high" amount of omega-3's listed on the front of the bottle.  As discussed above, the potency of the oil (containing significant amounts of EPA and DHA) is the most important; not all fish oils are created equal. Respectively, different fish oil products provide specific amounts of these two fatty acids.

Look for an omega-3 fish oil that provides at least 500 mg of EPA and DHA per serving. Don't be too concerned about the total omega-3 fish oil used to make the product.  Omega-3 fish oil products that fully disclose the amounts of EPA and DHA right on the label are a best bet.  No one wants to waste time wondering if the supplements they chose are working; support your health and wellness by getting educated on quality products that produce results. Your body and wallet with both thank you..

Zeke Samples, IFA, CSN, CPR, IDEA
Surreal Body Solutions, LLC
& contributing health and exercise author
Personal Training Nutrition | Supplements | Motivation

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