Fish body oils are a better choice than those derived from the liver, but most of the products on the market are actually byproducts of fishmeal production, anyway. In order to make fishmeal, which is fed to farm-raised salmon, as well as livestock, the entire catch is cooked; body, bones, organs, etc.
After the cooking is completed, nearly all of the oil is pressed out; the drier, the better. The fishmeal goes to farms and the oil goes to supplement companies. Even some of the cod liver oil on the market is made in this way, although manufacturers would prefer to use less expensive species for fishmeal. Cod populations are dwindling and it is becoming more expensive.
There are some species that have an actual strip of fat running through each fillet. For example, the New Zealand hoki is a small species caught primarily to be used in fish nuggets and sandwiches. It tastes a lot like whiting.
The fat would be discarded, if it were not so rich in omega-3 fatty acids and in DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) specifically. Most fish body oils contain a lot of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), but very little DHA. While EPA is important, the human brain must have DHA to develop normally and to survive.
Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream are associated with schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Low DHA may play a role in post-partum depression, as the nutrient is directed towards the infant and away from the mother.
One of the best known benefits of the supplement is to help prevent heart disease. There are numerous benefits to the heart and the circulatory system. One of the biggest is that it lowers blood triglycerides and raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Studies indicate that fish body oils rich in DHA are more effective than EPA for the purpose of lowering triglycerides. High triglycerides are also a risk factor for an age-related eye disease called macular degeneration. It is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly.
The light-gathering mechanism in the eye (called the retina) becomes damaged in macular degeneration and central vision is lost. Fatty acids are some of the primary components of the retina. Of those fatty acids, 60% of those fatty acids are DHAs.
Researchers indicate that fish body oils containing DHA combined with a good multi-nutritional supplement containing carotenoids, are beneficial for macular degeneration and may reduce the risk of ever developing the condition.
If there is one thing that research has taught us in recent years, it is that many of the diseases associated with aging are preventable. If we start early on in life, we should be able to avoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and (maybe) cancer.
It’s always hard to choose a good supplement. There are just too many of them on the market. But, when it comes to an omega-3 supplement, you definitely want fish body oils instead of flaxseed, which does not provide DHA. And, you might want to look for a brand containing hoki. It seems like a smart choice.
And now to discover more about the wonderful benefits of pure fish oil for good health and vitality you are invited to go to: http://www.benefits-of-omega-3.com.
Bronwyn West – Dedicated researcher of natural health and nutrition… Health is Wealth!
Author: Bronwyn West
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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