Is Deep Sea Fish Oil Really So Extraordinary?
There has been a mounting interest in the benefits of Omega 3 by the science and health community and this is the reason why there has also been a increasing popularity of fish oil in the news and commercials, and related products have surfaced. Another name used to describe fish oil is “deep sea fish oils“. What exactly is “deep sea fish oil” and why is it important when buying a fish oil product?
Fish oil, in broad terms, is not exactly produced from “deep sea” fish, or those species living in extremely deep waters (1800m) where light can hardly penetrate the water. Herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (species that can be really found in more shallow waters) are fish that have the most oil and have the highest natural omega-3 concentrations.
Because these species of fish are lower on the food chain, have shorter life spans, and are small in size, they do not contain as much toxins as the larger species that live longer (some can live up to 70 years) and those that eat lots of smaller fish. This makes them better for omega 3 fish oil. Furthermore, the species referred to above are perfect because of the fact that they can reproduce speedily and are easy to sustain.
Buying a product from a respectable company that specializes in best fish oil might provide some measure of guarantee because there is simply no other way to be certain. For example, a marker that says “deep sea” could simply mean that the fish were taken from the open ocean rather than from shallower waters. So, if you go to search for an omega-3 fish oil product, you would definitely run into diverse marketing slogans and terms that, as a result, would translate into uncertainty and misinformation. Because the benefits of fish oil become more recognized, these products can now be easily found in big chain stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores. But even with all these marketing claims that can baffle the uneducated consumers, what then do you need to you look for?
Firstly, examine the label for specific fish species instead of vague terms like “marine lipids” or “fish oil concentrates.” Next, make sure that the precise quantity of DHA and EPA (the Omega-3s in fish oil) in each serving is listed. It is a smart idea to check the DHA/EPA content against the price to ensure that you are getting the optimum value for your money. Before buying your fish oil, it would not hurt to do some research and go for products from companies with a status for high standards of quality and purity. Although such standards are not legally enforced in the United States, there are international guidelines and third-party verification organizations that set the standards for fish oil quality. A reputable fish oil manufacturer will give details about their manufacturing procedures – from catching to canning / bottling – and present proof of their claims validated by reliable third-party agencies.
What exactly are omega-3 fatty acids and why would need them? Omega-3 fatty acids are not only good, but also significant, for our health. Because omega-3s can be best acquired from fish, taking fish oil is among the most excellent and safest ways to get these extremely beneficial substances.
In more specific terms, the benefits we can obtain from fish oil supplementation include the diminished risk of cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. It can likewise aid to deal with blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, clinical studies and research indicate that the use of fish oil can lessen the symptoms linked to disorders like depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar. Fish oil also aids in brain growth and helps it to perform more effectively. Can we see now that there is without a doubt a need for fish oil? However, it’s not necessary to select a fish oil supplement that claims to be “deep sea fish oil.”
Read more about deep sea fish oil on the website of Brittany A.M. Wallace. Brittany is an expert on health who studied fish oil supplements for over 10 years.
Industry Insider Reveals The Key To Finding The Best Fish Oil
Many studies make it easy to identify the vast health benefits we could gain from fish oil but selecting the best fish oil is never an easy task. Heart disease prevention, anti-inflammatory properties, and even hair loss prevention are just a few of such health benefits that have been associated with fish oil. For this reason, the fish oil supplement industry has prospered, which has its positive and negative effects.
One benefit is that these omega-3 supplements are easily accessible to those who desire to take advantage of their health benefits. The negative effect is that many companies jump on the bandwagon for easy profit by producing low-quality products. Choosing the right brand is much more difficult with all those brands available.
However, to select the best fish oil becomes simple by trying to distinguish the better fish oil pills from the inferior ones. Keeping in mind a few basics will help.
Fish oil supplements are good for us because they contain omega-3 fatty acids; specifically DHA and EPA. It is only logical that the best fish oil brands contain more of these omega-3s compared to the lesser-quality products. Be sure to check the label in your fish oils; the more DHA and EPA, the better.
For every 1,000 mg of fish oil, each capsule should contain 600 mg or a 60% concentration of Omega-3.
All fish products are at risk from toxin contamination but the best fish oil should be pure and free of toxins. It is because of this risk that doctors do not prescribe fish oil supplements to pregnant mothers, regardless of the fact that it can have positive effects to the baby’s brain development, as some studies point out.
Due to the absence of a reliable regulatory board that people could look to, determining which fish oil supplements were pure, used to be very difficult. However, this problem was solved when Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc. of Canada came up with the International Fish Oil Safety (IFOS) program.
Unlike before the IFOS program, where standards for toxin-free fish oil supplements were too lenient, a rigorous set of world standards for purity of fish oils has been applied based on five parameters:
• Passes all Council for Responsible Nutrition and World Health Organization testing categories
• 60% or higher Omega-3 concentration
• Oxidation Levels less than 75% of CRN standard
• PCB Levels Less than 50% of CRN standard
• Dioxin Levels Less Than 50% of WHO standard
A 5-star certification from the IFOS should be the minimum for a fish oil supplement to be considered a top-of-the-line product and earn the title of “best fish oil.” This policywill definitelytaper the selection process for the best fish oil. Two 5-star certified brands, Nordic Naturals and See Yourself Well, are available in the United States.
To summarize, the best fish oil should offer not only quality, but also well-being. The label should indicate whether or not your fish oil supplement meets your Omega-3 fatty acids requirement, and don’t forget to look forthe 5-star certification from the IFOS!
Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert.