What you really need to know about Fish Oil.
FAQs: Fish Oil
Why Do You Need Fish Oil?
EPA and DHA are the important omega-3 fatty acids that are in fish oil. They are essential nutrients. When a nutrient is essential it means that the body needs it to be healthy; the body cannot make it, and it therefore must come from our food choices. Fish and sea life are the only meaningful sources of EPA and DHA on the planet. But, it is now unsafe to be consuming high quantities of fish due to environmental pollutants.
By supplementing with high quality, purified fish oil you are guaranteed to be safely getting adequate amounts of this critical nutrient, an important step towards optimal health. Persons deficient in EPA and DHA have exhibited inflammation, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Long-term deficiencies have been linked to heart disease, stroke, and depression. It’s a good idea to support healthy levels of DHA and EPA by supplementing with high quality fish oil.
Why take fish oil instead of just eating fish?
You should eat fish! It’s a great source of vital nutrients. The difficulty with relying on fish is that most people do not eat the 3-5 servings of fish that they need to maintain an optimal amount of EPA and DHA. The other important consideration is that some fish can contain dangerous toxins such as mercury and PCBs. Fish oil is purified to remove toxins. You should eat high quality, fresh-caught fish on a regular basis. You should additionally take fish oil as a supplement, not as a substitute.
Why can’t I just get my omega-3 from seaweed?
Fish that consume plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids convert them via their digestion process into the ideal form for human consumption. Plant sources of omega-3s have not been processed, and humans do not have the same ability as fish to convert. Conversion varies greatly between different people, but it’s generally very low. Fish is the ideal source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Are all fish oils the same?
No. There are several factors to consider when selecting the best fish oil: purity, freshness, sustainability, bioavailability, and cost. Oxidation is a danger when dealing with poor quality fish oil, which means that it could do more harm than good. Every batch of Bonfire Premium Fish Oil is tested and rated IFOS 5 Star, and delivers the safest, purest, freshest fish oil available on the market. Bonfire Fish Oil is delivered in an 18:12 ratio of EPA to DHA, which is the ratio naturally found in fish. It’s also in the natural, triglyceride form, not a processed ethyl ester form. The body uses these essential fats in the triglyceride form, as it has for thousands of years. Ethyl esters are an unnatural form and pose a higher possibility of oxidation. Many fish oils on the market today are processed ethyl esters, not natural triglycerides, because they are cheaper to manufacture. Bonfire Essential Elements also offer the lowest cost of EPA and DHA per gram. Clearly, the Bonfire is the best choice.
Can I take fish oil with my medications?
Do not take prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin while supplementing with fish oil without consulting your doctor first.
From where are the fish sourced?
Our fish are sustainably sourced from Peru, from the ocean’s cleanest fish. The fishery is highly regulated and protected to ensure biodiversity and sustainability.
What kind of fish is used?
Anchovies, sardines, and mackerel are used. It’s best to choose small fish because toxin bioaccumulation is worse in fish that are higher on the food chain.
Who Can Benefit From Taking Fish Oil?
Almost everyone can benefit from taking fish oil as a supplement. Research shows great benefits from fish oil supplementation for people suffering from obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, inflammation and swelling, joint pain, allergies, eczema, and atopic skin disorders, as well as brain development and degenerative issues.
Fish oil has been shown to promote healthier pregnancies, and to support breast feeding, pediatric development, joint health in athletes, healthy weight, heart function, and eye and brain health.
To learn more about how fish oil can increase your health come to our next workshop on November 9th @ 6:45 in the Cummings Center in Beverly “Sick, Sad, Fat and Tired: Are you a Part of the Inflammation Nation?”
