By now, almost everyone knows that fish oils are good for you, but do you know specifically why? Before taking any supplements, it is important to know which oils are the best, and what makes them the best. Cold water fish, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna, are the best choices for a good dose of omega 3s. Omega 3s are essential fatty acids that cannot be obtained by the body in any other way except through diet. The problem is that many people do not like the taste of fish, or they cannot prepare it for meals because someone in their family dislikes fish. This is where the popular fish oil supplement comes in handy.
It is very important to make sure you get omega 3s in your diet. In a world of chemically treated environs, foods and products, omega 3s help protect you from heart disease which is a concern for anyone who eats processed foods and lives in a world with pollutants. Omega 3s are important for reasons other than protection from disease. They can also protect you from mental health issues. It has been well-documented that people whose diets are rich in omega 3s are less prone to depression and anxiety, and have better overall mental health and a more positive outlook on life.
The omega 3s found in fish oils are also helpful in lowering bad cholesterol, or LDL, as well as in lowering triglycerides. Believe it or not, by consuming the �good� fats found in fish oil, you can actually lose weight and reduce the amount of �bad� fats that travel through your bloodstream. Again, it is easiest to do this by taking fish oil supplements, because consuming fish as often as would be required to reap the maximum benefits just may not be possible.
Another oil that you have probably heard of by now, which is also very beneficial as a supplement, is flaxseed oil. Many people enjoy the taste of flaxseed oil and enjoy the flaxseeds themselves. Flax has a somewhat nutty flavor, far different in taste than the fish oil, and pleasant enough that many people use it as a salad dressing or other flavor-enhancer. It is important to note that flaxseed oil does spoil fairly rapidly, so you must refrigerate any unused portion after opening. If you prefer, you can take flaxseed oil in a pill form rather than consuming the oil itself. Read all directions, for some of these supplements do not require refrigeration.
Flax oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which is converted by the body into the two main fatty acids that are also found in fish oil. Therefore, it is a welcomed alternative to those who do not want to supplement with fish oil. This is good for vegetarians also. Flaxseed oils share many of the same benefits and properties as fish oil, but without some of the properties that make it unattractive for some such as the taste, smell, or capsule size.
Another fatty acid that has gained in popularity is gamma-linonenic acid, or GLA. This fatty acid may also be supplemented in oil form, and is most commonly purchased as evening primrose oil or borage oil. Many supplement companies do not market it as �GLA�, but that is what you will be getting if you look for borage seed oil or evening primrose oil in your local health food store. GLA is not actually an omega 3 acid, but rather an Omega 6 fatty acid. Some health professionals will warn against supplementing with omega 6 or omega 9 fatty acids, and suggest that you �keep it simple’ by simply focusing on the omega 3s. However, this particular fatty acid is an anti-inflammatory and quite beneficial for that reason. Many people find it helpful in treating various auto-immune disorders, as well as arthritis, PMS, and other conditions that stem from inflammation. Further, it has recently been studied as an aid to help stop the growth of certain tumors. If you plan to supplement your omega 6 intake as well as your omega 3s, GLA is your best bet.
Although you probably do not need to supplement your omega 9 fatty acids, it is worth mentioning as a possible supplemental to your diet. Most people find that they consume this enough without supplementation, but if your diet is not rich in olive oil already than you may want to do so. Olive oil is the most well-known, and probably the healthiest, natural source of omega 9 fatty acids, but some other oils and prepared salad dressings will contain them also.
It is always recommended that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet in order to get your fish oils and other healthful oils. However, due to busy lifestyles and the inability to make certain that we eat what is best for us at every meal, supplementing with at least your omega 3 fish oils and other healthy oils is a great idea.
