The Benefits of Fish Oil
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The Benefits of Fish Oil
What is Fish Oil and What are Possible Health Benefits
As spring swings in and the earth comes to life again, March is the perfect month to be reminded to practice self-care through proper nutrition. With that in mind, Happy National Nutrition Month! And while the importance of eating right and getting adequate exercise cannot be overemphasized, sometimes the best diet includes high quality vitamins and supplements, not the least of which is a prime fish oil.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil is packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which studies have shown to have a wide range of health benefits. To name just a few, fish oil has been shown to improve focus and concentration, help boost “good” cholesterol, lower triglycerides, reduce blood pressure, help relieve inflammation, and even aid in weight loss!
Choosing Quality Fish Oil
But for as many health benefits as fish oil provides, there’s just as many brands to choose from. Where should you start when selecting a quality fish oil? Research is key. The first factor to consider is the fish oil’s source. Bigger fish eat more, which means they tend to accumulate more contaminants.
On the other hand, smaller fish like sardines take in less contaminants from their environment and therefore provide a cleaner source. Checking the type of fish a company uses can help determine the quality of the product. And speaking of contaminants, a company should test their product for impurities, regardless of the type of fish used.
Key Ingredients for Maximum Benefit
Just as important as what’s not in the fish oil is what is in it. For maximum benefit, a serving of fish oil should be rich in EPA and DHA, two specific types of Omega-3. The label on the container should break down exactly how much of these Omega-3s is in each serving.
If the nutrition label just reads ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids’ without specifying how much of each type of Omega-3 is in it, there’s a chance a large portion of the product is fluff.
Consult with Arizona’s Expert Pharmacists
With that in mind, how much EPA and DHA per serving should you be aiming for? The short answer is, it varies. Age, pregnancy, and particular ailments all play a role in determining how much fish oil is best for you. Please always feel free to reach out to any one of our knowledgeable pharmacists if you’d like help in figuring out how much fish oil you should be taking. We’re also always happy to point you to brands of fish oil that we’ve already done the research on and can confidently recommend.
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in our health, and the more investment we put into what we take into our bodies, the more of a return we’ll see. Let’s take this National Nutrition Month to be extra aware of the good we can do for our bodies, including adding important supplements to our regimen. As always, stay healthy!
Sharzad Green, Pharm. D., is a hormone replacement specialist & pharmacist at Community Clinical Pharmacy, in Mesa, Arizona. She offers private Hormone Replacement Consultations to find a tailored solution that fits your needs. Sharzad has had the privilege of working with over 12,000 patients and providers in the Valley and around the world.
Refills
When in doubt, contact one of our knowledgeable pharmacists at Community Clinical Pharmacy. We are here to offer you solutions and assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Contact us with comments, questions, or pharmacy
related topics you’d like to know more about. And, as always, stay healthy!
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