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Fish Oil Health Benefits vs The Risks

Fish oil health benefits are all over the scientific literature. There seems to be little doubt that fatty fish should be a part of a healthy diet.

The average intake of EPA/DHA is 50-100mg per day. Leading medical organizations, such as the AHA (American Heart Association), are recommending an intake of a minimum of 500-1000mg per day. The upper limit is 3000mg per day.

Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids. The 2 most important ones to be aware of are EPA and DHA. Both of these are considered to be essential fatty acids because humans are unable to make these so they must be obtained from the diet.

Common Sources of EPA and DHA Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The most common sources of these fatty acids are:

  • salmon
  • bluefin tuna
  • anchovies
  • sardines
  • crustaceans including shrimp, scallops, mollusks
  • flax seed
  • pumpkin
  • hemp seeds
  • walnuts

Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The health benefits obtained with a diet that is high in omega 3 fatty acids include:

  • lowers triglycerides which is important for heart health
  • normal growth and development in pregnant women and children
  • brain and cognitive function
  • increases HDL cholesterol
  • reduces LDL cholesterol
  • may lower blood pressure
  • important for vision and proper nerve function

Because you do not get enough from your diet, increasing your consumption of fatty fish is wise.

What about mercury found in most fatty fish?

It is known that fatty fish, including salmon has high levels of mercury.

Mercury toxicity in humans does exist.

Some healthcare providers question the safety of mercury fillings, mercury found in vaccinations, and mercury that is found in most fatty fish, especially salmon. In fact, women are strongly advised to avoid fatty fish during pregnancy.

The legal mercury limit is 1 part per million set by the Food and Drug Administration. But, the allowed level of mercury in the U.S. is double that of Canada (.5ppm), Europe (.5ppm), and Japan (.4ppm). It appears that other countries have more concern with mercury toxicity than our government.

In part, this is because the research around mercury is not definitive. However, some studies suggest it is a neurotoxin. Even the suggestion that this may be the case should cause concern and extreme caution around eating alot of fatty fish.

Because of your diet, you are probably getting too many omega 6's and not enough omega 3's. The balance is what is important.For information on eating fat in your diet to reduce omega 6's. To get the well documented fish oil health benefits you must get more omega 3's in your diet. The highest source is found in fatty fish. Unfortunately, the levels of mercury in fatty fish continues to increase. A highly purified, best fish oil supplement is the logical solution. For more information on fish oil health benefits and how to protect your loved ones, watch this video NOW.

Related Articles:

Fish Oil And Pregnancy: For Mom's Good Health and a Healthy Baby

Fish Oil Side Effects: Do They Outweigh The Benefits?

Fish Oil Dosage: How Much Pure Fish Oil is Enough for Total Wellness?

Fish Oil and Cholesterol: The Truth vs. The Hysteria

Fish Oil vs Flaxseed Oil: Which Is Better For Your Heart?

Fish Oil Mercury Levels: Minimizing the Risks from Eating Fish

Fish Oil and Weight Loss: Can Fish Oil Really Help You Lose Weight?

Fish Oil for Kids: Fishing for The Facts

Fish Oil Review: Is Fish Brain Food?

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil: Which is Better?

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