So we've all heard that we need to take fish oil. Everyone you know is taking fish oil. But WHY? That's a very important question.
I personally recommend that all of my clients, freinds and family all take a fish oil supplement; for several reasons. First of all, most of us don't get much fresh coldwater fish in our diets, which are simply a great source of lean protien and a really good choice when you are looking for a healthy meal. But the fish provides more than just a good protien. It is the fish oil that is so highly soughht after these days, and for good reason.
Fish oil contains DHA and EPA, which are essential fatty acids. These have been shown to significantly help lower LDL cholesterols, the "bad cholesterol," and raise HDL's, the "good cholesterol." (A little trick to remember which is good and which is bad, just look at the first letter of each. You want a "H"igh amount of "H"DL's and a "L"ow amount of "L"Dl's). This has shown to reduce oxidation levels and reduce clotting levels and triglyceride levels.
Not only is it good for cardiovascular function, but fish oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce general joint and body pains, reduce dry eyes, improve joint mobility, skin tone/quality, allergies, and more. It truly is amaxing how much benefit can be seem from introducing this supplement into a daily nutritional program.
Fish oil is also a must for women that are of child bearing/breast feeding age that might become pregnant. The essential fatty acids in the fishoil play a major role in brain and neural development in a fetus. In fact, significant cognitive benefits have been shown in children that were breast fed by a mother taking a fish oil supplement vs one who is not. Since the baby drains the mother of these resources, more is needed to take care of both parties.
As always, the quality of the supplement is a major factor in the benefits seen and in reducing possible contaminants, especially in the pregnant population. Many generic brands of fish oils have been shown to contain high levels of metals such as mercury in them due to poor quality control and manufacturing. Increased exposure to these can result in significant health issues, which seems ironic, because that is exactly what we are trying to avoid when we begin a supplementation program.
As always, look for a pharmecuetical grade product when choosing your fish oil. If you don't know how to find out if the product is pharmecuetical grade, ask a professional before making your purchase. It is a shame, how much $ is wated on low quality or contaminated supplements simply because people think they are doing a good thing, but just don't know that what they are buying is no good.
Jeff Pelizzaro, MPT
Performance United Fitness
www.PerformanceUnited.com
