September 13, 2008 by Daisy Rose
Research has shown that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are beneficial for a number of disorders. YAM CHER SENG writes.
FISH oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which is naturally high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Many people have turned to fish oil supplements to get adequate omega-3 fatty acids for their health maintenance.
Many clinical studies have shown that highly concentrated fish oil provides certain therapeutic benefits for specific conditions. These fatty acids are particularly beneficial for our cardiovascular health by preventing the formation of blood clot and reducing the risk for angina through the reduction of high blood pressure, the lowering of triglyceride levels and the reduction of cholesterol level.
Apart from that, fish oil has also been shown to be beneficial for conditions such as:
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin disease
• Infant eye and brain development
• Crohn’s disease (gastrointestinal disorder)
Try to opt for highly purified double-strength fish oil which is a convenient way of obtaining high doses of omega-3 fatty acids whilst consuming fewer capsules. Each capsule should deliver a maximum of 65 per cent omega-3 fatty acids (comprises of at least 330mg of EPA and 220mg DHA). Taking one capsule of a double-strength fish oil a day meets the daily Adequate Intake (AI) of omega-3 fatty acids set by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL). Research has shown that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for a number of disorders.
Starting materials for fish oil normally include tuna, salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies. Sardine and anchovy are chosen because they naturally contain oils that are lower in environmental toxins than predatory fish and cod livers.
Many scientists believe that omega-3 triglycerides are more bio-available than the synthetic ethyl esters used by other molecularly distilled fish oil concentrates in the market. Findings from several studies show that triglycerides structure has a significant influence on the therapeutic effects of fish oil. Although omega-3 ethyl esters are generally produced at lower cost, it is unlikely that they will have the same properties as omega-3 triglycerides.
The writer is a pharmacist who is actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at email@example.com
~ NST 2008/07/14