There are certain nutrients our body needs to obtain from food to function optimally. These nutrients are called “essential” since they are necessary for our health and our body can’t make them on its own.
One of these essential nutrients is Omega 3 and the best dietary source is from wild fish. Going to the grocery store and buying more fish is not always the best solution. Before we just start blindly eating more fish we need to know a bit more about where that fish came from, was it farmed or wild caught, and its exposure to contaminant’s.
The farming practices in aquaculture are similar to those of other commercially farmed meats. The fish are forced into small pens with little to no room to move. Such density of fish within small space creates issues of pollution and disease from fish waste and leftover feed. This not only affects the health of the farmed fish but also the surrounding waters and ecosystem. Medications are used to keep the farmed fish healthy including vaccines and antibiotics which often spill over into the surrounding waters and wild fish in that area. The food farmed fish feed on also affects the quality of the fish oil they contain. Since they are usually fed proteins and oils derived from grains and seeds (such as canola and soybeans), they contain higher levels of omega 6 and saturated fat relative to the desired Omega 3’s.
When it comes to wild caught fish, the main concern is contaminants such as mercury. Mercury can impact brain and cognitive function resulting in neurodegenerative disorders. The type of fish, it’s size and the waters it comes from play important role in determining the purity and quality of the fish we consume.
Another, safer and cleaner way to get enough fish oil in your diet and enjoy its benefits is by taking fish oil supplements. Here are some of the benefits of fish oil:
- Improves mood – anxiety, depression
- Anti-inflammatory – arthritis
- Brain function – ADD, Alzheimer’s,
- Heart health
- Eye health – age-related macular degeneration
- Immune system
- Hair and skin – eczema, psoriasis, thinning hair, dandruff
- Fertility – in both men and women
One way to ensure the purity of the fish oil you are consuming is by taking it in supplement form from a reputable manufacturer. Nordic Naturals is one of those companies that delivers on quality, safety, purity and taste. Nordic Naturals fish oils come from sustainable sources and exceed purity standards for fish oils. Each batch of Nordic Naturals fish oil is third party tested for heavy metals including mercury, dioxins and PCB’s.
Lear more about Nordic Naturals and their fish oils here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up8zgjNxbnY
Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health Store in Toronto (Etobicoke) carries a variety of Nordic Naturals fish oils including:
- Prenatal DHA
- Ultimate Omega
- Ultimate Omega 2X
- ProDHA
- ProEPA
- Arctic Cod Liver Oil in softgels and liquid
- DHA Gummies and Gummy Worms for kids as well as Children’s DHA chewable softgels and liquid
- Baby DHA liquid drops
Speak to our staff at Better Living Wellness Clinic and Health Store to determine which fish oil is best for your specific health concern or simply for maintenance of your wellbeing. We are available at info@betterliving.co and 416-249-1895.
