Does fish oil have any special properties?!
Question:
Does fish oil have any special properties?
Answers:
Fish oil is your best source for EPA and DHA, the important components to any Omega 3 oil.
In fish oil, the EPA and DHA are ready for your body, unlike plant oils that your body need to to convert.
An oil higher in EPA is most important for adults. EPA is a natural anti-inflammatory and a blood thinner. It is also important to our body for regulating our hormones. Fish body oils, taken on a regular basis, can help with inflammatory diseases, heart health and migraines. A fish oil that has a very high ratio (above 18/12) in EPA and low in DHA has been found effective in helping those with depression or SAD.
An oil high in DHA is most important for children. DHA is vital in cellular development. Our brains, our skin, every cell in our body requires DHA to be healthy and functioning.
Depending on what kind of fish oil you are taking you are going to get differing amounts of EPA and DHA.
Fish body oils are also known as 18/12 oils, higher in EPA. This means there is 18% EPA to 12% DHA. When you look for a fish body oil look for small fish on the ingredients list (ie: sardine, mackeral, anchovy) or wild salmon (although a larger fish, it eats low on the food chain). This will minimize the risk of heavy metals in your oil - although, todays' advanced distilling leaves us with very, clean oils.
If you are looking for higher amounts of DHA then cod liver oil is your best bet. Certain brands market high ratio DHA oils specifically for children with ADD/ADHD.
The oils available today are not the oils your parents and grandparents had to choke down. They are available in different fruit flavours and they have no fishy taste or smell. You can also find them in capsule form. Liquid form is normally more cost effective, but many people prefer capsules as they are more convenient and portable. Be prepared to down 6-9 capsules to get the equivalent 1 tsp of oil! The liquid form can easily be hidden in yogurt, applesauce, a smoothie or juice for the fussy kid - or the fussy adult!
Best wishes!