| By now most of us have learned that we need | | | | But just like with eating fish, some supplements |
| more omega 3 fatty acids in our diet. For those | | | | bring with them the risk of mercury |
| who aren't yet in the know, let me get you | | | | contamination. After all, the oils come from actual |
| caught up. We consume two primary types of | | | | fish. And if the fish had mercury in it, the oils |
| fatty acids (there are actually more) in our diet: | | | | from that fish will also be contaminated. |
| Omega 6 and omega 3. Omega 6 fatty acids | | | | How can we get our omega 3's from |
| come from terrestrial food sources (grains, | | | | concentrated supplements AND not expose |
| potatoes, beef, poultry, pork, etc..). Basically the | | | | ourselves and our families to deadly mercury? |
| typical American "meat & potatoes" diet is | | | | The answer to that is by making sure to only |
| rich in omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids | | | | buy high quality supplements. Remember, |
| come from the sea (blue-green algae, fish and the | | | | nutritional supplements aren't regulated by the |
| oils from fish). Ideally we need to be consuming | | | | food and drug administration (FDA). There is no |
| these two types of fatty acids in an equal | | | | government oversight, and no mandate for |
| amount. For every one unit of omega 6's we | | | | quality control assurances. Therefore, what's |
| consume, we also need one unit of omega 3's. | | | | critically important is that the company who |
| When we consume disproportionately more | | | | manufactures the supplements undergoes |
| omega 6 fatty acids than omega 3 fatty acids, it | | | | rigorous testing from an outside and independent |
| creates an inflammatory process throughout our | | | | agency. Look for GMP (Good Manufacturing |
| body. Inflammation has been scientifically linked to | | | | Process) certification(s) with the company. GMP |
| virtually every disease we know about (including | | | | certification is acquired after an outside company |
| cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, | | | | tests the raw materials for purity and tests them |
| autoimmune, and all the classic musculoskeletal | | | | for heavy metal (mercury, lead, etc..) |
| problems such as arthritis, degenerative joint | | | | contamination and biological (mold, yeasts, fungus) |
| disease, and disc problems). As Americans we | | | | contamination. If they pass these rigorous tests, |
| consume too many omega 6 fatty acids and not | | | | you can be assured the product is of the highest |
| enough omega 3's (on the order of 20:1)! | | | | quality. What's in the product is exactly what's on |
| The bottom line is we (as a people) aren't eating | | | | the label. |
| enough fish in our diets. For many people who | | | | Unfortunately most supplements don't have GMP |
| don't live near the coast and can't buy fish | | | | certification. You get what you pay for when it |
| inexpensively - or who don't like to eat fish, they | | | | comes to supplements. GMP certified supplements |
| MUST get omega 3 fatty acids into their system | | | | costs a little more, but at least you know what |
| from some other means. The solution comes in | | | | you're getting. And you don't want to risk your |
| the form of concentrated fish oil supplements. By | | | | health or the health of your family in order to |
| taking fish oil supplements, you can get an | | | | save a buck or two. Remember to ONLY get |
| adequate amount of omega 3's in your system | | | | your omega 3's by using fish oil supplements that |
| and in doing so, bring about a healthy balanced | | | | have GMP certification. |
| ratio of 1:1 (omega 6 to omega 3). | | | | |