Last week, Jeff Garmon shared his knowledge of the many benefits of omega-3 fish and algae oil. He explained that Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are healthy fats that our bodies do not make, so we must obtain these fats through our diet, supplementation, or a combination of both. There are two families of these EFA’s: Omega-3’s & Omega-6’s. Ideally, we should be consuming both of these fats in a balanced ratio; however, the average American now consumes approximately 20 times as much Omega-6 as Omega-3. This huge imbalance has been associated with chronic inflammation in our population, with a variety of health issues implicated, including heart disease, cancer, mood and memory disorders, arthritis, immune-related diseases, and many others. One of the keys to getting our health back in order is to start consuming more of the Omega-3’s and fewer of the pro-inflammatory Omega-6’s. That said, there are a group of healthy Omega-6’s that should not be confused with other “pro-inflammatory” Omega-6’s. The healthy Omega-6’s include evening primrose oil, borage oil, black currant oil. The pro-inflammatory Omega-6’s primarily consist of the industrialized vegetable oils– corn oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, etc.
The most beneficial, most studied and well- documented of the Omega-3’s are EPA and DHA. These are primarily and most easily obtained through eating cold-water fish and fish oil supplements. Another good source of EPA and DHA from a vegetarian source is Algae Oil. Plant-derived Omega-3’s, such as flax and chia, are in a form called Alpha Linolenic Acid ( ALA). These are healthy Omega-3’s, as well; however, our bodies have a very difficult time converting ALA into the most beneficial Omega-3’s (EPA & DHA). Reports range from 5-15% of ALA converting to EPA in our bodies, and little, if any, ALA converting into DHA.
When shopping at your local health food store, look for Fish Oil or Algae Oil supplements with the following words on their label: “3rd-Party tested for purity and freshness.” This is a guarantee that the product is either free of or contains undetectable levels of toxins such as mercury, PCB’s, and dioxins. Also, the fresher the fish oil supplement, the better it works. A quality fish oil supplement should not have a fishy after-taste or cause you to ‘burp’ fish. Also, make sure the label says “Natural Triglyceride” or “True Triglyceride” form. Most concentrated fish oil supplements on store shelves are synthetic and not in their natural forms. Natural Triglyceride fish oils have been proven by science to be approximately 70% more absorbable and bioavailable to your body.
At present, there are only three (3) available human studies conducted with Krill Oil, while there are literally thousands of clinical studies done on people and animals with fish oil. Krill Oil is a vital link in the marine food-chain and Krill fishing has been banned on the West Coast of the United States, with strict limits set in Norway and Antarctica. In this day and age, sustainability matters. Quality fish oil manufacturers use only sustainable fish species like sardines, anchovies, and Arctic Cod, which are in abundant supply and there are strict procedures in place to keep them that way. This not only ensures that the human population of the world has access to these resources, but also that the delicate ecosystems that help support the life of our entire planet remain healthy and strong.
Share the Health is a Summer Education Series being held every Tuesday in June and July from 12 – 12:45 pm. Admission is donation based; proceeds go to charities of the speaker’s choice. The next talk will be Jodie Burke presenting “Adopting a Plant-Based Lifestyle for Health, Beauty & Prevention” and will benefit the Covington Food Bank on July 16th.
All Share the Health talks take place at Our Place Studio, located at 338 N. Vermont St. (corner of Vermont & Gibson). You can contact Liz for more information: 985.778.3448 and read more about Share the Health at:
