The fats and oils from fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to a healthy diet. Omega-3s are important for brain function and infant brain development, as well as being good for the heart and the circulatory system. Fish oil can be found in a number of sources. The most convenient form of fish oil is typically a fish oil supplement, which has been purified and tested to be free of toxins such as mercury and PCBs.
Fatty Fish
Eating fish as a food can provide your diet with a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, the primary healthy components of fish oil. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat fish two times a week. It best to eat fatty fish such as tuna and salmon. Some fish may contain trace levels of toxins such as mercury. While most commercially-available fish have very low levels of mercury, fish that you catch in local lakes and rivers may have higher levels of toxins. Check with your local fishing authority about possible toxins before eating fish caught locally.
Purified Fish Oil
You can purchase bottled fish oil in grocery and health food stores. Purified fish oil can be added to foods such as yogurt. It is not recommended to cook with fish oil as heating the oil can change its properties, making it less healthy. Most times, purified fish oil will be free of fish flavor and fish odor. However, some fish oils can smell and taste fishy and may be undesirable.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements are available in a convenient tablet form and are perhaps the most popular source of fish oil. Fish oil supplements are available at most grocery stores and can dramatically range in price. There is little correlation between fish oil quality and price; however, it is best to get fish oil supplements produced by a reputable manufacturer. Be sure to check the label of fish oil supplements to see that the fish oil has been confirmed to be free to mercury, PCBs and other toxins. Fish oil supplements should not smell or taste overly fishy. A strong fish odor indicates that the fish oil may have spoiled and lost its healthy properties.
Prescription Strength Fish Oil
Purified oil from fish is now available as a prescription drug known as Lovaza. If you have a lot of fat and cholesterol in your blood, your doctor may recommend that you try this prescription-strength source of fish oil. If you are prescribed Lovaza, it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you may be taking. It is also important to follow your doctor's advice about proper diet and exercise to fully benefit from taking Lovaza.
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