I’m not sure how it dawned on someone to head off to Greenland and study the Inuits and their diet with regards to cardiovascular disease. It happened back in the 70s, which could explain a lot. My personal theory is that a bunch of professors were sitting around listening to I am the Walrus by the Beatles and inspiration struck. (Some patchouli oil may or may not have been involved. Don’t quote me.)
Whatever the trigger, this work decades ago made fish blip firmly on the sonar radar for heart health when it was found that those who consume large amounts of seafood displayed almost no signs of cardiovascular disease.
According to the study From Inuit to implementation: omega-3 fatty acids come of age (O’Keefe, J.H. Jr, et al, 2000),
“These observations generated more than 4,500 studies to explore this and other effects of omega-3 fatty acids on human metabolism and health ….
These fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects and may also be antiatherogenic.”
Not only have ongoing studies found omega-3 beneficial for the heart and inflammatory conditions like arthritis, but omega-3 also holds positive sway over feeling blue. And there’s much study yet to be done, but odds are looking favourable for its benefits with regards to brain power.
So how do you ensure you’re getting enough omega-3s, given our bodies don’t produce enough to reduce the chronic health risks ?
The Heart Foundation has found marine-based omega-3 is best for cardiovascular health. Oily fish like sardines and salmon are richest fish sources.
Fish scores bonus points for being low in saturated fats, and a rich source of protein, vitamin D and iodine. Vitamin D helps with absorption of calcium, and iodine is vital for healthy hormone and brain development.
That said, there are widespread concerns about the levels of methylmercury and dioxins in fish and possible long-term neurological damage from exposure. The Heart Foundation’s official statement on fish, fish oils, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular health (update November 2008 at the time of writing) refers to studies providing evidence that the consumption of oily fish twice a week promotes cardiovascular health without excessive exposure to mercury. (Nearly six years on, let’s hope that’s still the case.)
In the same statement, The Heart Foundation encourages governments to:
Recommend that Australians consume fish and fish oils.
Commit to collecting data on the Australian population’s dietary intake (including of n-3 PUFA) through a regular national nutrition survey.
Include fish oil capsules and liquid in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to help health professionals to prescribe them to people who have CHD.
Support professional development for doctors that includes advice on fish and fish oil consumption for those with, and at risk of, CHD.
Support sustainable fishing practices and healthy, sustainable marine ecosystems.
Monitor levels of methylmercury and dioxins in Australian fish
When looking for fish oil capsules to supplement your diet, look for ones produced from clean-water, sustainably sourced fish. I love Young Living OmegaGize3™, and not just for providing “the purest omega-3 fish oil available” enriched with vitamin D3 and CoQ10. It also includes a special Omega Enhancement™ blend to support the omega-3’s effectiveness. I’m glad of the extra potency that comes with the authentic essential oils of clove flower bud, German chamomile flowers and spearmint leaves within this formula.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
Not a fan of fish?
I know people who don’t eat fish for the simple reason they don’t like the flavour or avoiding bones annoys them. Fair enough. But don’t let this put you off taking fish oil capsules. They’ve come a long way in recent years. Choose a top quality product from a reputable brand and it’s unlikely they will repeat on you. Some digestive systems might beg to differ (which likely says more about your digestive system than the capsule) so please don’t send me a grizzly email if yours is one of them. It was still worth a try, I say! But if you’re a non-vegetarian, guess what? Beef is also a good source. I kid you not.
Vegetarian Options
Plant-based marine sources of omega-3 include microalgae like chlorella and spirulina. And rich non-marine ones are flaxseeds (clear front runners), walnuts, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Opt for organic soy and linseed bread and this will also give your omega-3s a boost for the day.
You’ll find 100% vegan and vegetarian omega-3 supplements sourced from microalgae at your favourite health food store to boost your dietary intake.
Guess what I’m having for dinner? No prizes, sorry.
