Fish oils have come under scrutiny lately. Experts and research can't seem to decide whether or not we should actually take omega-3 supplements, or if they are a waste of time and money.
In this article we'll explore what's going on and come to a common sense conclusion. You'll discover some of the mistakes you want to avoid when choosing a supplement, and what to do instead.
Let's start with mistake number one.
1. Focusing on One Study
When you're thinking about supplementation, don't just look at one article or study, look at several. Try to find a consensus of what's going on.
There are articles out there that claim that fish oil supplements have no benefit whatsoever, and then there are articles that claim the opposite.
Which one is true? Look at the consensus. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids have been heavily researched for decades. The same answer comes back over and over again, fish oils are beneficial.
Your body needs essential fatty acids to survive, so this isn't about not using them at all. You also have to remember that many studies don't reveal what supplement they used in their trials. A pharmaceutical grade supplement will yield vastly different results from a generic brand.
2. Forgetting Quality
And that brings us to quality. A mistake you must avoid is going for the cheapest option. Now, you don't have to spend a fortune on a good supplement.
You can get a month's worth of high-quality omega-3 pills for under $20, so that's not the problem.
Always look at quality, and look at independent tests. Has the supplement been proven to be pure, safe and effective by outside testing?
3. Not Testing
In this article we'll explore what's going on and come to a common sense conclusion. You'll discover some of the mistakes you want to avoid when choosing a supplement, and what to do instead.
Let's start with mistake number one.
1. Focusing on One Study
When you're thinking about supplementation, don't just look at one article or study, look at several. Try to find a consensus of what's going on.
There are articles out there that claim that fish oil supplements have no benefit whatsoever, and then there are articles that claim the opposite.
Which one is true? Look at the consensus. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids have been heavily researched for decades. The same answer comes back over and over again, fish oils are beneficial.
Your body needs essential fatty acids to survive, so this isn't about not using them at all. You also have to remember that many studies don't reveal what supplement they used in their trials. A pharmaceutical grade supplement will yield vastly different results from a generic brand.
2. Forgetting Quality
And that brings us to quality. A mistake you must avoid is going for the cheapest option. Now, you don't have to spend a fortune on a good supplement.
You can get a month's worth of high-quality omega-3 pills for under $20, so that's not the problem.
Always look at quality, and look at independent tests. Has the supplement been proven to be pure, safe and effective by outside testing?
3. Not Testing
Finally, you have to be willing to experiment. It's impossible to know how your body will react to omega-3 fatty acids.
What I do know is that a large majority (80%+) of people in the west are deficient in essential fats, which is bad news for their health.
So whatever you do, remember that your body needs these fats. You can get them by eating fish or taking a supplement.
If you have access to pure, wild caught fish, then by all means eat it. But if you don't, then a high-quality supplement may be a viable option.
The Bottom Line
What this comes down to is using your common sense. Don't rely on any one expert, article or study. Look at them all and form your own opinion.
Test a supplement for 30 to 60 days and see how you feel. In most cases, you will notice a difference, especially if you pick the right supplement, or the right source of fish.
Don't worry too much, just start somewhere, and do your best.
If you liked this article and would like more honest information on improving your health, read my article on if fish oils really work here: http://www.happyhealthyrelaxed.com/is-fish-oil-good-for-you/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henri_K._Junttila
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