If you are taking fish oil supplements chances are you have heard something about the concern of mercury poisoning. This is creating some confusion among people who want to do the best for their health but are uncertain about how to pick the best type of supplement. It turns out there is a lot to think about, even beyond the mercury issue.
Where the fish you consume comes from is something to think about, whether you are taking oil supplements or just eating fresh fish a few times a week. You may assume fish are just fish, but this is not the case.
Not all fish that are used for oil or as a food source are taken from the fresh ocean as most people assume. There are fish farms now that raise and sell fish to manufacturers. The fish that come from these farms have been tested and it turns out they tend to have more impurities than fish fresh from an ocean.
Also, you have to consider the type of fish that are used. Some fish such as tuna have higher mercury content than others.
Cod liver oil is the best type, especially when purchased in a pure liquid form. This is not as easy to find and may run a little higher than other supplements, but knowing exactly where the fish came from is well worth it.
Purity is another issue. Some cheaper supplements are very easy to find through local stores but they are likely higher in impurities and could pose more harm than good. While you don’t necessarily have to find one that states it is pure on the label, you do want to do some research into brands and make sure you are buying one that is reasonably pure.
If you want the absolute best look for 100% pure cod liver oil. While it does not have the most appealing taste and is not as easy to get down as the large capsules that are typically taken, you will benefit from the extra health rewards.
One idea for getting it down and even getting children to take it willingly is to mix frozen fruit and juice in the blender and add it in. You can also add it into milkshakes or other types of smoothies for a delicious treat packed with an extra spike of health.
Most people do not eat fish three or four times a week, which means most do not get the fish oil they need from their diet. There are considerable mental and physical benefits that have been proven to come with taking fish oil supplements on a daily basis. This includes children!