Is Your Fish Oil Supplement Measuring Up?

So you started taking fish oil because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains helps protect your body from everything from heart disease to macular degeneration. As a bonus, according to Dr. Perricone, it makes your skin look younger and more beautiful. But when it comes to the quality of the oil you take, you may wonder, how high is high and how pure is pure?

Frankly, you have reason to be concerned. If you're not buying from a reputable company, there's a good chance your fish oil has more saturated fat and less of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Here are two ways to know what kind of oil you're getting. First, check to see if the fish oil you take is processed by one of the supplement companies who have banded together to keep their industry accountable and ethical by forming a new omega-3 trade association called the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED Omega-3). A list of the companies can be found at their Web site at www.goedomega3.com.

Secondly, take one of your fish oil capsules and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. If the oil is still clear when you remove it, you have the high-concentrated EPA/DHA essential oils. However, if the oil looks cloudy, you have less of the heart healthy omega-3s and more saturated fat.

The good news is that 90% of American and European omega-3 fatty acid suppliers belong to GOED Omega-3. But you should still do your homework before buying your next bottle of fish oil. Your body will reap the most benefits with the true high quality and pure omega-3s.

Sources:
www.womenshealthletter.com
http://www.goedomega3.com/