If you take fish oil supplements for the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, you better make sure they're fresh or you may be doing your body more harm than good. Fish oil can quickly go rancid, which can cause free radicals in your body.
To avoid taking oxidized fish oil, buy a high-quality oil and check the expiration date on the bottle. Even if the oil has not expired, try tasting the encapsulated oil either by chewing it or simply stick a needle into the gel cap to take a small taste. If it's rancid, you'll know it.
If the oil tastes fresh, then store it in a refrigerator. You should repeat the taste test almost weekly until the bottle is empty to ensure freshness.
Research has found that the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil promote cardiovascular health, protect against stoke and heart attack, improve brain function, and help fight certain cancers, inflammation and depression.
Related articles: Is Your Fish Oil Measuring Up?
Monday, October 8, 2007
Rancid Fish Oil More Harmful Than Healthful
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3 comments:
Isn't it interesting that in so many cases natural food and supplements have it all over poisonous prescription drugs?
My cardiologist just told me at my last visit that fish oil capsules need to be refrigerated! I never knew that. She (and another physician) also told me that the CostCo (Kirkland) brand were good.
My mom uses the Costco brand as well so I'll have to tell her that it has a cardiologist approval. Good to know. Thanks! Also, I think a lot of people don't realize that you need to refrigerate your fish oil. You're not alone. - Deanne
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