Is There Mercury In Your Fish Oil Supplements?
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.
Fish oil obviously comes from fish. Yet, where the fish come from is a major concern not only when taking supplements but when consuming it as a food source as well.[youtube:_3K6yQ9RGDw;What's The Correct:[link:Fish Oil Dosage]?;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3K6yQ9RGDw&feature=related]
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.
The exact type of fish that the oil comes from is another concern. Some fish are known to have higher levels of mercury and other metals that can be harmful to the human body. For example, many people concerned with their health will eat salmon over tuna because it has much lower mercury content.
While it is not as easy to find and may cost a little more, cod liver oil is one of the best options you can purchase. If purchased as a pure liquid it is even better.
Purity is very important! It is not necessarily true that a supplement not labeled specifically as 100% pure is bad, but you do want to do some research into different brands to ensure you purchase one that is reasonably pure. Chances are the cheapest brands at the supermarket are not going to be your most pure options.
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.
If you are concerned about the taste of a liquid form or want to get your children to take it without a fight, consider mixing it into smoothies or milkshakes. Children will not even know it is in there! You can take frozen fruit and juice and add it into the blender for a very simple smoothie that is healthy for everyone.
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!