Essential Fatty Acids… and they are (essential!)

“Good Fats” are Necessary for Health

Supplements reviewed here: Krill Oil, CLA and kill oil and cod liver oil I take

Benefits of Essential Fatty AcidsTHEY’RE REFERRED to as “essential” because they’re necessary for health.  There are several  important benefits said to accrue from essential fatty acids, such as reduction of inflammation, cardiovascular health, and mood improvement.

I got a chuckle from a study done with London cabbies.  A group of them had their stress levels tested before and after ingesting fish oil for 12 weeks.  Fish oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, one of the “essential” fatty acids.

I saw the cabbie story on TV.  Actors pretending to be customers intentionally criticized and berated the cabbies in this study before and after the cabbies ingested fish oil over some relatively short period of time. The researchers then examined differences in the cabbies’ reactions as they consumed these fatty acids.

It was obvious, and funny to the observer in TV land, that the cabbies were much more relaxed dealing with the “irate” actor-customers after taking the fish oil. As a group, their stress hormone was down by 22%, and their anti-stress hormone went up by 12%.

So, fat can be good, if it comes from the right source.

I use these:

Neptune Krill Oil, NKO (500mg, 60 softgels)

Neptune Krill Oil, NKO This form of omega-3 is absorbed faster and more efficiently than that typically found in fish oil. Neptune Krill Oil supports heart health and cell membrane integrity.

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) 800mg  (800mg, 180 oblong softgels)

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a free fatty acid derived from safflower oil related to the omega-6 fatty acids.  It’s also a fatty acid with weight management and immune enhancing benefits.  Since I get plenty of omega-6 from cooking with cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil, I only take CLA when I’d like to cut some fat off my body in combination with augmenting my exercise regime.

Cod Liver Oil, Lemon Flavored by Carlson® (9oz, 50 servings) Cod Liver Oil, Lemon Flavored by Carlson It ain’t pretty but it’s righteous, and part of my daily supplementation.  I don’t mine the taste, but if this tastes bad to you, after swallowing immediately drink a few gulps of a beverage you like.

Go here for more essential fatty acid product information. (Then scroll down the left hand side and look for ” Essential Fatty Acids” under “Product Categories”.)

Go here for a list of Product Categories on this site.


Supplement Disclaimer

Just as with the descriptive statements made at the various company sites that manufacture and/or sell the supplement products presented in this blog, none, or nearly none, of the potential benefits stated here have been evaluated by the FDA. Likewise none, or nearly none, of the products here can be represented to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Before engaging a supplement program, it always makes sense to get the advice of your health practitioner.

Last Updated on February 27, 2022 by Joe Garma

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Joe Garma
 

I help people live with more vitality and strength. I'm a big believer in sustainability, and am a bit nutty about optimizing my diet, supplements, hormones and exercise. To get exclusive Updates, tips and be on your way to a stronger, more youthful body, join my weekly Newsletter. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 2 comments
fish oil safety - August 14, 2011

As per an estimate, sales of fish oil supplements have tripled in last few
years and today it’s worth more than a billion dollar. But how safe are these
fish oil supplements? Is fish oil safe to use? The safety of fish oil usability
has been debated time and again.

Reply
    Joseph Garma - August 14, 2011

    There are no guarantees in life and there may be times, as occurred recently, when tests of some fish oil manufacturers product indicate higher levels of toxins such as mercury than allowed.  However, a reputable brand will 99% of the time provide fish oil that is free from contamination.

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