Fish Oils Support Healthy Hearts & More

Fish oils come from cold water fish such as cod, herring, tuna, mackerel, salmon, and other marine life such as phytoplankton.  The two most studied fish oils are the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the doxosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  DHA is an especially important component of human cellular membranes, especially those in the brain and retina.

Studies also show that fish oil supports cardio vascular and heart health.  

Joint,  Intestinal, and Skin Support

Fish oil also plays a huge role in providing a healthy foundation for, joints, muscles, skin, and  gastrointestinal tract.

Fish Oil & Healthy Moods

Scientists are intrigued by the fact that in countries with the highest fish consumption, healthy moods are far more prevalent than their less-fishy friends!   

In general, fish oils are considered a healthy addition to most Western diets!  Some facts on the Co-op's fish oil:

1. Our Fish Oil is currently made from Norwegian fish oil by one of the largest fish oil producers in the world (headquartered in Norway and supporting research of marine omega-3 EPA and DHA on health for more than 15 years).
2. Fish used to make the crude oil comes mainly from sardine, anchovy and mackerel families (NOT farmed salmon!)
3. Similar to edible oils and fats, the crude fish oil goes through standard manufacturing processes to ensure quality (i.e., de-acidification, winterization, deodorization, etc.).
4. The next process is “molecular distillation.” What the heck is “molecular distillation,” you ask? A special instrument is used to spin the oil rapidly, allowing different substances to be separated based on their molecular weight. In this process, toxins, such as mercury and PCBs, are separated from the fish oil.
5. Natural vitamin E (an antioxidant) is added to our Fish Oil before encapsulation to protect the oil against rancidity.

Notes:

1. Fish oil products should contain antioxidants such as tocopherol to protect against their oxidation.
2. Because of the possible antithrombotic effect of fish oil supplements, hemophiliacs and those taking warfarin (Coumadin), or other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid) and others should exercise caution in use of fish oils.
3. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of fish oil supplements on glycemic control in those with glucose intolerance, including type 2 diabetics. Doses below 6 grams per day do not seem to affect blood glucose. 
4. Patients taking anti-hypertensive drugs may experience additive effects with fish oil on lowering blood pressure.
5. Fish oils can reduce cyclosporine-induced hypertension after heart transplants and can protect against cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity.
6. Use of fish oils with etretinate can enhance the effects in psoriasis treatment. 
7. Higher doses of fish oils might cause suppression of immune and inflammatory response. Immunocompromised (HIV/AIDS) patients should avoid exceeding 3 grams per day.