Fish oil is now one of the top recommended supplements to take for improving your health and many people have taken up the advice. But fish oil supplements are only as good as the ingredients they contain!
Fish oil consists of Omega-3 fatty acids that cannot be produced naturally by the body. Omega-3 is broken down into DHA and EPA and these are what provide the benefits.
Expectant mothers are especially advised to increase their intake of fish oil as it has a direct impact on the development of their unborn baby.
So let’s take a look at both EPA and DHA.
EPA
EPA stands for eicosapentaenoic acid and is an essential fatty acid that has many health benefits. Like DHA, EPA is known to benefit the brain, albeit to a lesser extent.
EPA mainly concentrates on the cardiovascular system and also has huge anti-inflammatory properties. This makes EPA very beneficial to sufferers of arthritis and joint pain. Studies have also linked this nutrient to emotional well-being and the benefit it provides for treating depression.
It is also beneficial to the immune system and promotes a healthy blood flow.
DHA
This stands for decosahexanoic acid and is very important for optimal health. Whilst EPA benefits the brain slightly, DHA is essential as the brain cells are constantly using DHA to function.
It is required in high quantities to ensure that concentration and mental performance is at its peak.
Whilst EPA and DHA both have their benefits, studies have concluded the DHA is by far the most beneficial.
Apart from brain health, it also benefits the heart and other bodily functions.
When Taken Together The Benefits Are Outstanding!
Whilst EPA and DHA can be obtained from eating fresh oily fish, it is not likely that you will be getting enough for all the benefits. Fish oil supplements containing both of these fatty acids are where the benefits will come from.
When taken together the benefits are as follows:
- Promotes healthy cardiovascular functioning
- Promotes eye health
- Promotes brain health
- Leaves skin looking healthy
- Boosts the immune system
- Regulates cell activity
- Aids in the development of an infant’s brain
- Increases energy
- Helps cushion tissues and organs
- Treats inflammation
- Protects the body against heat loss
To get the above benefits you need to ensure you get a quality product that contains the right amounts of both EPA and DHA.
What To look For In A Product
Always ensure that the product contains a minimum of 250mg of DHA and 100mg of EPA for maximum benefits. Avoid products that have added useless ingredients to make up the weight of their products.
Fish oil from fish caught in the cleanest waters are the best as this minimizes the risk of contamination, although a quality product should have been put through a thorough decontamination process.
Lastly read the reviews about the product; this allows you to see how others have found it and whether there have been any complaints.
Hopefully you know have the information you required regarding EPA and DHA!
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