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Do you share this love/hate relationship with eating fish that I have? While I appreciate the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids from the fish oil, which significantly decreases my risk of heart attack, I have that constant fear of ingesting contaminants from the fish like mercury and other toxins detrimental to my health. In 2004 the FDA and Environmental Protection Agency issued a warning recommending that small children and women of childbearing age eat no more than 12 ounces of seafood per week. They went on to state that large doses of mercury can damage developing brains, which cause learning difficulties and other problems. Four fish that have been found to be extremely high in mercury levels and need to be avoided entirely are king mackerel, swordfish, shark, and tilefish. So how can we get the important nutrients that our bodies need when we are advised to limit our intake of fish? I have found a way to get the health boost of fish without the threat of contaminants in the process by getting the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of dietary supplements. By reading the manufacturers information on the package, you can be made aware of the type of omega-3 fatty acid you are getting. For example, flax oil capsules contain ALA, which is a different form of omega-3 fatty acid, and isn't as effective. Research has shown that it takes about 1,750 mg of DHA and EPA (the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil) per week to start to see benefits, and larger amounts for people who have heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides, which clog the arteries and have shown a modest drop in blood pressure. The heart requires EPA to maintain proper circulation. Taking fish oil supplements you can achieve the cardiac protection you need. Doctors recommend that to maintain excellent health your total cholesterol should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). Your LDL or low-density lipoprotein should be under 100 mg/dl. LDL is also known as bad cholesterol, and is one of the ingredients in artery-narrowing plaque. Your HDL (high density lipoprotein) should be above 40 mg/dl for men, and above 50 mg/dl for women. HDL is known as good cholesterol, and it clears excess plaque from the arteries and sends it to the liver to be disposed of. Triglycerides should be under 150 mg/dl. Triglycerides give your body energy, but trouble comes when excessive amounts thicken artery walls. Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil have been proven to keep these important numbers at their proper levels. As a precautionary measure, it is a good idea to only buy fish oil supplements that have been molecularly distilled. This process removes all contaminants, like the mercury I mentioned above and leaves a pure fish oil for the omega-3 supplements. By being aware that the best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil, and staying alert to the variety of supplements available, we all can get the full benefits of fish without the fear of contaminants. Check out my web site in my bio for more information. Elizabeth Ruby is passionate about good health and is a firm believer in taking quality nutritional supplements. She has extensively researched Omega 3 fatty acids for optimal health. Check out her web site at http://www.omega-3-health.com/ to find out how she keeps her mind and body young and active, functioning fully with the help of Omega 3 Fish Oil.
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