Video Summary

Overall Benefits of fish oil:

So as you may know, a big supplement in the market is fish oil.  Fish oil is one of the most heart healthy things one can consume.  In particular, fish oil contains EPA+DHA which are very healthy Omega 3 fatty acids.  Other sources of Omega 3s such as flax seed, hemp seed, chia seed etc. lack EPA+DHA.  Whilst Omega 3 fatty acids are great for reducing overall inflammation, EPA+DHA are actually found in the brain.  Thus, EPA especially has been found to help with mood problems like depression, anxiety and can reduce brain inflammation.  It helps with ADHD and Autism as well and may be even be a key part of Alzheimer and dementia prevention!  In fact, some folks such as Chris Kresser have postulated that inflammation of the brain could be a cause of depression.

Omega 3s are particularly important for people who suffer from inflammatory conditions – such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma, Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, Heart Disease etc. Omega 3’s help with blood fat and lower triglyceride levels naturally. The proper ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 is pretty out of whack in America and this promotes inflammation. An ideal ratio should be a round 1:1 of Omega 3:Omega 6 fatty acids.  Cold water fish such as sardines, herring, cod etc. are some of the best sources for Omega 3.  So while us landlubbers may love our various nuts and oils for Omega 3, let us not forget about our little buddies in the sea, swimming around in clean waters and eating little pieces of green that ultimately result in a very anti-inflammatory animal.

Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil

Carlson’s Cod Liver OIl Supplement Facts

Cod Liver Oil – Turbocharged fish oil:

Now fish oil is a great supplement and that cannot be denied.  However, consolidation of supplements is ideal so we can spend less and get maximum nutrition.  The beauty of oil extracted from the livers of cod fish, is that the liver contains Vitamins A and D.  Vitamin D is the vitamin that more than half of people are often deficient in.  Vitamin D is synthesized automatically by the body when we expose our bare skin to sun.  Unfortunately not all of us live in areas where the sun shines very bright, and as a result people from northern areas are particularly deficient in Vitamin D.  The darker one’s skin, the longer he/she must be out in the sun for.  A good exposure time is around 15 minutes in peak sun hours per day for light skinned folks and around an hour for dark skinned folks.  Vitamin D helps other nutrients get absorbed, it is really good for the immune system, joints and teeth!

Vitamin A is an important vitamin as well.  It is very good for the teeth, nails, hair, bones, skin, vision and immune system etc.  Vitamin A we always hear about being good for the eyes, but it is also critical for embryonic development, blood formation, antioxidant activity etc.  Pretty much the best source of Vitamin A is Cod Liver Oil but it is found in high concentrations in other livers – like that from cows, chickens, turkeys etc.

Why Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil?

Well, quite simply Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil is pretty easy to find.  It is probably one of the most popular supplements at your local health food store and it is about $30 on Amazon with free shipping (for prime members).  Carlson Labs is a family owned business and has been making supplements since 1965.  That is just about half a century and their fish/cod oils are extensively tested so folks know they are pure and free from harmful heavy metals, PCB’s etc.  So what are you waiting for?  If you aren’t taking fish oil, go ahead and try some.  If you are taking fish oil, maybe switch to Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil as it is virtually the same price – with added Vitamins A+D.  Thanks for the read folks and I’d appreciate any comments or questions you might have in the section below!  If you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter, make sure to do so as you’ll get the free Diet chapter from my upcoming book The Green Diet 🙂