Omega 3 Supplements: What About Calamari Oil?
Taking an omega 3 supplement can give you a happy and healthy heart. The ususal source is a fish oil tablet, but did you know there are other supplement sources too?
After some research for a first time fish oil supplement taker, I came across calamari oil. (Thanks to another great nutrition blog, I just found out Dr. Oz just released a statement that krill oil is another choice!) Like fish oil, calamari oil contains omega 3's. So let's start with the basics:
What are Omega 3's?
O3's are an essential nutrient. If you want to get technical, the 'three' refers to the location of the first double bond on the third carbon. There are three sub-types of this compound:
- DHA
- EPA
- ALA
The standard American diet (commonly called SAD), is low in these important omega three fatty acids. Out of the sub-types, we eat the most amount of ALA. Some plant based oils contain ALA, which is then converted by the body to very small amounts of DHA and EPA. Fish oil on the other hand, is high in DHA and EPA!
DHA and EPA Specialties
- Cardiovascular function: DHA and EPA help modulate stable heart beat, maintain blood vessels for circulation and artery wall elasticity, as well as promote healthy triglyceride levels
- Brain and Nerve function: DHA is a major component of our brain tissue and protects neurons
- Vision: DHA is found in high amounts in the retina
- Immune function: Both DHA and EPA are required for eicosanoid formation, which helps support immune response
- Healthy Joints
Here's where fish oil and calamari oil differ. Calamari breed very quickly so it's a great sustainable option. Unlike other marine oils, the DHA levels are naturally higher than the EPA levels: crucial for ravishing good looks and genius intellect.
Okay, fine. Good for helping you with your vision and keeping your neurons 'a firing. Are you hooked on marine oil?
