If you’re looking for ways to boost your brain and heart health, omega-3s should be at the top of your list. These essential fats, found in fish oil, play a big role in keeping your brain sharp and your heart healthy. In this blog, we’ll dive into why omega-3s are so important, how to know if you’re getting enough, and why Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil is the top choice for quality and purity.
How Much Omega-3 Do You Need?
When it comes to brain health, studies have shown that omega-3s are key. Dr. Dale Bredesen, known for his work on reversing Alzheimer’s, recommends 1,000 mg of DHA and 500 to 1,000 mg of EPA each day for brain support. These fats help protect brain cells, improve memory, and boost overall brain function. Dr. Bredesen is not just focused on preventing dementia, but actually reversing Alzheimer’s disease, which requires a higher intake to make up for deficiencies in the past.
A study from the Framingham Heart Study found that women in the highest quartile of plasma DHA had a 47% lower chance of all-cause dementia and a 39% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease after 9 years of follow-up.
For heart health, similar amounts are just as important. Omega-3s help maintain normal levels of blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support overall heart health, which is why they’re recommended for anyone looking to keep their cardiovascular system in tip-top shape.
Are You Getting Enough Omega-3s?
So, how do you know if you’re getting enough omega-3s? A serving of Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil gives you 1,060 mg of total omega-3s, including 510 mg of DHA and 340 mg of EPA. But the real way to find out is through a simple lab test called the Omega-3 Index.
This test checks how much omega-3 is in your red blood cells, and the goal is to have an index above 8%. If your numbers are lower, it might be time to add more omega-3s to your diet. A study published in the journal Atherosclerosis found that increasing the Omega-3 Index from 4% to 8% reduced the risk of fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) by 30%. It was also estimated that most people need about 1.5 grams of EPA + DHA to go from a 4% to an 8% Omega-3 Index. Since a serving of Arctic Cod Liver Oil has 850 mg of EPA + DHA, you might need more than one serving a day to get enough. But an at-home blood test for the Omega 3 Index would tell you if you are on the right track.
You can learn more about the Omega-3 Index test from OmegaQuant here.
The Easiest Way to Get Your Omega-3s
When I tell people they need more than three big gel caps of fish oil, they give me a funny look, like there is no way they are going to do that. For many people swallowing five or more big capsules every day is a hassle. That’s why taking your omega-3s as a liquid is so much easier. Just one teaspoon of liquid cod liver oil gives you a powerful dose of these essential fats without the extra gelatin you get with soft gels, which come from animal sources. Plus, it’s a lot more convenient!
Why Nordic Naturals Is the Best
Not all fish oils are created equal, and that’s where Nordic Naturals stands out. Here’s why:
- Top Purity Standards: Nordic Naturals makes sure their oil passes all the strictest purity standards for environmental contaminants and toxins, so you’re getting cleanest, safest omega-3s possible. This is true of many other companies, but Nordic Naturals has earned a lot of trust from their long history of doing fish oil the right way.
- Certified Sustainable Harvest: Nordic Naturals ensures that they are good stewards; their harvesting techniques do not deplete the fish in the ocean.
- Triglyceride forms of fatty acids: Some companies process their oil into the ethyl ester form rather than leaving them in the natural triglyceride form. Triglycerides have higher absorption and are what your body expects to receive in your diet.
- Nothing Artificial: Unlike some other brands, they don’t add artificial vitamins. The vitamin A and D in Arctic Cod Liver Oil are only what occur naturally in the oil, without any added vitamin A or D. This means you don’t have to worry about getting too much pre-formed vitamin A (retinoic acid), which can be harmful in high doses.
- Great Taste: Arctic Cod Liver Oil comes in orange and lemon flavor, and it doesn’t have that fishy aftertaste of some oils. Also, people who have trouble with burps or nausea from other fish oils should have little trouble with Arctic Cod Liver Oil. This is the good stuff.
By choosing Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil, you’re making sure you get the best quality, natural omega-3s to support your health.
Wrapping Up
Omega-3s are a simple, powerful way to boost your health, especially for your brain and heart. The best way to know if you’re getting enough is by checking your Omega-3 Index. If your levels are low, Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil is an easy, effective way to get your daily dose. Plus, it’s pure and free from unnecessary additives, so you can feel confident about what you’re putting into your body.