Time for a rethink on cod liver oil?
HAVE you been taking cod liver oil for ages, without being sure that it meets your omega-3 needs?
Or perhaps you have tried it and been put off by the strong, fishy aftertaste.
The good news is that there is now a seafood alternative available that provides more of the useful omega-3 without the drawbacks.
Cod liver oil first became popular as a health supplement because it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which cannot be produced by the body.
Omega- 3 is known to boost the brain, protect heart health and support vision.
It is also commonly taken by people experiencing joint problems such as arthritis.
However, scientists are now aware of better sources for this vital nutrient.
Krill oil is recognised by researchers as the best source of omega- 3 and has become popular in the U.S.
That’s because, unlike fish oil, it naturally combines the omega-3 with phospholipids.
The body recognises phospholipids as part of its own cell membrane and readily incorporates the whole complex, so more of the beneficial ingredients are absorbed.
This new variant of the omega-3 supplement also contains choline, a vital neuro-transmitter important for healthy liver function, and has fewer impurities than cod liver oil, as krill (pictured right) are further down the food chain.
A Cambridge-based company sells one of the most concentrated omega- 3 supplements on the market.
It has attracted significant attention, including from the U. S. military and sports scientists who conduct research on professional athletes.
The super-supplement goes through a purification process that removes salts and leaves a higher concentration of vital omega-3 and phospholipids.
This also removes the strong fishy flavour.
The oil is then contained in easy-to-swallow capsules, making it an excellent alternative for those who struggle to take old-fashioned cod liver oil supplements.