Salmon, Tuna and mackeral...what do these fish have in common? The answer is that these fish have fats that produce a highly potent fish oil which may help you lead a healthier and happier life. The secret? Fish oil contains some known as Omega-3 fatty acids which are docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. In layman's terms, that is DHA and EPA.

What is the big deal about these omega fatty acids anyway? Basically, these types of fatty acids are the building blocks needed for cell development. And since our bodies can't naturally produce this acid, we have to include it in our diets. Researchers have finally figured out that fatty acids and Omega-3's in particular play a vital role in brain and fetal development during pregnancy. In addition to this, there are even more advantages that come with either including this type of fish in your diet or by taking a fish tablet as a fish oil supplement.

Here are some advantages of including fish oil in your diet.

• Fish oil is believed to help improve brain development...more importantly, it is said that fish oil will help aid in memory. There are studies that show how important DHA is when it comes to cognitive thinking. For instance, a recent study actually showed that fish oil will actually slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.There are studies showing that DHA actually plays a major role in brain functions. In other words, if you have a family history of Alzheimer's disease, fish oil may help prevent it. On a different note, another study found that women who were pregnant who digested fish oil supplements daily had babies with better hand and eye coordination as well as developed cognitively quicker by the age of three.
• Many people are pointing at fish oil as a natural solution to curing modern day diseases such as ADHA, dyslexia and dyspraxia. In fact, fish oil supplements have been used as a way to help those with other mental disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.Aside from Alzheimer’s disease, fish oil can also help in reducing the risk of other mental illnesses like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children, dyspraxia, bipolar disorder and dyslexia.

• Fish oil is thought to help reduce your risk of a heart attack- There is this misconception that all fats are bad. In actuality, the fatty acids that make up fish oil has been proven to reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. The secret is that fish oil naturally reduces inflammation in the body.
• Some think that fish oil can help reduce your chances of getting cancer- Once again, chalk it up to the fatty acids. Fish oil will stop or slow cancerous cell gorwth. Women can reduce their chances of getting breast cancer just by taking fish oil or eating salmon or mackeral. Research has shown that your chances are significantly reduced just by adding it to your diet.
• Fish Oil will help reduce the effects of those who have to deal with arthritis (including gout), colitis, asthma and lupus. The reason behind this is the anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce the pain associated with these disease.
• Fish oil will help reduce the risks associated with pregnancy. As stated above, not only will the fatty omega 3's help with your child's brain development, it will also reduce the risk of an premature or early birth. Fish oil (as stated above) will also help women who are suffering from post partum depression.There are even some who believe that fish oil will aid in fertility as well.
• Fish oil is good for an all around healthy body. Omega 3's and 6's are thought to help the body produce serotonin which will increase a person's happiness in life overall. Another good thing about fish oil is that it is known to help with skin problems and will improve eyesight, reduce acne, help naturally treat rosascea and improve the texture of your hair.

So with so many potentials out there and given the fact that fish oil is so good for you, what is the best? The answer is pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements. The reason for this is that if you eat too much fish, you risk the possibility of ingesting harmful chemicals such as mercury and PCB's.

So, you have decided to try a fish oil supplement, went to the local grocery and discovered that there is a lot more than simply "one good" supplement. What's next? How do you choose the best fish oil supplement? Well, one of the things you should consider is the amount of DHA to EPA ratios. This is the omega 3 fatty acid content.

There are actually 3 types of Omega 3 fatty acids. Incidentally, these are not only found in fish (which is the best source) but in game animals as well as animals that are raised organically.

The 3 types:

1. EPA
2. DHA
3. ALA

You already know a little about EPA and DHA...but what about ALA? ALA is otherwise known as alpha linolenic acid and is typically found in plant sources such as flax seed (flax seed oil) and a variety of nuts and oils. It can also be found in organic meats that are natural grazers because they eat plant sources.

EPA and DHA are the two omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil supplements.Now, there is a difference between ALA and DHA/EPA. The most notable one is the scientific version- ALA is a short chain omega 3 and DHA and EPA is a long chain Omega 3. Your body processes both fatty acids differently. The short chain acids (such as ALA) have to be converted into a longer chain form. This is precisely why you hear more about the benefits of fish oil supplements than flax oil.

Is the Fish Oil Supplement More Effective than short chain Omega 3's?

Researchers believe that they are, at least in terms of health benefits. The reason? As someone once put it...the proof is in the pudding. Both EPA and DHA have already been proven to have a dramatic effect on reducing and preventing hear disease. The problem with the shorter fatty acids is that scientists believe that the body would have to take an extra step in converting the acid into something that the body can use.

Fish Oil Source- Where is the fish oil coming from?

Since fish oil supplements can range anywhere between an out and out scam (snake oil) to a pharmaceutical grade fish oil (which is the best supplement to get), we have to know where the fish oil came from. In order to do this, we can take a look at where the source of the fish oil is coming from. And we can do this simply by looking at the label. The reason why you would want to do this is because not all fish oil supplements will be as potent as others. The best fish oil comes from cold water fish...most notably salmon.

Additionally, if the label doesn't show the type of fish it is pulling its oil from, then this should ring an alarm in your head. Tell-tale signs include ingredients such as "fish oil" or "marine lipids." Your fish oil should state the actual species of fish to ensure that it is pure.