There is no question that consuming certain types of fat can lead to health conditions, but are any fats good for you? Over the last thirty years saturated fats have been the topic of discussion when it comes to unhealthy fats. More recently, even deadlier fats have surfaced in fast foods, chocolate bars and baked goods. These fats are known as trans fatty acids (TFA). They are commonly referred to on package labeling as hydrogenated vegetable oils or shortening. Studies have found that these fats increase the risk of diabetes, breast and colon cancer, cause heart arrhythmia's and raise LDL cholesterol levels. The risk of blocked arteries is ten times from TFA than from saturated fats.

On the other hand, fat nutrition from healthy fats, is not only good for us but they are essential to health. Omega 3 essential fatty acids increase HDL levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stabilize heart rhythm, lower triglycerides, reduce the risk of heart attack, diabetes, various cancers and allergies. The richest source of omega 3 fats are salmon, flaxseed and walnuts. Other good sources include halibut, cod, shrimp, tuna, collard greens, soybeans, tofu, brussels sprouts and kale.

Research conducted in 2002 showed that North Americans are deficient in omega-3s, especially DPA and EPA acids found in fish. Fish sources of these vital nutrients are referred to as long chain omega 3 fatty acids. They have been found to provide a powerful defense against disease. Sources of omega 3s from flax seed oil are known as short chain fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). Studies have shown that converting alpha-linolenic acid into DHA and EPA can be difficult for many individuals who are more commonly found to be men. Therefore fish and fish supplements are considered to be the best way to get adequate amounts of EPA and DHA.

Another advantage fish oil has over flaxseed oil is the long chain acids are converted into prostaglandins which perform many important functions in the body such as pain, inflammation and swelling regulation. They also are important for blood pressure and heart regulation, kidney and digestive function and allergy response.

Currently average consumption of EPA and DHA is five times less than what is needed to maintain heart health. In order to consume the needed amounts of these nutrients many servings of fish would be needed to be consumed daily. This is neither practical or desirable. The best way to get adequate amounts of these supplements is to eat fish one or two times per week and use a supplement from a reputable company. The benefit to using supplements over consuming large amounts of fish is that good sources are mercury free.

Recently, pharmaceutical grade fish oil has become available which is highly concentrated and completely free from heavy metals and other environmental contamination. They are considered far superior and much more beneficial to health than all previously marketed fish oil products. Finding a product that is pharmaceutical grade may require some effort. Some companies are putting this label on regular fish oil products.

Products that are truly pharmaceutical grade will use vitamin E as a preservative, be manufactured in a certified GMP facility that is approved for pharmaceutical products, have at least sixty percent concentration of long chain EPA and DHA acids, The omega 3 and arachidonic acid will never display a ratio greater than fifty to one and the product information will show steps have been taken to ensure that the product is free from heavy metals and other toxic compounds.