Something Fishy for Father's Day

Not sure what to get Dad for Father's Day?

Here's a thought: Fish oil supplements! Granted, they aren't as sexy as a Tesla, as sophisticated as a Patek or as groovy as a new set of clubs. But they're certainly less expensive and Dad will love it because while he doesn't want you to know that he worries about his new wrinkles or memory loss... he notices, and he worries.

Thankfully, the omega-3 fatty acid found in cold water fish oil has numerous proven benefits. Unfortunately, it's also proven that most Americans don't get enough omega-3 fatty acid in their diet, and I'm no exception.

I started taking omega-3 fish oil supplements a week ago, and I'm shocked by the results. My hair is noticeably shinier, my nails (famously short, brittle and sad) are stronger and my skin seems more supple.

I realize my anecdotal results may not be enough to inspire you (or Dad) to starting popping three pills a day, but maybe this info from WebMD will. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two fatty acids from the omega-3 family, offer the following benefits:

• Supports normal brain development.
• Ensures nervous system function.
• Maintains eyesight.
• Protects to the body.
• Reduces the risk of developing arthritis, high blood pressure, some cancers and heart disease.

Plus even more relative to the Face Parlour scope, a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology suggests fish oil supplements decrease symptoms of eczema, a skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, flaky skin, by as much as 18 percent.

Still not convinced that giving a bottle of fish oil capsules will fully communicate your appreciation for ole dad? Then consider taking him to his favorite restaurant that serves foods packed with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, walnuts and olive oil.

Dad, if you're reading this, it looks like you'll be getting something fishy for Father's Day.

Comments

[enveg01]

Thank you for this post. What might be even better than fish oil is flax seed oil with DHA from micro-algae. Our oceans are horribly polluted and fish are known to be contaminated with PCBs, mercury, and a slew of other heavy metals. Also, because of overfishing, it's been estimated that our ocean's fish population will be decimated by 2048. Flax seed oil is much more renewable form of Omega-3s that doesn't contribute to overfishing and is free of the pollutants found in fish. DHA rich micro-algae (where fish get their DHA) can be grown in ponds and harvested. Many flax seed oils now have this DHA added for people who have trouble converting their Omega-3s into DHA.

[omega3book]

Envego, flaxseed oil is 51% Omega-3 ALA. Omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish are two fatty acids studied world-wide the last 3 decades for their anti-inflammatory properties. That science is based on the Greenlandic Eskimos surprising lack of atherosclerosis even though they consumed enormous amounts of whale fat. It is quite conclusive EPA and DHA (from fish) carry enormous anti-inflammatory properties.

The other issue trying to get those benefits through flaxseed or ALA is our bodies do not convert that very well and if we are able to, it's only EPA. We miss any DHA which we need for cognitive concerns. While we may have pollution in oceans, fish oil in a pure EPA and DHA supplement have been moleculary distilled to remove all PCG's and toxins. There are many, many superior fish oil supplement on the market that are pure, do not cause burping, and taste like light olive oil. That's purity at it's finest.

So many people today want flaxseed to give the same benefits as found in EPA and DHA from fish but it just isn't so - and until science finds that it might be, we're better off adding EPA and DHA to rid our bodies of inflammation caused by many foods.

Lois Smithers

[NoSillyName]

I take 'em, but my Dad is 90!! Sure they'd still be good for him, but his generation puts stock in doctors and the prescription pad, not supplements. If we lived near each other, I could probably convince him. '

He has very few wrinkles!

[ChicagoBob]

!

I have taken these things from time to time but every time they make me burp and the smell is something like really, really rotten fish. Nobody can stand to be around me and the burps just keep coming.

No thank you. I would rather get old than live in isolation.

Or maybe you have a suggestion re hew to suppress the indigestion.

!

[dougbremner]

Eating fish was better than the supplements in the studies. And the supplements although they prevented heart attack in people with heart disease did not actually prevent first heart attack in those without heart disease, although I don't begrudge anyone taking them since it is hard to prove that anything prevents a first heart attack in someone who is otherwise healthy and without risk factors for heart disease. And you are not the first one to smell like a fish after taking fish oil supplements. Remember that being married helps men (if not women) so not smelling like a rotting fish is good for your health too!

[NoSillyName]

I don't have that problem, ChicagoBob. I wonder if you do because of the brand or your body. Have you tried different brands? I've taken it with food and on an empty stomach, no problem. If fish oil simply doesn't work for you, period, remember the other sources.... olive oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, some vegetables.

See the chart at the bottom of this page for other ideas:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84