Here is one very good reason to buy omega 3 capsules of fish oil. The widespread problem of mercury contamination in fish stocks that are used to produce this popular natural remedy.

For the benefit of the fish eating public, the Environmental Defense Fund, an organization that works with governments and businesses, has published a chart that lists the most contaminated fish. Because they view this as a serious health risk they have included on this chart the maximum servings they recommend for adults and children that can be eaten safely each month. In some cases this is limited to one per month while others can be included on the menu up to four times.

Why such concern? Even with exposure to low levels through our diet there can be adverse effects on the brain and the nervous system which can cause problems with memory and attention levels, especially in children. More extreme exposure can cause severe renal and gastrointestinal damage. Contrary to what most of us may believe, the fact is that cooking the fish does not remove any mercury contained in it. So if a fish is contaminated before being fried, boiled or steamed, it still will be after being cooked. Hence the above guidelines that have been published by the Environmental Defense Fund.

How do fish end up being contaminated with mercury?

Mercury is quite literally pumped into the air by a wide variety of industries. Viagra Jelly The scale of this is now immense and once it is in the natural water cycle it soon becomes part of the environment. It can then convert into ethylmercury, this mostly occurs in bodies of water with progressive and serious consequences for the fish populations that feed and breed in them.

Even when there are what some might describe as low counts of ethylmercury in the water there is still cause for concern. The reason for this is the natural food chain and the fact that this highly toxic form of mercury binds itself to proteins. Once ingested it accumulates in the flesh of smaller fish and is then past up the chain. The larger fish then tend to have higher counts of mercury and the longer they live the more the levels increase.

The more polluted the waters and seas the greater the problem. Which is why there has been advice given regarding the amount of mercury in canned tuna and various brands of fish oil made from stock caught in waters that are polluted with this harmful contaminant.

Which brings us back to capsules of fish oil.

When we buy these its usually to gain the benefits from the omega 3 dha and epa content found in a quality product. These range from Allergy relief through to easing Arthritic ailments as well as to help improve cardio-vascular health. Many have also experienced improved mental health owing to DHA’s role with the function of the brain. Sufferers of depression who regularly take an oil rich in DHA have enjoyed considerable relief from this increasingly prevalent illness.

Before we make our choice of fish oil supplier we might want to remind ourselves of the food chain at this point. There is a high proportion of oil that is produced from fish found in the major shipping lanes and near coastlines that receive more than its fair share of the pollution mentioned above.

Is there an oil that is free of this contaminant?

As far as I am aware not absolutely. The generally accepted international level of mercury allowed in fish oil is 100 parts per billion. One tenth of this is a much healthier tolerance. One producer achieves this by using stock, mainly the Hoki fish found in the less trafficked southern hemisphere. This ensures a purer oil that is not tainted with ethylmercury. Their whole manufacturing process is designed to maintain the purity and freshness of their fish oil.

Why buy omega 3 capsules? Because mercury found in fish is not good for you, far from it, but a quality fish oil that is high in dha and epa but virtually free from mercury and other contaminants is most definitely the healthier option.

Author Bio: William Lumsden invites you to learn more about the value of includingomega 3 dha fish oil supplements in your diet.

Category: Health/Supplements and Vitamins
Keywords: buy omega 3,omega 3 capsules,fish oil,hoki fish,canned tuna