Essential Fatty Acids for the Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Product Recommendations

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are key to the anti-inflammatory diet. This diet doesn't work without them and they have to be supplied by food consumption as the body can't make them. Learn advantages and disadvantages of fish and vegetable sources of essential fatty acids.

The essential fatty acids found in fish are the best source. Flax, wheatgerm, hemp, several seeds and walnuts also contain small amounts of EFA's. However, vegetable sources aren't as easily converted by the body, requiring four times the consumption.

Why Fish Oil Pills Are Preferred

Many fish these days contain Mercury which has been found in the bloodsteam of people consuming as little as Sushi twice weekly. For anyone on the anti-inflammatory diet, fish is a necessity especially if diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other challenges are present.

Vegetable Essential Fatty Acids

Some supplements are available with vegetable essential fatty acids which eliminates the need to consume large amounts of food sources. If I were to recommend any of them, evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil are at the top of the list. Evening primrose oil metabolizes brown adipose fat tissue found deep in the body surrounding organs. It only contains Omega 6 so make sure to get Omega 3 in the diet.

Flaxseed Essential Fatty Acids

I can't even begin to list the benefits of flax seed oil they are so amazing. However, eat a form of protein, such as cottage cheese, when consuming it. Testimonials over the years of flaxseed oil are astounding covering cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Pharmaceutical-grade Fish Oil Pills

Research released just last week show high levels of fish essential fatty acids is considered a source of longevity. The benefits of fish oil for heart, brain and to lower triglycerides are well known.

Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil pills protect against Mercury while providing the perfect balance of essential fatty acids to reduce inflammation. To prevent back-belching fish taste, try enteric-coated fish oil pills. They digest in the intestinal track rather than the stomach.

It's also said freezing supplements causes them to be digested in the intestinal tract rather than the stomach. However, there is no research about this and I don't know if freezing affects fish oils or not.

My Recommended Fish Oil Pills:

All companies are 3rd party tested and recommendations based on experience with clients and knowledge of companies:

Enteric-coated: Fishol
Health from the Sun
Carlson's
Nordic Naturals
Country Life

My Recommended Vegetable Sources of Essential Fatty Acids

Barlean's Flaxseed Oil
Country Life Primrose Oil

The body can convert one Omega 3 from another Omega 3 but cannot convert it from Omega 6. Omega 3 must be present in the diet for this to take place. Taking fish oil pills or vegetable sources for Omega 3 in the anti-inflammatory diet is a wonderful way to obtain essential fatty acids.

Related Articles:
*Anti-inflammatory Diet:The First Step You Must Know
*Check-list for Mercury Levels in Fish

Sources:
Author: Certified to recommend supplements.
Dr. Barry Sears

Article: For information purposes only and not intended as replacement for medical care.

Essential Fatty Acids: Product Recommendations copyright 2010