Gone fishing... for omega-3s

Need a new excuse to go fishing? How about this -it's part of your fitness plan to get more physical activity and Omega-3's. Idaho freshwater fish are not only a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals, but the good kind of fat as well. Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from fish and fish oils - consisting of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), plus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Most of the interest in Omega-3's has been due to their effects on lowering blood cholesterol, but there are other equally important benefits of DHA for the brain, including memory, intelligence and even eye sight.

The American Heart Association recommends eating as many as two to three servings of freshwater fish per week.

Some new research from Norway (which produces more than 40 percent of the world's omega-3 oils) suggests that omega-3s may be better absorbed from food than supplements. One study compared 71 volunteers' absorption of omega-3s from salmon, smoked salmon, cod (14 ounces of fish per week) versus cod liver oil (3 teaspoons per day). Cooked salmon provided 1.2 grams of omega-3s daily, while cod liver oil provided more than twice as much: 3 grams of omega-3s per day. Even though the salmon group received less than half the amount of omega-3s as the cod liver oil group, blood levels of omega-3s increased quite a bit more in those eating salmon than those taking cod liver oil.

The American Dietetic Association recommends 500 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids, or two servings of fatty fish per week, as part of a balanced diet.

So, eat fresh fish if possible, not supplements and give into your "I'd rather be fishing" desires. However, sitting in a boat all day, drinking beer and fishing might cancel out the benefits of omega-3's.

Sounds like a new research study to me.