Super Eco

Photo credit: Stephen Cummings, flickr

We've fallen for Omega-3 oils hook, line and sinker. They boost your brain, metabolism, mood and cardiovascular health, and they reduce inflammation—we're talking bow-to-stern benefits. If you typically cast a suspicious eye at fishy health claims that aren't backed by current, empirical research data, you won't have to cast your net far far. Researchers are identifying new benefits regularly.

For those of you who don't care to eat fish every day, supplements can fill the gap. The difference between best and less effective choices, however, is significant. In this case, animal sources (fish) trump vegetarian sources. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shows that the fatty acids fish oil "are more biologically potent than alpha-linolenic acid" (ALA) found in plant-based sources such as flax seed, primrose oil and borage oil. That's not to say that plant-based sources can't work for you, if you're vegetarian. However, if the source isn't an issue, fish oil is the way to go.

If you simply can't stomach the smell of fish capsules or the possibility of stinky fish burps (eww), try freezing your fish oil capsules or choosing a brand with a variety of formulations. Nordic Naturals recently sent us samples of their new effervescent formula, which tastes a little like a fizzy Orange Julius—pretty sticky-sweet, but kids (and sensitive tummies) will appreciate it.

Of course, it's always best to get your nutrition from real food, including both plant- and animal-based fats. "Given incomplete evidence, I think it is good for most people to aim for some of both," said Walter Willett, chairman of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, told US News & World Report. "Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish per week for EPA and DHA and a daily helping of ALA from a plant source."