Is Fish Oil Enough? (What You Might be Missing Out On)

I love talking about the active elements in foods because it highlights the powerful health benefits of those individual ingredients.

Take fish oil, for instance. If you search the Living Well Daily archives, you’d likely find THOUSANDS of references to this golden fish extract.

Fish oil contains the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

These vital nutrients produce anti-inflammatory molecules in the body called eicosanoids. And as a result, the potent oil supports joint, heart, and brain health.

But we should be careful to not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Or, in this case, the fish.

Because in some cases, the whole IS better than the parts. (OR just as important.)

EPA and DHA-rich fish oil is proven to have many health benefits. But the FISH it’s extracted from does too.

In fact, according to a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, when you skip the WHOLE fish, you also skip out on bunches of other potential health benefits.

The sardines used in the study are a significant source of the fish oil found in supplements.

And researchers say these tiny cold-water fish are brimming with minerals most of us need MORE of, including…

  • calcium,
  • potassium,
  • zinc,
  • magnesium,
  • and iron.

Fish is also an excellent source of the essential amino acids arginine and taurine.

Your body requires arginine to make proteins. Plus, the amino acid helps maintain healthy blood pressure by converting into circulation-boosting nitric oxide.

Taurine is a powerful antioxidant. The nutrient is used for energy production and acts as a neurotransmitter. And the amino acid supports heart and brain health.

The researchers confirmed that the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA help control inflammation and have many heart-healthy benefits. And they concluded that the benefits of fish oil can only be improved upon by eating whole sardines.

But I say, “Why choose?”

Many folks don’t get the full benefits of taking fish oil until they reach 3,000 milligrams of the supplement a day.

But that doesn’t mean dropping the supplement and only eating fish is better. Because to get the equivalent amount of EPA and DHA from eating sardines alone, you’ll have to eat a TON of fish.

A 3-ounce serving of canned sardines contains about 740 milligrams of DHA and 450 milligrams of EPA. And that means you must swallow several cans of sardines every day to meet your needs.

The better option is to get the best of BOTH worlds by consuming BOTH.

Make sardines and other fish a regular part of the diet. But then ALSO supplement with fish oil to provide the body with everything it needs.

P.S. Over 23 million Americans alone battle autoimmune diseases such as celiac, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. But recent research has revealed a simple way to reduce your risk. And you can literally pick up this potent pair at your local grocery store for a few dollars a month.

Source:

“Eating more sardines instead of fish oil supplementation: Beyond omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a matrix of nutrients with cardiovascular benefits,” Front. Nutr., 14 April 2023, Sec. Clinical Nutrition Volume 10 – 2023, doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1107475

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety

Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...

Read This

Could Poor Sleep Be Hurting Your Brain?

If you’ve ever woken up groggy, unable to shake the brain fog, or struggling to focus, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep. Sleep apnea—a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep—affects nearly 936 million people globally. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. New research shows...

Read This

Mailbag: Inflammation-Fighting Protocol Clears Clogged Arteries

“I’m 70 years young and I would like to know if there is a natural treatment for clean arteries to prevent heart attack and cardiac problems. Thanks for your reply!” -Change of Heart Dear Change, I love how proactive you’re being about your heart health! Nature offers powerful solutions for keeping arteries clear and healthy....

Read This

Why Your Tech Troubles Might SAVE Your Brain

Ever feel like your smartphone is too smart for you? Or maybe you’ve struggled to figure out that new streaming device your kids gave you? Well, take heart. Those technology headaches are saving your brain cells. A groundbreaking new study suggests that spending hours figuring out your gadgets could be your best defense against cognitive...

Read This

Study Reveals the Dark Side of Sleep Meds

I’m sure you know by now that quality sleep is crucial for good health. Poor sleep, on the other hand, is linked to all kinds of health hazards, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. It’s the primary reason people opt to take sleep medications. But what if the pills you’re taking to...

Read This

Ancient Food Eases Modern Digestive Woes

If you turn up your nose at the pungent aroma of sauerkraut, you might want to reconsider. Because that tangy, fermented cabbage could be exactly what your gut needs to fight off inflammation and heal digestive issues. Research reveals that this humble food, enjoyed for centuries across the world, contains potent compounds that could shield...

Read This

One-Third of Dementia Cases Linked to This Treatable Condition

Dementia is on the rise—and the number of cases is expected to double by 2060. Most people focus on common risk factors like diet, exercise, or genetics. But one of the biggest threats to your brain health is something most of us take for granted… Until it starts to fade away. Worse yet, research shows...

Read This

Medications That Don't Mix Well with Coffee

If you’re a regular Living Well Daily Reader (and I certainly hope you are), I probably don’t need to tell you I’m a coffee fan. I regularly share information on coffee’s many health benefits—from boosting metabolism to reducing disease risk. But many don’t realize that cup of Joe can interact with common medications, sometimes reducing...

Read This

Invisible Microplastics Trigger Serious Health Concerns

We often joke about living in a plastic-covered world these days. But the reality is far more concerning than most realize. Tiny plastic particles—or microplastics—have infiltrated nearly every corner of our environment, from the deepest ocean trenches to the air we breathe. And now, alarming research reveals these microscopic menaces aren’t just polluting our planet—they’re...

Read This

Mailbag: Discover What a Naturopathic Doctor Really Does

“What does the “ND” stand for? Is Dr. Olson a Medical Doctor?” —Inquiring Mind Hi Inquiring, Great question! “ND” stands for Naturopathic Doctor. While I’m not an MD or Medical Doctor, I am a licensed healthcare professional with extensive medical training. As an ND, I completed a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school after earning my...

Read This