This study demonstrates the obvious that to obtain the benefits of fish you need to consume fish that have significant omega-3. The fish burger at Wendy’s is not going to cut it.

However, the article does not address any of the issues of contamination. Fish is one of the healthiest meats on the planet but, unfortunately, almost all fish are contaminated with mercury, making them unsafe to eat. As most readers of this newsletter know, I have been advising against eating fish from any water source for some time because of their dangerously high levels of mercury and other toxins.

However, I have done some research and have finally found a safe and delicious source for wild red salmon--one of the most nutritious foods on earth. I had the salmon, which are harvested in Alaskan waters, tested through an independent lab and it was found to be free of mercury and other toxins. I also tasted it in a variety of recipes, and now I can now confidently and enthusiastically recommend the Vital Choice brand of wild red salmon to you!

Among the salmon’s outstanding nutritional benefits are high levels of omega-3 with DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA--low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Another option for obtaining omega-3 is fish oil and cod liver oil, as, unlike other sources such as walnuts or flax seeds, it is also high in DHA and EPA.

When choosing your fish oil or cod liver oil, it is important to remember that not all brands are the same. In my research--and in my clinical experience with my patients--I have found that 1) the liquid form is superior to capsules; 2) that certain brands definitely seem inferior to others; 3) that the Carlson's brand of fish oil/cod liver oil is of an exceptional quality and purity. It is likely not the only brand in the world of such high quality, but up to this point it is the only one of such quality that I can recommend, so I now have the Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil available on Mercola.com; you can also check your local health food store to see if they carry it.

So what is the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil? In short, fish oil should be consumed in warm weather months and warm climates, while cod liver oil should be consumed in cool weather months and cool climates. Cod liver oil is high in vitamin D (and vitamin A); those in cool weather climates do not generally get enough vitamin D. However, in warm weather, their vitamin D is usually sufficient, as sunshine is one of the primary methods of obtaining this vitamin; if you consume too much vitamin D in these warm weather months, you do risk overdosing.

A reasonable dose for both fish oil and cod liver oil is one teaspoon for every 50 pounds of body weight daily.

You will also need extra amounts of the "fourth and unforgotten" oil soluble vitamin, vitamin K. If you are juicing plenty of green vegetables and taking the cod liver oil or fish oil with the juice you should absorb the vitamin K in the vegetable juice. However, if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, you will want to consider adding an extra 1000 mcg (1 mg) of vitamin K per day.

Related Articles:

Cardiovascular Benefits of Omega-3 Fats

Prevention of Cardiac Arrhythmias by Omega-3 Fats

Fish Oil Cuts Risk of Sudden Death

Fish Oil Reduces Risk of Irregular Heartbeat

Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to Protect Against Disease

Defeating Depression: as Easy as Omega-3

Dietary Fats and the Cause of Heart Disease

High Levels of Toxic Mercury Found in Fish-Eaters

Fish Oil Can Lower Your Bad Cholesterol