This is just more evidence to back up my belief that fish oil and cod liver oil are essential to your health. Too many people aren’t getting enough omega-3 fats, which are found in fish oils, and are consuming way too many omega-6 fats, found in certain meats and vegetable oils.

I strongly recommend avoiding sunflower, corn, soy, safflower, and canola oil, and products that contain these oils. This also means no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, no margarine, no vegetable oil and no shortening. These oils are full of omega-6 fats and will only increase your risk of heart disease.

As most of the subscribers of my free e-newsletter know, omega-3 fats are essential to good health, but can only be found in fish oil and certain foods.

While a helpful form of omega-3 fats can be found in flaxseed, walnuts and a few other foods, the most beneficial form--containing two fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are essential to fighting and preventing both physical and mental disease--can only be found in fish.

Unfortunately, however, I now warn my patients against consuming fish unless they are certain it has been lab-tested and shown to be free of harmful mercury and other toxins, such as the Vital Choice salmon offered through this site. Fish of all varieties from all water sources are now showing dangerously high levels of the tasteless but highly toxic metal mercury, and so unless you are certain the fish you are consuming have been independently tested and shown to be free of toxins, I urge you to consider avoiding fish and opting for fish oil or cod liver oil instead. Now is the time of year when most will want to opt for cod liver oil, due to its vitamin D content.

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. certain brands definitely seem inferior to others
3. the Carlson's brand of fish oil/cod liver oil is of an exceptional quality and I now offer the Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil on my web site; you can also check your local health food store to see if they carry it.

Related Articles:

Fish Oil / Cod Liver Oil Frequently Asked Questions

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

Omega-3 is Essential to the Human Body

We Eat Far Too Many Polyunsaturated Fats in the US

Heart Disease Linked to Mercury-Contaminated Fish

Why You Should Stop Eating Fish