This is certainly a step in the right direction. In addition to the FDA’s recent announcement that trans fat must be listed on Nutrition Facts labels by 2006, the FDA is also encouraging the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

This is a huge improvement over the USDA’s food pyramid, which recommends six to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice and pasta every day. These types of carbohydrates will result in elevated insulin levels, which contribute to many of the chronic diseases facing Americans today. You can find out much more information about the importance of avoiding grains (and sugar) in my new book, The No-Grain Diet.

In addition to eating too many grains and too much sugar, most Americans are seriously deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Always remember omega-3 fats essential to your, and your children's, health. Fish itself would be an excellent source of these fatty acids except that, unfortunately, patients consuming nearly every type of fish these days are showing high levels of mercury in their systems.

This is because fish from most sources, including fresh water, farm-raised or ocean, are contaminated with mercury--a sad fact since aside from this contamination fish is one of the healthiest meats on the planet. If you do consume fish, you should be certain the provider can demonstrate that the fish are free of detectable levels of mercury and other toxins.

Fortunately, I have good news. I have done some research and have found a safe, clean source of delicious salmon. The salmon has been lab-tested and is now available in our store. Not only is the salmon tasty and full of flavor, it is also free of contaminants and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Another excellent source for omega-3 is fish oil and cod liver oil, as, unlike other sources such as walnuts or flax seeds, it is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, 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.

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 purity (Carlson's fish oil/cod liver oil has been entirely purified of mercury and other toxins).

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 offer the Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil 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.

Please read my guidelines for important information about the appropriate use of fish oil and cod liver oil.

Related Articles:

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The Case of the Phantom Fat The Dangers of Trans Fat

Nutrition Bar Labels Often Misleading

"USDA Organic" Label Finally Here