Fish Oil – A supplement to take!

One of the most common questions I get asked is “What supplements should I take?” and my immediate response is always FISH OIL!!

Fish oil contains Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) and the two we are most concerned with are Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). These fatty acids are omega 3 fats and are important nutrients which help maintain a healthy brain and cardiovascular system by increasing cardiac output and stroke volume.

In terms of performance, EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect which can be important if taking part in strenuous exercise and activity. It has also been shown to support protein synthesis and prevent muscle protein degradation which ultimately means more muscle and a leaner physique!!

Fish oil also burns fat! The body will store fat from our diet in fat cells. The fat from fish oil allows for better insulin sensitivity, and as insulin is responsible for shuttling glucose to muscles, a better insulin response will help the body to digest carbohydrates and nutrients making us less fat and more efficient. This is a vital factor to fat loss!

I would recommend getting around 3000mg of EPA and DHA everyday to maximise benefits. This can mean taking up to 10 tablets a day if 30% of the fish oil capsule contains the active ingredients EPA and DHA.

A word of caution – as with any supplements, people may have an adverse reaction to consuming it. Possible side effects of fish oil in large dosages can include gastrointestinal upset and fish burps…not recommended before kissing the other half!