Every day we hear more and more about the importance of Omega-3 to our daily diet. Fish oil is now recommended to many heart patients as well as some patients who have experienced minor stroke or TIAs.
Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is not made within the human body. Because of that, it must be obtained from the food we eat.
Fish oils and certain plant foods are rich in Omega-3. The oil of fish like anchovies, herring, sardines, salmon and tuna are excellent places to garner this important fatty acid.
Flaxseed oil is another great source. However, it takes significantly – about 10 times more — of it to reach the same levels applicable to fish oils.
Either way, it is very difficult to take in enough of the natural fatty acids to give the body a sufficient quantity of what is considered an essential body supplement.
Fatty acids are important to the growth, development and maintenance of the human body’s cell membranes. They are integral to the proper communication between the brain and the cells. For that reason, they are important to ensure proper brain function.
Omega-3 fatty acids also play a role in the health of the cardiovascular system; specifically the heart. Additionally scientific studies indicate that they also assist in supporting the following:
– the immune system,
– joint movement,
– kidney function,
– mood balance and
– stamina and strength.
One of the best Omega-3 supplements I have found comes from Spring Valley. Their 1000-mg soft gel capsules are easy to swallow. Additionally, they do not carry some of the offensive odors attached to other fish oil supplements.
Here are the supplemental facts. One tablet represents a serving of Omega-3. There are 10 calories in each soft gel capsule. All 10 of those are attributed to the fat associated with fish oil. .5 grams of that are saturated fat. Spring Valley Fish Oil capsules also represent 5 grams of cholesterol per serving and 300 milligrams of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Ingredients include fish oil concentrate from anchovies and sardines, gelatin glycerin, soy, tocopherols and water. Each capsule represents 99.99% pure fish oil.
The suggested daily dose is one tablet, three times daily for adults. Fish oil should not be given to children without the suggestion of a physician. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding without doctor approval.
Please heed the following warnings. Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it in a cool, dry location. Do not expose the capsules to any form of heat or light source. Do not take capsules that have been split or cut open.
Spring Valley products can be found many places where vitamin supplements are sold. This includes drug stores and discount department stores as well as some vitamin shops.
The cost of Omega-3 Fish Oil capsules varies depending upon the brand, its contents, and the retailer. Spring Valley Omega-3 Fish Oil capsules in a 100 soft gel bottle retail for under $10 at Wal-Mart.
Here is my summary review:
Contents: 5 stars. The product is a good supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids from pure fish oil. The capsules do not smell offensive and are easy to handle.
Ease of use: 5 stars. The capsules are large but the soft gels are reasonably easy to swallow.
Effectiveness: 5 stars. This fish oil capsule seems to work best, at least for me.
Claim accuracy: 5 stars. It seems to live up to its claims.
Variety: 5 stars. The capsules can be bought in various sizes from 50 to 100 capsules per bottle. I bought mine in a two pack that was “buy one; get one free” – a real bargain.
Packaging: 5 stars. Spring Valley vitamins come in a dark green bottle to protect light sensitive products. The label and cap are a complimentary yellow. The label holds the Spring Valley logo and has bright red accents, making it easy to locate on a store shelf.
Ease of storage: 4 stars. The 100 capsule bottle is large but saves money. It stores easily enough in most medicine cabinets.
Availability: 5 stars. Spring Valley products are sold where many vitamin products are sold. That includes many drug and discount stores and some vitamin shops.
Price: 5 stars. The price varies from retailer to retailer but it is reasonable at well under $10.
Product purchase probability: 5 stars. My doctor wants me to take this supplement and I appreciate its many benefits.
Final rating: 4.9 stars.
5 stars – outstanding
4 stars – good
3 stars – average
2 stars – below average
1 star – poor
