HEALTH TOPICS
Best Oil Supplements and Brands for a Healthier You
Posted by: Quieta Bail Naturopath (BHSc)
Oil Supplements
Oil supplements have become increasingly researched for their health benefits. The myth that fats and oils are bad for you is officially busted in the world of nutrition. Despite a great campaign to try cut fat out from the diet completely during the 1960’s to now, more and more research reveals that fats are necessary for good health. We need fat, hence why Omega-3’s are known as ‘Essential Fatty Acids’ – it helps us to absorb vitamins and provides us with energy, satiety and has a range of other benefits. It’s the type of fats and oils that you’re using that make all the difference.
Good quality fats/oils are what you should aim to include in your daily diet – for example, omega-3 oils are great for your health which you can find in fatty fish (like salmon, sardines) or in plant forms like flaxseed, chia and hemp seeds. There are also other supplements like MCT Oil which, although a different structure of fatty acids, also provides great benefits.
Having a diet rich in healthy oils & fats have a range of benefits. Our bodies cannot produce EFAs on their own and thus, supplementation is a great way to ensure you’re getting adequate amounts on top of inclusion within the diet.
What to look for in an oil-based supplement
When looking at buying an oil-based supplement, there are a few things to look out for, depending on the type of oil. When buying a product, check the following:
- What it contains: maybe a product says it’s high in omega-3 but when you look at the back it actually contains only small amounts of EPA/DHA (the important types of omega-3)
- Purity: where has the product come from? How was it grown? How was it processed? Organic is best when it comes to plant oils to ensure not chemicals were used during growing. For some oils, processing at high temperatures can lead to the loss of valuable nutrients and fatty acids. Checking for purity in a product can assist with this – don’t be afraid to ask for manufacturing processes!
- Sustainability: particularly when it comes to fish oil, ensuring sustainability is not only good for you, but also the environment. Where the fish came from and how it was processed can make all the difference. Small fish with shorter lifespans tend to be more sustainable, and less likely to contain heavy metals/ plastics.
Our Best Oil Supplements & Brands
Best Fish Oil Supplement
Fish oil supplements are most likely the best choice for people who are looking to improve their wellbeing. Most fish oil supplements are extracted from salmon, cod, or krill. They contain the best kind of fatty acids – EPA & DHA, unlike their vegetable sourced counterparts. Fish oil has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol and fat balance, reduce blood pressure, and prevent plaques. It can help support brain function and therefore improve symptoms of mental health disorders, it can aid in weight loss, and reduce systemic inflammation. This can be helpful in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, as well as reducing joint pain and stiffness. There is just so many benefits to taking fish oil supplements!
- Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil (COMING SOON) is made from 100% wild arctic cod with no other additives. Every step of production is anaged and traceable making them a very sustainable brand.
- Melrose Fish Oil High Strength: Melrose High Strength Fish Oil is derived from 100% sustainable wild anchovies from the South Pacific. The patented purification process and independent lab testing for heavy metals and environmental toxins ensures only the purest quality premium fish oil. Extracted within close proximity to the fishing source ensures low oxidation and a clean sensory profile. Contains 1.87g and 935mg of EPA and DHA respectively.
Best Hemp Seed Oil Supplement
Hemp seed oil comes the seeds of the hemp plant and has high content of LA, GLA and ALA with a good ratio of 3:11 omega-6 to omega-3. It doesn’t contain the most beneficial fatty acids EPA & DHA but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any benefits! Hemp oil has been found to improve skin health and helps to resist skin infections. Much like fish oil, hemp can lower blood pressure and promote heart health, reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Essential Hemp Seed Oil Capsules with Turmeric: Containing extra virgin, cold pressed oil extracted from hemp seeds, these capsules are a balanced source of Omega 3, 6 & 9 and fatty acids. Here to support everyday health and vitality. With added turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory effects.
- Every Bit Organic Raw Organic Hemp Seed Oil: It is a multi-purpose natural remedy and has a long history of use in Eastern culture. Every Bit Organic’s Hempseed oil contains the highest levels of naturally occurring antioxidants and beneficial fats. Great for adding to foods too!
Best MCT Oil Supplement
MCT Oil means medium-chain triglycerides which are found in a number of fats & butters but it’s most well-known source is from coconuts! These types of fatty acids are broken down and absorbed into the body at a much faster rate, therefore giving you an instant energy source. MCT Oil could potentially aid in weight loss as it has lower energy density, it can increase fullness, improve fat storage & loss, and help burn calories.
- Melrose MCT Oil Fuel For Energy & Exercise: This all-natural supplement contains 100% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut plus lauric acid (C12). Include it into your daily routine if you are looking for a brain fuel that also increases energy levels, improves physical performance, assists in weight loss and supports overall health!
- Locako MCT Oil Powder with a Hint of Vanilla: Locako’s MCT Oil Powder, 100% from coconuts, consists of caprylic (C8) and Capric (C10). Our MCT Oil Powder is dairy free, vegan, with no nasty fillers, and perfect for the ketogenic and low carb diets. It will provide you extra energy and better brain and memory function.
Other Oil Supplements
Other oil supplements such as Flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil also have a good source of plant-based omega’s such as ALA and GLA.
- Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed is high in ALA fatty-acids. There is some evidence to suggest that flaxseed oil may help to reduce the growth of cancer cells, that it could benefit heart health and reduce inflammation.
Melrose Australian Flaxseed Oil: Melrose Flaxseed Oil is cold-pressed from Australian-grown flaxseeds. Flaxseed oil has one of the highest concentrations of plant-based essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and is an excellent vegan alternative to fish oil.
- Evening primrose oil: high in omega-6 GLA, evening primrose oil is best known for its ability to improve skin health in conditions like acne and eczema, and can also help to reduce PMS and breast pain.
Melrose Organic Evening Primrose Oil: Certified Organic, all natural, cold pressed and rich in Omega 6 fatty acids. When used both orally and topically, Evening Primrose Oil has shown positive effects for skin conditioning particularly those that involve inflammation, such as eczema.
References:
Subscribe to Gr8Health
Sign up to get 5% off your first order, exclusive access to our special offers, new arrivals and more.
