benefits of fish oil, Omega 3, sardines., tuna

Question
Does fish oil offer similar benefits of those claimed by advocates of Omega?  I eat a small can of sardines a week.  Is amount sufficient to benefit from sardines?  Or should I focus on fish oil which I presume is less expensive but with equal or superior benefits.  Thank you Watkins  

Answer
Fish is definitely a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Your best bet is to eat fatty fish as opposed to taking an actual fish oil supplement.  Since 2000, the American Heart Association's dietary guidelines have recommended that healthy adults eat at least two servings (about 3 oz. each) of fish per week, particularly fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon.  These fish contain two omega-3 fatty acids ?  eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA and DHA).  A third kind of omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, is less potent and comes from soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed and oils made from those beans, nuts and seeds.

Not sure what the serving size of your small can of sardines is but they definitely are a fattier fish that contain the omega 3 fatty acids.  You may also want to include other fatty fish like the ones mentioned above as well as the plant sources that contain omega 3 fatty acids.  As long as you are following the guidelines I don't believe there is a need to take a fish oil supplement!  From actual food is always best.

The American Heart Assoc. web site at www.americanheart.org has tons of info on this subject!
Thank you,
Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net  

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