Just noticed that this staple essential fatty acid supplement that I know a lot of you take is on offer at Nutrigold so get some and save some money – a very useful £3 per pot. Please use my code NRose if you wish to trigger a small commission.
For those of you not familiar with this product, I like it because it contains lipase, the fat digesting enzyme, which helps you maximise your absorption of it. A lot of people merrily take their oil supplements and, especially as we get older, do may make optimum amounts of digestive enzymes so it makes sense to take the right enzyme with the right supplement to get the most from it.
For more info, here is the Nutrigold blurb on it:
OmegaSmart is a unique oil blend that has the advantage of all three omega oils, Omega 3, 6 and 9 with additional nutritional benefits. For a long time, fats have gained the reputation as being bad for our health, but the Omega range of fats are known in scientific circles to be essential because we cannot manufacture them in the body. It is, therefore, ‘essential’ that we obtain them from our diet.
In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and several governmental health agencies have agreed a recommendation of consuming between 0.3-0.5 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.8 – 1.1 grams of alpha-linolenic acid a day. These are all part of the Omega 3 oil family. Although Omega-6 fats are necessary for many of the body’s functions, there are normally plenty of sources in the diet, whereas the delicate Omega-3 fats are often more difficult to obtain. This often means that there is an imbalance in the ratio between these fats, in favour of Omega-6. A feasible dietary ratio of Omega 6 to 3 is considered to be 3:1.
In response, OmegaSmart has been designed to deliver a higher percentage of Omega 3 as compared to this ratio, whilst still including a high quality, easily utilised form of Omega 6. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils are thought to be supportive of the cardiovascular system, cognitive and learning processes and the body’s natural immune system. It is also considered helpful to support bones and joints. It may also help to support visual health, cognitive processes and learning development, particularly with respect to child development.
The Omega-3 oils are in the form of a-linolenic acid, from vegetable sources, and also eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), commonly sourced from fish. Although there is often a worry that fish may harbour toxins from pollution, the fish sourced for OmegaSmart have been tested for toxins such as peroxides and heavy metals.
OmegaSmart also includes olive oil, which has been a staple in the Mediterranean diet, commonly associated with good health. Olive oil contains Omega-9 in the form of oleic acid and this is thought to help normalise the ratios of dietary Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils, in favour of the more essential Omega-3. Both the Flaxseed and the Pumpkin Seed Oils are certified organic and cold-pressed, with the minimum of processing to ensure freshness.
Borage oil is also included in each OmegaSmart capsule, which contains gamma or g-linolenic acid (GLA), a form of Omega-6 oil that is better utilised in the body. It is commonly thought that Evening Primrose Oil is the best source of GLA, but in fact, borage oil is the highest known plant source. Although the body can naturally produce GLA from other essential fats in the body, some individuals with a high saturated fat diet or nutritional deficiencies may benefit from a more direct source of GLA. It may also be supportive in skin health.
OmegaSmart also contains a substance known as lecithin, a particular group of phospholipids, which is included in order to help emulsify the fats. This mechanism disperses the fats in a liquid so that it increases the surface area of each fatty acid for maximised absorption.
In addition, some individuals may find it difficult to digest oils and fats in the diet. Normally, the body produces lipase, an enzyme that is able to break down fats for complete digestion. The addition of lipase to OmegaSmart means that fat digestion processes are supported and therefore, the spectrum of healthy fats in OmegaSmart may be more bioavailable. This unique blend of nutrients makes OmegaSmart one of the most comprehensive essential fatty acid product on the market.
OmegaSmart is designed for:
* Older children, as the Omega 3 is supportive of cognitive and visual development (capsule size may be prohibitive for younger children). OmegaZest or Golden Flaxseed Oil may be more appropriate as a supplement.
* Elderly individuals may also find it helpful to support cognitive processes.
* Individuals who wish to supplement in order to help bone integrity, perhaps post menopause.
* For support with maintaining joint mobility; supports active and sportive lifestyles.
* Help in supporting eye health.