This study is merely one of many recent studies that have demonstrated the beneficial value of omega-3 fats in treating depression.

As the article states, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in fish. This is because the omega-3 in fish is high in two animal based omega-3 fats that are crucial to human health: DHA and EPA. Unfortunately though, eating most fresh fish, whether from the ocean, lakes and streams, or farm-raised, is no longer recommended. Why? Because mercury levels in almost all fish have now hit dangerously high levels across the world, and the risk of this mercury to your health now outweighs the fish's omega-3 benefits.

However, because fish would otherwise be immensely healthy, I have been searching for a safe source of fish -- and finally discovered one: The Vital Choice Alaskan Wild Red Salmon offered on this site is the one source of salmon or any fish that I found to be, via independent lab testing, safe from mercury and other toxins. Also, the Vital Choice salmon is loaded with beneficial omega-3s and tastes absolutely delicious!

Fish or Cod Liver Oil to Improve Mental (and Physical) Health

Routine consumption of fish or cod liver oil is another highly recommended method of increasing your omega-3 intake and improving your mental and physical health. However, if you are going to achieve the amazing health benefits of omega-3 fats it is important that you find a high-quality source. So, how do you know which fish liver oil is best for you? Here are three quick tests:

1. Make sure your brand is free of mercury and PCBs. This will not be on the label so you will need to:

   • Contact the manufacturer for their analysis

   • Review an independent third party that has analyzed the product

   • Hire a company to test the product yourself

2. Confirm there are very low oxidation products in the fish or cod liver oil.

   It is important to understand fish oil or cod liver oil has long-chain unsaturated fats (primarily EPA and DHA) and they are very susceptible to oxidation or damage. If the oil is not processed properly damage will occur. Many years ago nearly all the fish oils were oxidized. That is why when you mention fish or cod liver oil to most anyone they turn up their nose in disgust. Typically, they only taste bad when they are oxidized.

3. Make certain your fish or cod liver oil has therapeutic levels of vitamin E in it.

Nearly all manufacturers insert a small amount of one unit per teaspoon. This is sufficient to prevent oxidation of the fish oil in the bottle. However, after you consume it this is woefully inadequate. Your body will tend to oxidize the fish oil and much larger doses of vitamin E are needed to prevent the oil from going rancid in your body.

Those of you who read the newsletter regularly know I'm a fan of the Carlson's brand of fish oil and cod liver oil, as I have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who use it. Plus, Carlson's fish and cod liver oil is one of the few brands that put the extra vitamin E in it for you straight from the get-go, so you don't have to take extra vitamin E if you don't want to. Find the Carlson's fish oil or cod liver oil at your local health food store, or, for your convenience, on my Recommended Products section.

Finally, Dr. Stoll's book, The Omega-3 Connection, is an excellent resource for those that need more detailed information on this topic. Dr. Stoll is a Harvard psychiatrist who has done a great job of compiling the evidence supporting the use of fish oils for depression.

Related Articles:

Are You Angry? Consider Using Cod Liver Oil

Defeating Depression: as Easy as Omega-3

New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression

Fish Oil in Pregnancy Treats Depression Risks

Depressed? Consider Fish Oil