Liquid Sunshine" Plus Omega-3s-
The Key to Your Winter Well-Being
Introducing Cod Liver Oil & Fish Oil that's Much Improved From What Your Grandparents Knew -- With Far More Health Benefit* than They Ever Guessed
I assume that you are well-informed about your health if you are reading this.
By now, you probably know about many things I recommend for your health, including increasing your intake of omega-3 oils.
But one facet of healthy living that many people overlook is the importance of vitamin D -- often called "the sunshine vitamin".
Now you can incorporate vitamin D into your life and get more health benefits* than your grandparents ever guessed it had-with a much more palatable cod liver oil. And if you live in a warm climate where adequate sunshine isn't an issue, fish oils provide omega-3s without the vitamin D.
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Fishing for "Liquid Sunshine" in the Waters of Norway |
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Start today... get smart support for vitamin D production that can help reduce the winter blahs!* From a spot on the planet that has plenty of winter itself.
In a remote part of Norway north of the Arctic Circle, stands an archipelago known for its astounding beauty. Lying at the 67th to 68th degree parallel its somewhat mild climate, compliments of the Gulf Stream, belies its northern exposure.
From these waters come the famous fish called Arctic cod, otherwise known as skrei.
Locals consider the skrei a "miracle fish". Each year between January and March, from time immemorial, these fish return to the Lofoten Islands to spawn. They travel through a maze of fjords, change their diet as they go, and develop firm snow-white flesh that is prized for its incomparable flavor.
Every year fishermen eagerly wait for and speculate about the exact date of the return of the skrei. Fishing boats are docked in the ports, ready and waiting for the moment of arrival.
Tradition dictates that children be the ones to announce the anticipated arrival of the skrei (cod). Once announced, the fishermen immediately jump into their boats and rush out to the open sea to catch these marvelous and famous fish before they reach the Arctic Ocean.
Epicureans esteem the liver of the cod as a delicacy, and the flesh is considered perfect for many preparation methods.
These delicacies -- the cod livers -- can provide the vitamin D (and Omega-3s) needed during the long darkish winters of North America.*
The fish oils provide you with valuable omega-3 oils and their own set of benefits,* but more on this later.
Many Americans probably receive less than optimal amounts of sunlight, especially in the fall, winter and spring. This is true for almost the entire continental United States as well as Canada and Europe.
There are estimates that anyone north of the 30th parallel is likely sun-deprived for much of the year. The 30th parallel runs roughly along the Gulf Coast, from the Florida panhandle west through Texas and across to southern California.
We all do! The sun provides the basis for all life on earth. All of life depends upon it for sustenance. Without it we would all die. There would be no photosynthesis, no plant life, and therefore no animal life. Earth would be too cold to be inhabitable.
Historically the sun was used as a general tonic to heal almost everything. I firml believe that if the sun causes cancer, as we hear often, we wouldn't be here today.
We have been running scared of sunlight, believing sun exposure is bad for us.
But did you realize that sunlight has been highly regarded for centuries for its many benefits? It has been used for healing since ancient Egyptian days. Many ancient peoples even worshipped the sun.
Three hundred years ago in the late 1700s, scientists began studying the benefits of light therapy.
Sunlight is considered necessary for the production of vitamin D in our skin. Vitamin D3 is produced photochemically in skin when directly exposed to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
Now, you may be asking how you can possibly get that kind of exposure in the dead of winter. Actually, you can't. That's where the need for cod liver oil comes in. Cod liver oil steps up to the plate and provides your body with its needed supply of vitamin D when you cannot get it from the sun.*
So what exactly can vitamin D do for you? And why would you want to supplement with it when you can't get in the sun, as in the winter in most of the U.S.?
Although best-known for supporting bone health, Vitamin D3 (the "sunshine vitamin") is thought to have a number of additional roles in your body. The National Institute of Health document on vitamin D attributes these roles . . .
- Helps regulate levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.*
- Promotes bone formation and mineralization.*
- Essential in the development of a strong skeletal system.*
- Regulates cellular integrity.*
- Promotes healthy immune function.*
- Plays a role in healthy blood sugar levels.*
- Helps improve mood.*
- Helps promote a healthy heart.*
- Helps regulate proper weight.*
- Helps maintain a healthy reproductive system.*
- Helps promote healthy tissue.*
- Helps contribute to a sense of well-being.*
These benefits suggest that it seems wise to either get sufficient sunlight for your vitamin D3 needs or supplement to maintain normal levels.*
There is indication that certain groups of people have greater needs for vitamin D than others. Obviously, I recommend that those who have limited sun are advised to maintain normal levels through supplementation.*
Vitamin D requirements increase as we age. Obese individuals appear to have lower levels of vitamin D too, possibly due to reduced bioavailability. Those with darker pigmentation are thought to absorb the sun's rays more slowly so their levels of vitamin D tend to be lower.
Supplementation through diet is challenging because few foods contain vitamin D, especially the vitamin D3 form of vitamin D which is most similar to sunshine. This vitamin D3 form is found only in animal sources.
In my opinion, one of the most advantageous foods to supplement with is cod liver oil. Eating fatty fish also supplies vitamin D3 but much of it is contaminated with mercury, leaving us with fewer options for obtaining animal-based vitamin D.
I recommend fish oils/cod liver oil as an addition to the diet of almost anybody of any age... fish oil for those in very sunny climates and during summer, and cod liver oil containing vitamins D and A for almost everyone from fall through late spring. Think of cod liver oil as "fish-plus" -- fish oils plus vitamins D and A.
In winter this may be especially important.
In warm weather months or warm climates you want to have your vitamin D levels tested as a precaution against overdosing on vitamin D. This is not a case of, "If a little is good, then more is better." Vitamin D definitely has an acceptable range, and too much comes with its own set of problems.
It is thought that vitamin D toxicity cannot occur from sunshine. The skin has its own protective mechanism to maintain a steady state when reaching a certain level. But especially if you get regular sunshine, please have your vitamin D levels checked to determine whether you should take cod liver oil or fish oil.
Cod liver oil and fish oil also provide benefits from the very important omega-3 oils you have probably heard about.* Whole books have been written about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, otherwise called the n-3 fatty acids.
Some fatty acids are called "essential", meaning they cannot be made in the body but must come from an outside food source.
The parent omega-3 fatty acid is an essential fatty acid having 18 carbon molecules and 3 double bonds. It can add more carbon molecules or more double bonds, resulting in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) [NOTE: ALA is also commonly used as the acronym for Alpha Lipoic Acid -- not the same thing.]
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
ALA is available from certain plants, such as flax seeds, walnuts and a few other foods, but, in my opinion, the more beneficial omega-3s, EPA and DHA, must be obtained from marine sources.
Americans generally consume low levels of omega-3s, a fat primarily found in fish oil (and a few other foods). Meanwhile, our intake of omega-6 is too high. This fat is common in corn, soy, sunflower, margarine and other oils rich in linoleic acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids are significant structural components of the cell membranes of tissues throughout the body. They are especially rich in the retina, brain, and sperm.
Following are some of the benefits omega-3 fatty acids are believed to offer:
- Promotes good overall health*
- May have cardio protective benefits*
- Promotes optimal LDL to HDL cholesterol ratio*
- May help promote cellular integrity*
- Supports healthy energy levels and concentration*
- Helps promote healthy pregnancies*
- May help maintain normal blood sugar levels*
- Helps keep tissues healthy*
- Fight free radical damage*
- Helps promote mental acuity*
While a helpful form of omega-3 can be found in ALA, the two fatty acids DHA and EPA -- found only in fish -- are considered more helpful forms of omega-3s. Americans of all ages tend to be low in omega-3 levels.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to routinely consume fish oil in warm months and cod liver oil in cool months, as they both contain beneficial omega-3.
Therefore I highly recommend Carlson's Cod Liver Oil and Carlson's Fish Oil.
Both provide omega-3 with the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA. Both are purified to the highest standards for freedom from detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants.
Purity is documented by independent organizations.
Before I tell you more about Carlson's, let me tell you about another nutrient that cod liver oil and fish oil contains -- vitamin A.
Vitamin A was first discovered almost one hundred years ago, back in 1913. It underwent two decades of intense clinical investigation before World War II.
Vitamin A is associated with helping promote immunity and maintaining good eye health.*
Vitamin A is thought to provide the following attributes:
- Helps maintain good overall vision*
- Promotes healthy thyroid function*
- Promotes a healthy immune system*
- Helps keep mucous membranes healthy*
- Helps promote a normal inflammatory response*
In my opinion, using cod liver oil is a good way to ensure that you are getting enough natural vitamin A and vitamin D during the many sunless days of fall and winter.
Get your daily oil... omega-3s plus vitamins D and A from Carlson's Cod Liver Oil -- or omega-3s from Carlson's Fish Oil testing shows you don't need the vitamin D.
After studying many brands, I concluded that Carlson's Cod Liver Oil is an excellent brand choice -- available in either the liquid form or convenient softgels.
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What Do Others Say about Carlson's Cod Liver Oil?
Here is what people are saying about
Carlson's Cod Liver Oil...
"I feel like Dr. Mercola enhanced my health by convincing me to start taking Carlson's Cod Liver Oil. My... overall energy is wonderful!"
Catherine Bath
Norristown, PA
"I began to use some of Dr. Mercola's recommendations like adding cod liver oil to my regimen... I have had more energy and focus (after having a baby) than I had even as a child!"
Adrienne Hew
Trenton, NJ
"I have used Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil... I started seeing results about 8 weeks after starting it and real success at 3 months."
Kris Finnegan
Nelson, NH
"... In July 2004 I started taking Carlson's Cod Liver Oil... as recommended by Dr. Mercola. WOW! I have never felt better in my life. I sleep very well... I feel like a new person... "
Patty Hutchinson
Yelm, WA |
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Another reason I specifically recommend the Carlson's cod liver oil /fish oil is that I have seen clear and often substantial results in my patients who use it.
Please recognize that we get all the omega-6 and omega-9 fat we need from food. We do not need to take supplements for these fats. I do not recommend many of the omega fat supplements you see in health food stores (so-called "3-6-9" supplements) that will unnecessarily increase your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
There are a number of guidelines I recommend in choosing a quality fish oil supplement. Because, as in all things, quality varies. Here are four quick tests:
- Be sure your brand is free of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants.
Over the years our environment has become progressively more polluted. Use of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins are now restricted. But these chemicals last a long time and are still present in the environment... including in our oceans where they can accumulate in fish.
Carlson's brand of cod liver oil and fish oil meets strict standards of freedom from contaminants, authenticated by independent lab tests.
- Confirm low oxidation levels in the fish oil or cod liver oil.
Long-chain unsaturated fats, especially EPA and DHA, are very susceptible to oxidation or damage. If the oil isn't processed properly, oxidation will occur and bad taste will result. That's what many people remember from decades ago when fish oils were not protected from oxidation.
- Your fish or cod liver oil should contain vitamin E.
Some manufacturers insert a small amount of one unit per teaspoon to prevent oxidation of the fish oil in the bottle. This is a necessary step for quality cod liver oil and fish oil.
The lemon-flavored cod liver oil produced by Carlson's met all the strict criteria above. And the flavor is palatable and even pleasing.
Again, it is my strong recommendation to have your vitamin D levels tested before making a firm and ongoing commitment when choosing between fish oil and cod liver oil. Testing of vitamin D is one of the few tests I require every new patient in my health clinic to take.
Once you know your vitamin D levels, you can choose based on knowing your vitamin D levels and what your body wants you to give it.
Advantages of Carlson's Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil:
- Contains omega-3 with the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA
- Purified to the highest standards to ensure freedom from detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCBs and 28 other contaminants
- Free from chemical modification and processing
- Contains vitamin E to protect from oxidation
- Lemon-flavored to improve taste
Carlson's Cod Liver Oil comes from the deep, unpolluted waters near Norway. The only cod fish used is that caught during the winter and early spring when liver oil content is highest. The oil is separated from the liver tissues without chemicals. It is then bottled right in Norway for maximum freshness.
To keep your Carlson's Cod Liver Oil or Carlson's Fish Oil fresh, the air inside the glass bottle is replaced with nitrogen and vitamin E is added.
It is tested to AOAC international protocols done by an independent laboratory to determine that the oils are fresh, fully potent and free of detectable levels of mercury and other contaminants.
If you have difficulty digesting the cod liver oil or just cannot tolerate the taste, try Carlson's Cod Liver Oil Softgels with Low Vitamin A. They are convenient, easily digested, and good-tasting.
Preservative-free natural vitamin E (10 IU) is added to each 1000 mg soft gel to protect the oil's freshness.
Mentioned earlier, cod liver oil is one of the best sources of vitamin D (other than the sun)*... and also one of the best sources of vitamin A.* Each Carlson's Cod Liver Oil Softgel contains 250 IU of vitamin A.
I suggest you also take one vitamin E 400 unit supplement per day with your fish oil or cod liver oil. This helps protect the fats from oxidation inside your system (less of an issue with the cod liver oil as the vitamin D itself is a very potent anti-oxidant).*
Recommended serving is one teaspoon of Carlson's liquid oil for every 50 pounds of body weight daily.
For Carlson's Cod Liver Oil Softgels with Low Vitamin A, I recommend taking one softgel for every ten pounds of body weight, preferably in divided servings. Do not exceed 15 pills per day unless you have had your fatty acid levels tested.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
