There is an organisation called Cochraine whose sole purpose is to publish proper scientific research on things like food supplements and medical interventions including the alternative kind.
"Cochrane produces systematic reviews of primary research in human health care and policy. Each Cochrane Review addresses a clearly formulated question..."
They popped up on my radar this morning as they have just published an article saying that fish oil and omega 3 are not effective for vascular conditions. (Dementia not asesed).
Cheers
Kevin
Written by
Kevin_1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I can see a school of salmon and krill getting together to applaud...And just to add to your reading pleasure, I use Examine.com to evaluate supplements.
After reading the comments of the experts I will continue to take fish 2 to 3 times a week and at least one will be sardines, anchovies, salmon, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, ...
I don't know whether this is too political for this forum. Forgive me if it is.
It's certainly off topic. So if anyone objects I am happy to delete it on request.
I think the thing that shook me is the size of the fish oil industry.
"The Peruvian anchoveta is by far the largest single species catch by tonnage in the world, some years comprising as much as 10% of all fish caught. And although Peruvian anchoveta are as delicious as any anchovy on Earth, an industry-influenced Peruvian law dictates that more than 95% of the catch must go to the reduction industry."
(The reduction industry is the fish oil supplement industry... It's massive!)
That same industry wanted to harvest krill (which the whales depend on) in the Arctic to meet the demand too. I think they've backed down now.
We are a predatory-compulsive specie. We have to have measure.
To destine 95% to make oil sounds strange. Of course, if you do not have the coast near or live in a country well connected and supplied, it is easy for the sardine to arrive a little "perfumed" to the market.
I have observed that, to eat fish regularly you need to have "fish culture" as has Spain or U.K., for example. I have been in a relatively advanced country with many kilometers of coastline and platform, with people going hungry on that period of time and watching Korean fishermen take the fish from their shores because the natives (with hungry) rejected it.
In my opinion the culture of fish in the diet has two pillars:
1) Know how to remove the spines of each type of fish at the right time.
2) Know how to cook it and get the full range of flavors.
For some reason that finding is discouraging...I guess because fish oil, as a natural product, seemed like such a simple and clean supplement? What to eat - what not to eat - ?? Who knows.....
I've always had an interest in these things and it seems to me that, with superfoods and less than obvious supplements, give it ten years and scientific papers come out showing the flawed nature of that product and we all move on to a new one.
Last year superfoods alone accounted for 20% in value of the U.S. food product launches. It's a massive industry supported by exceptional marketing.
My simple solution is to eat fresh and organic wherever I can and keep my diet broad.
My gravestone will have on it: "If only I had eaten those super-berries after all!"
Looks like a good site. I will keep an eye on it. You can spend a fortune on supplements and I never see any benefit (but then we are dealing with particularly nasty diseases).
Hi Kevin. I can't eat fish nor any type of see food, it does not agree with me. Never could right from my childhood. I'm perfectly healthy, I eat a varied diet and exercise, walk, dance and generally enjoy life after PSP. Unless there is a specific medical condition we do not need supplements and/or cut out large sections of food types. Common sense in everything usually gets you there. Fish love me! Maddy x
I am not keen on fish either... but there is considerable research that we are poorer at absorbing vitamins and mineral as we get older.
I have a fairly balanced mainly vegetarian diet. If I take multi vits I do feel the difference.
Or have I been brainwashed by the marketing?
Other than that I totally agree with you.
Quite often I pick and chew as I'm gardening... a rubbed off carrot here or just a sprig of rosemary there... If I'm weeding the leaf salad patch I get my protein from the flea beetles... I'm sure of it!
Yes, common sense and a broad diet. I read a lot about food and abhor the fiddle faddle of some modern cook books. I call them the Islington mob. They do so much fiddling and faddling with the food (and those nigella seeds must come from the southern slopes of the mountain in Turkey folk)... Wandering off, old man grumping....
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.