Benefits of Fermented Cod Liver Oil – How to Take it Without Gagging, and How it Saves You Money

There are three main questions that pop up about fermented cod liver oil (FCLO):

1. Why do I need FCLO when I am already taking CLO?

2. It’s expensive - I just can’t afford it!

3. It tastes strong - how do I mask the taste? And how do I expect my kids to take it when I can hardly down it?

This post will address these questions

Why is FCLO better than CLO?

FCLO is created traditionally, is not processed using methods which destroy nutrients. Cod Liver Oil has traditionally been processed using fermentation. Fishermen would toss cod livers in a barrel of seawater, let it sit 6-12 months, then skim the oil off the top.

In our rushed society, manufacturers don’t have time to wait 6-12 months. They want it made now, to sell now. Most brands use molecular distillation (code name for “removes all the natural vitamins and replaces them with synthetics”) or heat to process cod liver oil - which destroys EPA’s and DHA’s in the omega 3′s.
Continue reading

Green Pasture’s Cinnamon Tingle BO/FCLO Gel (review and giveaway!)

I am so excited to be sharing my review and hosting a giveaway for Green Pasture’s Cinnamon Tingle Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Gel.

Cod Liver Oil has traditionally been processed using fermentation. Fishermen would toss cod livers in a barrel of seawater, let it sit 6-12 months, then skim the oil off the top.

Green Pasture is the only company in the world that makes fermented cod liver oil. Using a natural lacto-fermentation method which takes several months, you can see for yourself by the dark color of the pigment it is full of nutrients. Continue reading

Benefits of Vitamin D - Why it’s essential to health + the best food sources

I love summer. My kids love to play outside, and I can sit in the sun with my laptop and soak up the Vitamin D. It’s so comforting to have the sun on my skin, knowing not only does it feel good on the surface of the skin, but the Vitamin D that is being produced is doing the inside of my body good, too.

Then autumn rolls around, and winter, and I am worried that my family isn’t getting enough Vitamin D. We switch from fish oil - which has omega-3′s, but not Vitamin D - to cod liver oil which does contain Vitamin D. Since regular cod liver oil contains low amounts of Vitamin D (as opposed to fermented which is a more concentrated form and contains lots more Vitamin D) it’s essential I add food sources of Vitamin D to our diet.

Vitamin D - Immune System Booster

So why am I so careful to add Vitamin D to our diet? My biggest personal reason is because it’s vital for a healthy immune system.

I am sure you’ve noticed that colds and the flu is more prevalent during the winter months when we are covered up more due to the cold (at least here in New England!). Our skin isn’t exposed to as much sunlight.

Find out what else Vitamin D is also needed for, learn about Vitamin D deficiency, what the best food sources of Vitamin D are, what interferes with Vitamin D absorption, and what enhances Vitamin D absorption… Continue reading

Cod Liver Oil – Brand Comparison Guide and Cost Analysis

I think most of us have figured out by now making a daily habit of consuming cod liver oil (CLO) is beneficial to our health, particularly now that cold and flu season is around the corner (Read: Benefits of Vitamin D - Why it’s essential to health + the best food sources). I have recently been doing some brand and price comparisons and wanted to share what I found with you.

How much do you need?

Is Vitamin D to Vitamin A ratio important?

Is FCLO really more expensive than CLO?

Which brand requires you to take 25 of their softgels to make the 1,000 IU Vitamin D requirement, thus costing you $3/serving?

Which cod liver oil brand provides “0″ IU’s of Vitamin D (and WHY would you want to bother)?

Keep reading… Continue reading

Flu is Vitamin D Deficiency Disease

Studies show that least one-third of Americans are wholly deficient in Vitamin D. We all need to maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D year-round, not just during flu season. The government has an important role to play in getting this message out, but says nothing at all. Continue reading