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.
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Antioxidant Omega-3 “Berry” Greens - review and giveaway!

Do you eat enough vegetables?

If you’re like me and most other Americans, you probably don’t get 5-9 servings a day.

This is why I was interested in trying Tropical Traditions’ Antioxidant Omega-3 “Berry” Greens.

I had tried one other powdered greens brand a few years ago, and although I knew it was good for me, it was hard to get past the blast of “greens” that I was tasting. I never finished the bottle :(

Antioxidant Omega-3 “Berry” Greens to the rescue!

When I first tried it, the sweet berry flavor filled my mouth first, followed by a subtle greens taste that was quickly whisked away. It’s not a thick, goopy drink, but is as easy to drink as water.

My kids would rather not drink it straight like I can (it’s likely the green color). However, I found it very easy to “hide” Antioxidant Omega-3 “Berry” Greens in a smoothie. Continue reading

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds - and a challenge

Did you know one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 2,375mg’s of omega-3′s? Chia seeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia seeds contain the highest known proportion of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) at over 60%. The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is 3:1. They also contain 19-23% complete protein, providing all essential amino acids in appropriate balance.

Chia seeds are the superfood.

Unlike flax seed, another high source of omega-3′s, they don’t need to be ground before consuming. You can toss them on salads or in your yogurt, add to banana bread, or make a fruit pudding (recipes below).

Due to the strong antioxidant activity, the omega-3′s (DHA, EPA) are not easily oxidized like they are in flax seeds which don’t contain antioxidants.

Here is a breakdown of nutrients that you will find in one serving (2 TBSP) of chia seeds… 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

Free Range vs. Confinement Eggs

One reason for the imbalance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids in the modern diet is the use of refined vegetable oils containing mostly omega-6 fatty acids.

But another reason has to do with the way we farm. Continue reading

In the “primitive” diet, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 was about 2.5 to 1.5…

In the “primitive” diet, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 was about 2.5 to 1.5. But in the modern diet, most of the essential fatty acids are omega-6 fatty acids. This causes all kinds of imbalances on the cellular level.

Redressing the Omega-6/Omega-3 Balance

1. Eliminate all commercial vegetables oils from the diet.

2. Use Expeller Expressed FLAX OIL, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, in small amounts in salad dressing (about ½ teaspoon per day).

3. Choose organic and pasture raised animal and plant foods for a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Continue reading