After years of supplement super-stardom, fish oil has recently been getting some flak. But is it deserved? Read up on the benefits of fish oil and decide for yourself.

Omega-3 EFAs:

If you haven’t heard of these nutrients, here’s a quick crash course. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are important for supporting various functions and processes within the body, including cardiovascular health, cognitive function, joint comfort and healthy moods. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are two of the most studied EFAs, and they’re both found in fatty fish such as salmon and sardines.

No cooking required:

The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish twice per week. But for those who prefer not to grill it or bake it, fish oil supplements provide a convenient alternative. Choose from kid-friendly, flavored chewables, easy-to-swallow fish oil softgels and refreshing liquids – no matter how you take it, fish oil is teeming with healthy omega-3 EFAs.

Purified goodness:

Fresh, high-quality fish oil supplements undergo a purification and distillation process to ensure that mercury, PCBs and other toxins are reduced or eliminated. These potentially harmful compounds are commonly found in fish that inhabit polluted waters.

Remember, not all fish oils are created equal.

What to look for in a fish oil supplement:

• Purified or molecularly distilled products
• Natural flavor (to eliminate fishy “burps” or aftertaste)
• Adequate levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA in a 2:1 ratio)