High cholesterol can be brought on by many factors, including consuming a diet high in saturated fats.
And when it occurs, it causes a serious buildup of thick wax in your arteries that limits your blood flow, which, in turn, puts you at risk of stroke or heart attack.
However, whether you have been recently diagnosed with high cholesterol, or you would just simply like to lower your risk of developing it by incorporating preventative measures into your lifestyle, taking an Omega 3 supplement, such as Performance Lab Omega 3, can help.
In fact, findings published by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics showed that the EPAs in Omega 3 fatty acids have significant potential to lower LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, when used alone or when combined with medications used to lower cholesterol.
The study specifically expressed that the results were based on the use of a high purity form of EPA, suggesting the key to reaping maximum benefits with Omega 3 supplements is to use a quality product.
So let’s take a look at some things to look for in the best omega 3 supplement for high cholesterol to help you choose a quality product.
How to Choose the Best Omega 3 Supplement for High Cholesterol
Omega 3 supplements for high cholesterol contain both EPA and DHA fatty acids, which are both known for their heart health benefits.
EPA is shown to help lower the risk of heart disease, while DHA is shown to support cell membrane formation and repair throughout the nervous system for improved heart, brain, and muscle health, and more.
However, most studies center on benefits where EPA and DHA Omega 3 fatty acids are pure and highly concentrated.
Therefore, the first thing you want to look for in a quality Omega 3 supplement is pure, high potency DHA and EPA for maximum benefits.
Things to Look for/Attributes That Differentiate Omega 3 Products
In short, what differentiates Omega 3 products is their fatty acid source.
For instance, some manufacturers source their Omega 3s from fish caught in wild waters, which means they have an increased risk of being tainted with heavy metals, PCBs, toxins, and pollutants that find their way into lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Meanwhile, some products also have a rancid, fishy taste, and many are also known to cause burping and other gastric disorders, which can make them unpleasant to take.
Therefore, you want to look for products that specifically state that they are free of impurities and fishy tastes and odors and do not cause burping, which means they have been processed for quality.
You want to also be sure the product has a good ratio of DHA to EPA, depending on your core needs.
What’s the Best Way to Use Omega 3 Supplements?
One common concern with Omega 3 supplements derived from fish oils is the risk they carry when taking them.
However, information published by WebMD and Cedars Sinai state that fish oil taken by mouth is safe for daily use for most people.
But the total amount taken each day should be no more than 1 to 3 grams to avoid an increased risk of side effects, which can include bleeding, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, loose stools, heartburn, and more.
Experts also recommend taking the Omega 3 fish oil supplement with food to help increase its absorption.
Prerequisites/Precautions for Taking Omega 3 Supplements
Though Omega 3 supplements are generally considered safe for most people when taken in the proper amounts, they are not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing because some products contain fish oils that are high in toxins, which can adversely affect both you and your fetus.
If you have a health condition, such as liver disease, diabetes, an immunocompromised immune system, familial adenomatous polyposis, or a mental condition, such as bipolar, you should also avoid taking Omega 3 fish oil supplements without first talking with your doctor because they can worsen your condition.
Likewise, those with seafood allergies should also avoid taking fish oil supplements unless their doctor says otherwise.
Omega 3 Product Reviews
Nature’s Branch Fish Oil
Nature’s Branch Fish Oil provide a lemony flavored, no burp, potent way to get your daily dose of essential Omega 3 fatty acids with over 2,000 mg of distilled premium fish oils in a single soft gel capsule.
It is also pure molecularly distilled for the highest absorption and tested for heavy metals, toxins, and other contaminants to meet GOED standards for ultra-pure, superior quality.
Pros:
- It is an all natural, enteric-free, and GMO-free product.
- It is specially formulated with potency and purity a for a superior product.
- There is 864mg EPA and 576mg DHA per serving.
- The capsules are easy o swallow, contain a burp-free coating, and have no fishy aftertaste.
- It contains 3 times more fish oil than any other brand.
- It supports healthy LDL cholesterol levels, joint health, heart health, hair heath, and more.
- The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- It contains 120 capsules.
Cons:
- The lemon flavor is subtle, so users may still taste hints of fish oil.
- Its high potency formula may cause stomach issues if not taken with food.
- It’s not vegan-friendly.
Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil
Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements promise to provide the richest source of omega 3 fatty acids and at 1,400 mg per serving, which is 3 times the amount contained in most other products of its kind.
Each capsule is also specially formulated to deliver 800mg of EPA and 600mg of DHA, so you get the most out of every dose.
The product is also NSF third-party and tested and certified to ensure quality.
Pros:
- The Omega 3 oils are sourced only from wild-caught fish, and they have undergone advanced purification to remove heavy metals, PCBs, and toxins.
- It’s made in a GMP certified facility.
- It is formulated to enable optimal absorption.
- The capsules are enteric-coated to prevent a fishy aftertaste as well as burps.
- It contains 180 soft gels capsules.
Cons:
- It’s not vegan-friendly.
- It contains allergens.
Arazo Nutrition Omega 3 Fish Oil
Arazo Nutrition Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules contain 4,080mg of Omega 3 fatty acids with 1200 mg of EPA and 900 mg of DHA, which are the highest levels of any brand.
The fatty acids are also sourced from 100 % wild-caught fish from fresh, deep-sea waters, so they are all-natural. And they have also been triple certified by Marin Trust to have an extremely low oxidation value of less than 5meq/kg, which is the lowest oxidation value in the market.
Pros:
- It has a natural lemon flavor, and it is also odorless and burpless.
- The fish oils are ultra-pure and refined, using molecular distillation at minimal temps to remove all heavy metals, mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants and pollutants.
- The product is made in a GMP certified facility.
- The capsules are formulated using a special extraction method for highest volume of EPA and DHA.
- The company uses sustainable and traceable methods.
- It contains 120 soft gel capsules.
Cons:
- It’s not vegan-friendly.
- It contains allergens.
Sports Research Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil
Sports Research Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil contains at least 1,037 mg of Omega fatty acids per serving.
It’s also made using AlaskaOmega Triglyceride Omega fish oil concentrate, which is certified and traceable by the Marine Stewardship Council and the first omega 3 concentrate to receive this distinction.
The fish oils are also IFOS 5 star certified.
Pros:
- It’s non GMO.
- The fatty acids are sourced from wild caught Alaska pollock.
- There is no fishy odor, aftertaste, or burping.
- It’s designed using advanced molecularly distillation and purification to remove toxins and heavy metals.
- It contains no bovine gelatin.
- It has low oxidation levels.
- It’s manufactured in a GMP facility.
- It contains 90 soft gel capsules.
- It includes a 90 day money back guarantee.
Cons:
- It’s not vegan-friendly.
- The larger capsules may be hard to swallow.
Performance Lab Omega-3
Performance Lab Omega-3 capsules are formulated to optimize cell performance for whole-body health and vitality, using ultra-clean, non-GMO, ocean algae-based Omega 3 fatty acids, which provide several benefits over fish oil-based Omega 3s, including no fishy aftertaste or increased risk of toxins.
Since the omega 3s are derived from algae, it also helps eliminate eco destructive consequences often associated with fish oil-based products.
It’s also sourced in precise doses to further help decrease environmental destruction and waste.
Pros:
- The high level DHA and EPA fatty acids are sourced from algae for a plant-based source of Omega 3s.
- It’s the first and only product of its kind.
- It’s produced in a state-of-the-art indoor facility, using propriety fermentation
- Its excellent disintegration properties make the it easy to absorb and digest
- The capsules are also easy to swallow, carrageenan free, and vegan-friendly.
- It contains 60 life’s OMEGA algal oil soft gel capsules.
Cons:
- It only contains 60 capsules; however, it’s also available in a 2-month and 3-month supply, which are value-priced.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best Omega 3 supplement for high cholesterol, the Performance Lab Omega-3 product definitely stands out as the winner because it is the only product formulated to provide all the research-backed benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids but with the use of algae.
Not only does this help reduce the risk of mercury, toxins, and destruction to the fish population, but it also means no fishy aftertaste, burping, or gastric issues often associated with Omega 3 fish oil capsules that can make them undesirable to take.
The capsules are also naturally formulated with a 2 to 1 DHA + EPA ratio, thus making
them a more naturally potent form of Omega 3s compared to other brands.
Since it uses algal oil and non-gelatin, carrageenan-free soft gel capsules, it’s also suitable for vegans.
Algae is also one of the largest, fastest-growing, and highly sustainable biomasses in the world, so you feel good using the product, knowing it’s not contributing to the destruction of the ecosystem.
It’s also a great source of iron, essential amino acids, zinc, and more for even more benefits to your health.
So though the other products listed all contain pure Omega 3 oils sourced from wild-caught, non-GMO fish, and they have also been processed and tested for the removal of mercury and other contaminants, which surely make them premium products, if you are looking for a more natural, premium way to receive your Omega 3 oils, then the Performance Lab Omega 3 supplement may be for you.
The company also makes it easier to begin a regime of Omega 3 supplementation by also offering a 2-month and 3-month supply at a fraction of the cost, and the 3-month supply also includes a free bottle and free shipping.
