Alexa Chung may not win any awards for healthiest woman on the planet, what with smoking like a chimney everyday, however she told the Daily Mail recently she’s thinking healthy after turning 30, so now she’s started to take fish oils. Forget the Oprah Effect, this new Alexa Effect has spurred a barrage of press releases rocketing into Healthista’s inbox about the merits of fish oils – obviously
Chung’s won three British Style Awards and has been dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by American Vogue’s, Anna Wintour. With her undeniable good looks and uncanny eye for fashion and beauty, AC takes fish oil as a daily supplement of nutrients that she may be missing.
The first release to make it in was from VeryWise:
They claimed their line of healthy oils is the perfect fit for what your body is craving from energy boosts to a brain kick. VeryWise has broken up the omega-3 fats into droplets injecting them into the form of palatable juices with different actions for example energy or joint help. This action they say, has been found to be more absorbable and juices are naturally flavoured with fruit extracts with no fishy smell or taste. Get a taste for yourself here.
Now, rather than regale you with any more hard sells on fish oils, here’s an expert’s opinion.
OMEGA-3 FISH OILS – THE BS-FREE GUIDE Here’s what you need to know about Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils – the ones Chung is talking about:
Why the hype Omega-3 fatty acids are so hyped because our bodies can’t make them, yet they’re essential to brain function, heart health, memory and according to some studies the prevention of cancer and arthritis – so we need to get them from food or a supplement.
Where to get them ‘The beneficial forms of omega-3s are the ‘long-chain’ variety and these come from substances called EPA and DHA,’ says Dr Sarah Schenker, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. ‘The best way to get these is to have at least one portion – and up to four – of oily, cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna and herring as they are not found in vegetable sources.’ Although it’s now added to foods such as yoghurt drinks, fish fingers and eggs, if you don’t eat oily fish you may need a supplement. ‘If you would prefer not to take a tablet daily, you could eat omega-3 fortified foods and take a supplement every other day,’ says Dr Schenker.
Could I need more? ‘If you avoid oily fish and opt for a fish oil supplement, look on the label for one that contains around 800-1000 mg each of DHA and EPA,’ says Dr Schenker. ‘If you don’t want to take an animal-derived supplement, algae supplements also contain well-absorbed omega-3s.’
We like Nordic Naturals Arctic Omega, £22.95
Take note As omega-3 supplments thin the blood they may increase your risk of bleeding if you are also taking aspirin, warfarin or ‘anti-coagulant’ drugs. Also, if you are taking diabetes medications to lower your blood sugar speak to your doctor as these may interact with omega-3s.
Read out guide on the 5 essentials vitamins every woman needs
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