Do I Need Supplements This Winter?
At this time of year we all become a bit more interested in boosting our immune system and often look to supplementation.
Traditionally Cod Liver Oil has led the field in the USA. Personally, I have never understood why. If Essential Fatty Acid increase is your goal, primarily Omega 3, why on earth would you take Cod Liver Oil?
Essential Fatty Acids* are required for optimum cellular function. They have to be ingested. The body cannot manufacture them alone. The most commonly taken EFA *is Omega 3 which is to be found in oily fish, such as tuna, mackerel, sardines and salmon. The bottom line is that we just don’t eat enough of these fishes in our western diet. Therefore a supplementation would be of benefit. Cod Liver Oil comes, as the name suggests, from cod liver. Cod is not an oily fish and anyway, the liver is the sieve of the body; it removes harmful toxins. Why would you want to ingest these? Perhaps you are getting my drift here? 4oz (about 100g) of cod contains 300mg of Omega EFA, whilst the same amount of flesh from wild salmon contains up to 3,600mg of Omega 3.
Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin – is recommended as a combat to some cancers and heart disease. The best source is sunshine, but it is also found in oily fish and eggs. Vitamin C has long been associated with boosting the immune system, specifically as a preventive to the common cold. Please note that there is more Vitamin C in Kiwis and leafy green vegetables than in oranges. Green Kiwis 74mg per average fruit, yellow kiwi 108-162mg per average fruit, broccoli 89mg per 100g, cauliflower 46mg per 100g and oranges 70mg per average fruit.
I am often asked about my view on supplementation. I feel that if you are or have been ill, especially for a long time, some supplementation may be a good idea. But make the right choice for you and your current condition. Nothing beats eating a healthy diet with a variety of good fresh ingredients.
