Why Salmon Oil? (Omega-3)

It's no secret that seafood is one of the best sources of brain health-promoting nutrients, including some that many people lack in their diet. In fact, it's such a great source that the U.S. Federal Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans eat at least 8 ounces per week.¹

Still, merely 10-20% of Americans meet those recommendations.*²

Luckily, there are options. One is taking a quality Fish Oil nootropic.* But with so many options out there, how can you even choose the right Fish Oil for you?

Here's what we at HCF® recommend: Wild Alaskan Salmon Fish Oil.

Now, you don't have to take our word for it. Instead, keep reading and let us explain why.

Where does the Salmon Oil come from?

Salmon Oil is obtained from, you guessed it, salmon—a fish known not only for its flavor but also for its nutritional profile rich in Omega-3s. It can be an excellent option for those who want these essential nutrients but don't eat fish frequently or avoid it altogether.

Studies show that Omega-3s can be crucial for maintaining brain structure and function. They can enhance cognitive processes, including memory, focus, and mood regulation, making Salmon Oil a go-to for those seeking to support mental performance and brain health.*^3,4

However, the journey from fish to supplement involves a careful extraction process that preserves the oil's natural goodness.

But there's a catch: the oil extraction method can significantly impact quality and cost.

The whole process is about maintaining the impressive Omega-3 content, particularly EPA and DHA, found in salmon. And that's where production costs can pile up. The more Omega-3 you try to preserve, the more expensive it gets.

Here are a few things to look for when browsing for a quality Salmon Oil nootropic:

Cold pressing or solvent extraction?

Simple. Always look for Salmon Oil obtained from cold pressing. It's the high-end extraction process typically used in premium nootropics. Cold pressing can better preserve the oil's nutritional integrity by avoiding heat.

Solvent extraction is more cost-effective (for the company) but of lower quality. Always check the label, especially in the case of more affordable nootropics.

Cheaper products may use this extraction method, which can compromise the oil's purity. (Due to the residual solvents and potential oxidative damage that can diminish the oil's effectiveness and safety.)

Molecular distillation vs. minimal processing.

Salmon Oil should be purified before being used as a nutrient in your favorite nootropic.

For us, molecular distillation is the go-to method. It's a more advanced procedure to remove impurities and concentrate Omega-3 Fatty Acids. The result? A premium, highly potent Salmon Oil.*

Of course, as you can probably guess, molecular distillation can get pretty expensive. That's why some brands may opt for other methods, like minimal processing. It's less costly, and the final product retains more natural compounds. The downside? The Salmon Oil may also retain some contaminants like heavy metals or PCBs.*

Great. Seafood is rich in Omega-3s. But why use Salmon Oil vs. other Fish Oils?

Good question! We asked ourselves the same thing when looking for the best Fish Oil for our nootropics.

So, how does Salmon Oil stack up against other Fish Oils? Pretty well, actually. While Fish Oils, in general, are beneficial, we see Salmon Oil as the premium choice.

Why? Because (as it is with most nutrient choices we make) it all comes down to science.

All Fish Oils contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids. However, Salmon Oil (primarily oil sourced from fresh ocean waters) will provide you with more Omega-3 Fatty Acids per serving than most types of other oily fish.*

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 tbsp of Salmon Oil contains 4.25 grams of EPA and DHA combined. By comparison, the same amount of Menhaden Oil contains 2.95 grams, while Sardine Oil has 2.8 grams. Cod Liver Oil contains 2.4 grams, and Herring Oil has the lowest amount out of all, with just about 1.4 grams per tbsp.

Salmon Oil is also low in cholesterol and contains natural vitamins and minerals.

Plus, we are aware of salmon's other significant advantage.

What's your first concern when we say 'Fish Oil'? It's the rancid taste and smell often associated with oxidized Fish Oil? Or the unpleasant fishy burps everyone hates?

We hear you. In fact, for many, these potential downsides are so bad that they simply don't take Fish Oil despite understanding the many potential brain health benefits of Omega-3.

Well, salmon has this significant advantage over other types of fish, as it is naturally rich in an antioxidant called Astaxanthin.*⁵

Astaxanthin is one of nature's most potent antioxidants. Because of this, Salmon Oil can resist oxidation far longer than other Fish Oils. As a result, Omega-3 nootropics derived from Salmon Oil are generally fresher and less prone to causing fishy aftertastes, making them a preferable choice for many.*

Take home message.

Marine life, including fish, can be exposed to toxins pervading the marine ecosystem, such as microplastics, heavy metals (mercury and lead), various chemicals (PCBs), pesticides (DDT and dieldrin), and sediments.⁶

These contaminants are introduced into the oceans through food chains and environmental pollution, affecting most of the earth, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

Given that certain contaminants, like PCBs, may linger in the human body for years before being fully expelled, and mercury, found in larger fish, may take a year or more to start to be eliminated from the body, the significance of selecting fish from clean, uncontaminated sources cannot be overstated.*

While standard practices in the industry include rigorous testing for heavy metals and assessing oxidation levels through TOTOX values, these measures can sometimes fall short.

For this reason, we believe it's important to look for a reputable brand that pays attention to testing beyond what is required to guarantee the Omega-3 nootropics are clean and effective.