February is recognized as Heart Health Month in North America, but supporting cardiovascular health is important year-round. While the incidence of heart disease increases with age, lifelong support of your cardiovascular health can be incredibly beneficial.

Omegas for Heart Health 

There are two forms of essential fatty acids: omega-3s and omega-6s. Both are essential, vital for proper human functioning, and are “essential” because the human body cannot produce them and must be obtained through food.

The standard North American diet tends to contain an abundance of omega-6s, primarily from convenience foods made with refined vegetable oils or grain-fed animal products. You’re more likely to have heard about supplementing omega-3s, largely due to their well-known anti-inflammatory benefits.

Our diet is often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids due to inadequate intake of EPA/DHA- or ALA-rich foods. To correct this deficiency, we often rely on supplementation from trustworthy, clean and high-quality formulas.

EPA vs. DHA and Their Key Roles 

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are marine-sourced omega-3s associated with healthy fetal development, cardiovascular function, and cognitive health. Many people obtain these vital polyunsaturated fatty acids (often called “good” fats) from fish or fish oil to ensure adequate intake of both EPA and DHA in correct ratios.

EPA and DHA assist the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes, help prevent peripheral artery disease and major coronary events, and support healthy blood flow.

Sustainability and Quality Considerations

When looking for a trusted supplemental source of marine-sourced fish oils, an important factor to consider is the environmental sustainability and quality of the sourcing process.

Examine whether your supplement:

• Is wild-caught, for better sustainability, a cleaner oil, and more consistent EPA/DHA amounts
• Contains triglyceride-based omega-3s versus ethyl ester-based, which are more expensive to make but can improve absorption by up to two times
• Maintains the original ratios of EPA and DHA, without losing potency in the formulation process
• Uses fewer non-medicinal ingredients for a cleaner, more natural formula

Most importantly, look for supplements certified by IFOS™ (International Fish Oil Standards). This confirms that the highest quality, safety, and purity standards have been upheld.

Food Sources of Omega-3s 

It’s also important to consider your intake of omega-3-rich foods. Add more wild-caught fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, anchovies, and trout), small fish like anchovies (naturally high in EPA and DHA and low in bioaccumulation), walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and some fortified foods like yogurts, milks, or eggs.

Heart-Healthy Living

While supporting your body with a healthy, omega-3-rich diet and well-sourced supplement is paramount to your health and longevity, there are a number of important lifestyle habits to go along with it:

• Don’t smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol
• Exercise regularly at a moderate intensity at least twice a week
• Take your supplements consistently as part of your daily routine, pairing them with another habit (like brewing your morning coffee) so you don’t forget
• Get outdoors to exercise or socialize with others to maintain strong cardiovascular and cognitive health
• Try new activities to challenge your brain and body, and keep them adaptable

When it comes to foundational nutrients that support whole-body wellness, omega-3 fatty acids are among the most important. From heart health to brain function, these essential fats play a crucial role in keeping our bodies strong and resilient, supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Because modern diets are often low in omega-3-rich fish and higher in omega-6 fats, it can be difficult to reach optimal EPA and DHA levels from food alone—this is why supplementation can be so valuable.

Health First Omega One Daily Supreme

Omega One Daily Supreme from Health First is a Canadian-made fish oil supplement that delivers a high-potency 2.5:1 EPA-to-DHA ratio in a convenient once-daily dose. It is made using wild-caught Peruvian anchovy, a naturally clean and sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids, in a natural triglyceride form for optimal absorption. The formula is quality-verified by IFOS™ for purity and potency.

Each once-daily gelcap contains 1,400 mg of fish oil from whole, non-farmed anchovies, providing 700 mg EPA and 280 mg DHA. To complement this formula, we’ve added rosemary extract and a mixed tocopherol concentrate. Pair it with Memory Supreme to support your memory, cognition, and brain health every day.

References:
Balić, Anamaria, et al. “Omega-3 versus Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 21, no. 3, 23 Jan. 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21030741.
Chevalier, Laurie, et al. “Pharmacokinetics of Supplemental Omega-3 Fatty Acids Esterified in Monoglycerides, Ethyl Esters, or Triglycerides in Adults in a Randomized Crossover Trial.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 151, no. 5, 10 Feb. 2021, pp. 1111–1118, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxaa458. Accessed 5 Nov. 2021.
Liu, Mingxuan, et al. “Discrimination between the Triglyceride Form and the Ethyl Ester Form of Fish Oil Using Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry.” Foods, vol. 13, no. 7, 8 Apr. 2024, pp. 1128–1128, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11012042/, https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071128.
National Institutes of Health. “Office of Dietary Supplements – Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Nih.gov, 18 July 2022, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/.
National Institutes of Health. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Nih.gov, 15 Feb. 2023, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/.
Nordøy, A, et al. “Absorption of the N-3 Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids as Ethyl Esters and Triglycerides by Humans.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 53, no. 5, May 1991, pp. 1185–90, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1826985/, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/53.5.1185.
Swanson, Danielle, et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits throughout Life.” Advances in Nutrition, vol. 3, no. 1, 5 Jan. 2012, pp. 1–7, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262608/, https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.000893.

About the Author: Health First Network

Health First Network is Canada’s leading membership group for independent health & wellness retailers and the exclusive supplier of the premium Health First supplement brand. There are over 150 independently owned and operated retail Members across the country. Click here to learn more about Health First.