Food first. Always.

It’s tempting to say one nutrient or substance in a food is the reason why our health improves, such as believing vitamin E or omega-3s by themselves cut heart disease risk. More and more studies suggest this singular or isolated approach may not be true. It’s more likely that the impact food has on health is based on a collaboration between many nutrients and substances in a food or between the foods themselves. Mother Nature (she really does know best) has done a remarkable job of packaging the right mix of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in foods to boost health.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

There is a synergy or combined effect between nutrients that makes the benefits of eating a whole food greater than the sum of its parts (i.e. the benefits of each nutrient alone). Instead of 1 + 1 equaling 2 – studies hint that this synergy may mean 1+ 1 can equal 3, perhaps even 4, and that 4 means more benefits to your body.

Though research on heart health has been going on for decades, there is much yet to be learned. Not enough is known about the impact of supplements. If you are considering supplements, including fish oil supplements*, check with your health care provider for advice on whether to use them and in exactly what dose. But, first and foremost, put your focus on your plate. No supplement will ever measure up to the benefits that comes from eating a wholesome, flavorful, nutritious diet.

*Note: Many people are unable to consume the 2-3 meals of fish per week recommended by the American Heart Association for heart health. Fish oil supplements can be an alternative. The heart association recommends 500 mg/day of EPA and DHA for people at risk of heart disease and 1,000 mg/day for people with heart disease.

There are as many varieties of fish oil supplements as there are fish (at least it seems that way). When choosing a supplement: