Thursday, May 14, 2015

Business Spotlight: Nordic Naturals


A couple times a year, the media tends to drag out the supplementation debate. The primary question: are supplements effective, or are they simply a waste of money? There is no easy answer to this question as supplements vary in use and effectiveness. One thing we do know without a doubt is that our bodies require Omega-3's, otherwise known as essential fatty acids. The word essential is in the name because your body requires these fatty acids to function optimally yet we do not produce them on our own. Every cell in your body need these fat molecules, yet the only way to acquire them is through food. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy person should consume fish twice a week for a good dose of Omega-3's. If you are unable to eat that much, supplementation is an easy way to get the essential fatty acids your body requires.
Quality is a huge factor when choosing the right fish oil supplement (or the fish you eat, for that matter). Not all Omega-3 supplements are created equal, this is why it is very important to know the company, fish supply and manufacturing of the fish oil supplement you choose.  Nordic Naturals is one of the best fish oil companies on the market today, here is why:

SUSTAINABILITY
"Since our founding, we have always been deeply committed to the health of the oceans. Our firm policy has always been to harvest our fish only from abundant waters and to utilize fish species that are flourishing. 100% of our fish-both the Arctic cod harvested in Arctic Norway, as well as the sardines and anchovies harvested from the South Pacific ocean-is sourced in compliance with the Norwegian fisheries management system, which has been a model of sustainability for over 30 years."

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
"At Nordic Naturals, Corporate Social Responsibility is guided by our mission and core values to encourage community growth and development and voluntarily eliminate harmful practices-beginning with the sustainable sourcing of our raw materials and continuing through manufacturing, employment practices, philanthropic interactions, and donation programs."

FRESHNESS
"Because of their experience with other brands, some people might be turned off to fish oils because of the all-too-common complaints about taste and smell. Our oils taste great because they're fresh. Research shows that fish oils only smell unpleasant when oxidation has started to degrade the oils' lipids, causing rancidity. Rancid lipids also contain free radicals that can damage proteins, DNA, and cells. Our patented nitrogen-based processing technology protects the oils from oxidation."

PURITY

"Our oxygen-free and low-heat processing maintains the integrity of delicate oils while also eliminating potentially harmful environmental toxins such as mercury. The result is that you consume only pure, health-promoting omega-3 your body needs and none of the toxins or oxidation you don't.
Nordic Naturals fish oils are documented to be completely pure. Every batch is third-party tested for environmental toxins, including heavy metals, dioxins, and PCB's."

ABSORPTION 
"The vast majority of fish oil concentrates on the market are in the ethyl ester form, a 'new to nature' fat with only 20 years of history in the human diet.
In a recent study, the triglyceride form of concentrated fish oil was 70% better absorbed by the body than the ethyl ester form. 100% of Nordic Naturals products are in the triglyceride form."

TRANSPARENCY
"A certificate of analysis is an authenticated summary of test results completed by an independent laboratory. We offer transparent access to our certificates of analysis. Every batch of Nordic Naturals oil is third-party tested, and we have never found a competitor's product able to match our purity and freshness levels."

Nordic Naturals goes far beyond quality fish oil production. They stand out as a business not just producing a quality product, but truly exemplifying integrity on all levels.
My favorite Nordic product: Ultimate Omega Mini's
Runner Up: Vitamin D Gummies