Hacker News Reader

Comment by DerekBickerton | Hacker News Reader

I take fish oils for brain health, since our brain is made of fat and the more (good) fats we have in our diet, the better it is for the brain. I also use MCT oil and combine it with eggs and use it as dressing on salad.

If I was going to use supplements for exercise, I would use protein, glucosamine (for joint health) and maybe 200mg of caffeine as a pre-workout stimulant to help me focus. Milk, especially 'protein milk' which they sell in my local supermarket can alleviate sore muscles.

View on HN

> I take fish oils for brain health, since our brain is made of fat and the more (good) fats we have in our diet, the better it is for the brain.

Is that an assumption, or is it based on fact?

“There is no difference between a stick of butter and your brain.”, Hibbeln

- https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg17523575-800-the-happ...

"A study by JR Hibbeln showed that around the world, countries that consume the least amount of fatty fish show the highest levels of major depression (MDD) in their population. And countries where fatty fish is the main diet show the lowest incidence of MDD."

- https://www.loricalabresemd.com/blog/effect-of-fatty-acids/

Would be nice if they linked the study or at least an article about it.

I once took fish oil supplements. Then somebody told me how they make them. They put fish remnants in a pot with water, boil it, then scrape the fat from the top of the pot. Since there are basically no checks for how supplements are made it's a much better idea to eat high quality unprocessed foods.

You can take algal oil, same thing and much less repulsive.

Also 8 times more expensive.

Ok but it's not too expensive in terms of absolutes as well as the value of good health. And if you are vegan it's the only option.

You can add seaweed aka sea vegetables to your diet.

e.g.,

https://draxe.com/nutrition/kelp/

If you live on the coast, there are almost certainly culinary varieties of sea weed in your area. You may need a fishing license-- in California, we can take up to 10 lbs (~4.5 kg) without a license.

Avoid areas anywhere near the outfall of a stream, storm drain, etc.

Seems like an effective way to extract the fat and get use out of whole fish. Similar to any soup. I do wish FDA regulated some supplements but I think reputable brands are doing the good for the most part.

How else would you extract oil from a fish?

Artisanally.

Same way you extract lemon juice from a lemon?

You can get supplements that do get lab certified.

I... don't see an issue with that? It sounds very hygienic (it's boiled) and with rather light processing - mechanical breaking, boiling, decanting and filtering. No enzymes, high pressure, additives... I think that's about as clean and bio as you can get.

Or am I missing something?

> glucosamine (for joint health)

Studies on it are mixed. Interestingly, you omitted creatine. Studies on it are not mixed; it increases power output.

Nit pick, it just provides extra creatine in muscles, which is required for atp. You basically get a couple extra reps per set if you workout, not necessarily more power. Helps you gain muscle by giving you more energy to stress your muscles, so they adapt more.

With respect, 'More we have, the better it is' is not a sensible idea to follow with diet. Hold on I'm being too polite. It's dead wrong. Better to Look for optimum intake according to best advice you can glean. As the paper itself reminds us, 'too much omega-3 fat is immunosuppressive and prolongs bleeding time.'

Reply on news.ycombinator.com